Rating: 
Summary: Seven Samurai meets Braveheart
Review: Using the timeless formula that Akiro Kurosawa established years ago, John McTiernan has breathed new life into the fantasy genre. So many films have used this outline, but few have come close to its intensity. This is one of those few.
Rating: 
Summary: Just don't expect the wrong things...
Review: You'd have to be in the right mood for this movie: it's definitely not something for everyone. Having read "Eaters of the Dead" helps but it's not necessary. It's mainly true to the book, except for the sexual descriptions. (Apparently, showing hundreds of decapitations is perfectly ok, but showing one scantily dressed woman isn't.) Sure there aren't loads of three-dimensional characters, but remember that the whole story is told from only one man's point of view. This could be seen as just another Guy Movie; fighting and blood and gore and lots of it, but it's also a traditional heroic story. Very well-acted and thought out. Also: it's not often a movie makes me go buy the soundtrack the next day, but this one did. Jerry Goldsmith's musical score is truly inspiring.
Rating:
Summary: a perfect realization of the book.
Review: Don't believe all the critics, The 13th Warrior, while not a perfect film, provides a level of satisfaction that I hadn't exeperienced in the movies in a long long time.I had read the book a couple of year's ago, and when I heard that a movie was being made, I approached it with a mixture of hope and trepidation. I had in my mind an idea of what live action version of Eaters of the Dead (The original title of the book) should look like and was afraid that it would get mangled by the director. My fears were put to rest however, the film follows the book very closely, perhaps the involvement of Micheal Crichton in directing had something to do with it. The sets in this film a absolutely phenomenal, they are beautiful, awe inspiring and authentic. It really looked like Scandinavia 1200 years ago. Antonio Banderas, if you're willing to buy the idea of him playing an Arab, turns in a solid performance. The actors portraying Vikings do a good job also, with the right mixture of toughness and humour. The battle scenes in this film were incredible, and make the film worth watching more than once. I agree with the other reviewer that some intersting plot elements that could have been followed, were not. But that is about the only criticism that I have of this movie. This one is definitely a keeper. PS: The soundtrack of this movie was so good that I bought it, Amazon.com may have have it, check it out, you'll love it.
Rating:
Summary: ...not every man truely lives
Review: This was an excellent movie! In the same style as Brave Heart but not as long. I hope that other people don't expect too much from it though. Holes in the plot must be forgiven in order to get a good feeling out of the film as a whole. The characters are powerful and the message of past culters can still be heard. The action draws you into the story and then you have to read the book to get the rest. A must see if you are a person who reads the book afterwards.
Rating:
Summary: Better than a history lesson
Review: This movie portrays the story of Beowulf better than anything short of the old english version. The stereo-type of the Vikings is truly shattered in this story. The cunning and all-out magnificence of these characters show Vikings to be flawless warriors. The Vikings seem to be more of a cross between the galant Knights of the Round Table and the spiritual Native Americans. But even beyond both, they know the lands science, the Gods hope, and the idea of showing others what to believe, to make them stronger. Without telling you the story, I have to say, I have never seen a movie I wish had been the length of a weeklong documentary other than Braveheart.
Rating:
Summary: Dark epic from the Dark Ages
Review: Fans of Michael Crichton know his characters are often distant and cool. His vision of humanity is laced with doubt about our ability to survive. It was overdone in Jurassic Park, but beautifully done in The Thirteenth Warrior. Antonio Banderas is great, as is the rest of the supporting cast. Buy (or rent) this movie for the adventure, for Crichton's view of a complex world long gone, and for the great soundtrack and cinematography. Don't bother with it if you want any of the following: 1. a love story, 2. a comedy, 3. screen candy, or 4. an action flick with no depth. This is the sort of movie that will yield dividends for the folks who watch it three or four times. Great camera work. About the only weakness I found was in the sequence where the Vikings invade their enemy's lair...it was too unbelievable (from the sounds and camera angles) that they would not have been seen. Other than that (and it really isn't a major flaw at all), this is an excellent film.
Rating:
Summary: Hollywood couldn't ruin it ...
Review: I must admit, there were a few flaws with this realistic interpretation of Beowulf - most notably, the abridging of some subploting and character developement for the sake of brevity - but it didn't matter. These elements are not missing from the story; rather, the film's editing makes them subtle. It's left to the imagination. Try to think of the last time a hollywood movie did that - and this is an action film! The best aspects of it were in the interaction between the characters - the clash of cultures between Arab and Viking is just terrific - and the developement of the Beowulf character, Buliwyf. The character is extremely dynamic as he is viewed from the Arab's eyes, moving from an intimidating barbarian to a hero the Arab both admires and even reveres. The end is incredibly moving.
Rating:
Summary: Loved it
Review: The costumes were great and the story line meshed with clan of the cave bear series of books. I thought thats was cool..
Rating:
Summary: So much unfufilled potential....
Review: Having not read the book on which this film is based, I can't adequately review the translation from written word to the screen. However from what I saw it seems that this movie was the victim of near fatal editing. Many events in the story, (ie: the rebellious prince in the village, ahamed's love affair with the girl in the village, ect.), are never quite filled out. In many instances I felt that there should have been a major effect on the story that these numerous events should have had. However they are just left there, untouched for the most part by the movie. The vacume created by the lack of sudstantial plot is filled by numerous, impressive battle scenes. These are slightly "Brave Heart" remeniscent, and provide enjoyment to a certain extent. However swords, mythology, blood, and testosterone does not an epic film create. The lack of a good plot does hurt this movie, but doesn't ultimately kill it. The battle scenes are fun to watch, and the mythology of the Norse culture is interesting enough. This alone would make it worth buying to fans of the action genere. On the other hand, if you prefer a steady mix of action and in-depth story it might be best to avoid this title.
Rating: 
Summary: Unbelievable!
Review: If you belive that Arabs speak English with thick Spanish accents, you'll love this! Wait for this on cable and then DON'T WATCH IT!
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