The 13th Warrior (1999)

Director:

John McTiernan

Writers (WGA):

Michael Crichton (novel)
William Wisher Jr. (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

27 August 1999 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Adventure | Fantasy

Tagline:

Fear reigns.

Plot:

In AD 922, an important emissary who is banished from his homeland. The nomadic outcast comes across...

Plot Keywords:

Viking | Arab | Warrior | Battle | Beowulf

Awards:

2 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Antonio Banderas	...	Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan
Vladimir Kulich	...	Buliwyf
Dennis Storhøi	...	Herger - Joyous (as Dennis Storhoi)
Daniel Southern	...	Edgtho - Silent
Neil Maffin	...	Roneth
John DeSantis	...	Ragnar - Dour (as John Desantis)
Clive Russell	...	Helfdane - Fat
Mischa Hausserman	...	Rethel - Archer
Oliver Sveinall	...	Haltaf - Boy
Asbjørn 'Bear' Riis	...	Halga - Wise (as Asbjorn Riis)
Richard Bremmer	...	Skeld - Superstitious
Tony Curran	...	Weath - Musician
Albie Woodington	...	Hyglak - Quarrelsome
Omar Sharif	...	Melchisidek
Erick Avari	...	Caravan Leader (as Eric Avari)

Also Known As:

Eaters of the Dead (USA) (working title)
The Thirteenth Warrior
The Vikings (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for bloody battles and carnage.

Runtime:

102 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Latin

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Malaysia:18SG | Germany:12 | USA:R (No. 36499) | Netherlands:16 | Argentina:13 | Australia:MA | Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Canada:14A (Alberta/Manitoba) | Canada:18A (British Columbia) | Canada:18 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:AA (Ontario) | Chile:14 | Finland:K-16 | France:U | Hong Kong:IIB | Iceland:16 | Ireland:18 | New Zealand:R16 | Norway:15 | Peru:14 | Portugal:M/12 | Singapore:NC-16 | South Korea:18 | Spain:13 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | Philippines:PG-13 | Brazil:14

Filming Locations:

British Columbia, Canada

Company:

Touchstone Pictures

Trivia:

Graeme Revell had composed a complete original score when the movie was slated to be released as "Eaters of the Dead" in 1998. But after the film was deemed unwatchable during test screenings, Michael Crichton took over the project and rejected Revell's original score and brought in Jerry Goldsmith to rescore the film, renamed "The 13th Warrior."

Goofs:

Miscellaneous: Melchisidek speaks Greek. The DVD subtitles correctly say "[speaking Greek]" while he does. The Northmen recognize but cannot speak Greek. But Herger can speak Latin and replies in that language, the other "learned" language of that era. Melchisidek can speak Latin and shifts to that language. However, the DVD subtitles do continue to incorrectly say "[speaking Greek]" after the change to Latin.

Quotes:

Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan: [as Olga is cleaning his wound] Ow!
Olga: You complain much.
Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan: [quietly] Ow.
[she applies a swab of ammonia]
Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan: What is that?
Olga: Cow urine.
Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan: Cow urine?
Olga: Boiled down.
Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan: No, no. Don't put that filth on me. Water, clean water.
Olga: As you wish. Tomorrow the pus will run, and you'll have a fever.
[...]

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Troldspejlet: (#23.2)" (2000)

I loved this movie!

Action! Adventure! Incredible scenery and cinematography! But best of all a wonderfully powerful cast! As the deep and thoughtful chieftain Buliwyf, Vladimir Kulich was splendid. He played his part with dignity, power and intelligence. Another stand-out performance was that of Dennis Storhoi who played Herger the Joyous. Perfect timing and temperament. Really fun to watch. Antonio Banderas as the narrator of the piece and, incidentally, the 13th warrior was also fun to watch. He has a knack for humor and uses it well. The whole ensemble cast was a joy to watch as they moved through-out the film as a team of men who valued each others strengths and talents.

The camera work in this film is dangerous and thrilling. Our perspective is intimate and that lends a great deal of excitement to the movie experience. Thank you Mr. Menzes!

The 13th Warrior is for anyone who believes in honor, valor and courage. Also, for anyone who likes Vikings, horses, battles, blood and gore or men. Women who like men will like this movie!