Directed by:  John McTiernan
Written by:  William Wisher Jr.
Based on the Novel by:  Michael Crichton
Starring:  Antonio Bandaras, Diane Venora, Dennis Storhoi, Vladimir Kulich, Omar Sharif
 

November 9, 1999

         John McTiernan directed one of my favorite action flicks ever, Die Hard.  That film started a spew of terrorist copycat films like Under Siege, yet none lived up to the original.  Die Hard had it all, great action sequences, character development, in regards to John McClain (Bruce Willis) and his wife, and believable terrorists.  McTiernan is also responsible for The Hunt for Red October and Predator.
         So when I went into The 13th Warrior, I figured it was going to be cheesy, but I expected some good old bloody, violent action, comparable maybe to the war scenes in Braveheart.  I was right about the cheesy story, but the war scenes were terrible because you can't see what's going on; it's too dark.
         First off, all the war scenes take place at night, except for one at the end.  I understand it takes place in the AD 922 and all, but come on, he could have thought of a better way to film it.  Swords and arms fly through the air, but you can't tell who's doing what.
         The final war scene utilizes some decent slow motion, but by that point, I had had enough, and was just waiting for the end credits to role.
         Aside from the terrible acting, the story is lame.  During the title sequence, Ahmahd ibn Fahdalan (Bandaras) is banished from his kingdom because he had an affair with another man's woman.  This could have been interesting if they showed us more, but it's over too quick.  The film doesn't allow enough character development.  Right off the bat, I'm wondering how I'm supposed to identify with Ahmahd.
         The rest of the film consists of Ahmahd joining forces with a group of warriors and defending a town from the Wendol.  These creatures of the mist are dressed like bears and eat their dead.
         The film was originally titled Eaters of the Dead, the same name as Crichton’s novel, from which it was adapted.  Apparently the studio thought that title would turn audiences off.  Well, don't let the new title entice you; it's the same terrible movie with a different name.

-Reviewed in Theater-

Recommended Alternatives:  Braveheart, Desperado (s: Bandaras), Die Hard (d: McTiernan)

Nominated for
5 Fidelio Film Awards

Winner of
2 Fidelio Film Awards