The scene where skandinavik language is fading into the language of the audience to illustrate how "Iben" is learning to understand the vikings is brilliant and legendary.
@@dchegu Came here to mention that, the way the camera pans in on the speech and pans out again in English, just to remove the need for subtitles was inspired.
The scene where he learns the language is to this day one of my favourite scenes of all time. Including generally speaking how the language barrier was handled in this movie. Us - the viewers - were as clueless as the protagonist about what went on. And then hearing little bits and peaces of the language was simply genius in it's simplicity of creating engagement by the viewer.
hehe, I loved that movie. Was not a big fan of all the north mythology hocus pocus of the movie though.... Would have been better if they just stayed in the real realm.... but I guess that's a real problem with movies these days. However the story line horror isn't new... you see the horror movie 'the outpost' have a similar storyline but then with zombie nazi's.
@@stijnvdv2 It's Norse mythology not "North Mythology". What are you, eight years old? You're as wrong about its incorporation into the film as you are about its pronunciation. And it was grounded in reality. Did you actually watch this film? There was no actual magic. The percieved "hocus pocus" was just that, a perception. People of that time were very steeped in their superstitions (and many still are) so it makes total sense that the belief in the mysticism that they used to explain their scary and brutal world would directly influence their decision making. What we call mythology, they called religion.
Fun fact: This was based on Crichton's novel "Eaters of the Dead", and in that book the antagonists are heavily implied to be the last surviving tribe of Neanderthals. That explains their stone-age outfits.
@@Johnny-Thunder I love this movie. Pretty underrated and Gerard Butler was great in it. The troll/Grendel is scary because he is very brutish yet damn smart. It's hard to explain but it just works. lol
@@Johnny-Thunder the story IS beowulf Michael Crichton had a discussion with friends about whether or not you can rewrite old stories and Eaters of the Dead was the result
Herger the Joyous : That is because, boy, your words are feeble and twisted as an old woman! Angus : This old woman'll send you to the next world, old man. the script... priceless
The scene where Antonio Banderas’ character learns the Vikings’ language is one of my favorites in all of cinema. It’s original and masterfully done. The entire film is great, and I’m happy to see The Drinker agreeing!
@@Bronn92 Who fucking cares. It bridges the gap between everyone in the film speaking the same language with no explanation at all and having some ridiculous montage of the characters miming at each other the words for rock and horse.
This movie displayed how friendship is possible between a practicing Arab Muslim and a Nordic Pagan. It had a nice message of brotherhood and common grounds.
Apparently that's an almost perfect, word-for-word translation taken from a line in _Beowulf._ Dr. Jackson Crawford talks about this in one of his videos.
Yeah.. that scene was awesome. "My mother was a pure woman from a noble family. And I, at least, know who my father is, you pig-eating son of a whore!" lol
Always brought a chill when I heard this: "Lo there do I see my father; Lo there do I see my mother, my sisters and my brothers; Lo there do I see the line of my people, back to the beginning. Lo, they do call me, they bid me take my place among them, in the halls of Valhalla, where the brave may live forever"
I loved 'iben's' prayer also, mostly because i can kind of relate to it lol "Heavenly father, i have squandered my days dreaming of many things, this was not among them. .."
The 13th Warrior has one of the most badass "Last Stand" scenes in cinema, with the Viking "prayer". (The " Lo, I see my father and his father and my brothers calling me to join them in Valhalla.... " scene). That's some awesome, manly shit right there. I also love the fact that Banderas' character despite not being a warrior, shows some resourcefulness and eventually "mans up" and kicks some ass during the story. P. S. The 2 main blonde Viking warriors, the leader and Banderas' " Big Viking brother " are absolute mad lads though. It's a shame these 2 actors haven't been in more movies, very charismatic dudes.
Seeing this movie I literally had a man-crush on Vladimir Kulich when I was a youngster. You know the type of time you meet someone or see someone where it's like a revelation "that's the perfect being right there. he represents everything I like, what a man is supposed to be like" lol
The Valkyries had to be fighting each other to be the one to reap Buliwyf's spirit for Valhalla. If anyone involved in that whole battle ended up at the Allfathers table, it was him.
Indeed! Very impressive scene! "For all I have and haven't done, said and haven't said I beg forgiveness". Also: closing lines of Bandera's character were great.
Buliwyf: 'Lo, there do I see my father. 'Lo, there do I see... Herger the Joyous: My mother, and my sisters, and my brothers. Buliwyf: 'Lo, there do I see... Herger the Joyous: The line of my people... Edgtho the Silent: Back to the beginning. Weath the Musician: 'Lo, they do call to me. Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan: They bid me take my place among them. Buliwyf: Iin the halls of Valhalla... Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan: Where the brave... Herger the Joyous: May live... Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan: ...forever Best scene ever!
This film does a perfect job of developing honorable, brave, capable and intelligent protagonists, who all contribute to a fantastically entertaining and fun movie. This is what movies should be!
And has the best character death of all time. With Beowulf sitting atop a battlefield throne, his sword bloody, watching his enemy flee before him. God damn amazing.
@@Laneous14 Along with possibly the greatest character arch of all time. Ibn started as an exiled ambassador who inexorably transformed into a warrior hero.
I also like any movie that gives an accurate portrayal of how things like superstition and religion played into politics. Too many movies exaggerate it to the point of ridiculousness. (i.e. in another movie the old woman would be a fraud who knew it was bullspit and manipulating everyone for some reason. Or maybe Beowulf is the one viking in creation who simply doesnt believe any of it because hes "forward thinking".)
@@jackdorseysdisappointedfather There really isn't much clever "debunking" going on. Everything is exactly as supernatural as people _want_ it to be. I hope this makes more sense XD
"So you saw the Dragon?" "Yes, it's cavalry! With torches, Hundreds of them!" Thoughtfully; " I rather prefer a Dragon..." Agreed, many great lines in this movie. After a dozen or more screenings, I still look forward to watching it again.
I usually get chills when they all start chanting. Even if Ibn doesnt believe in their religion, he has essentially become one of them and in that moment sees clearly how in that moment he has nothing to regret
After the duel scene: "You could have killed him at will!" "Yes." "Why the deception?" "Deception is the point! Any fool can calculate strength. That's what they've been doing from the moment they saw us. Now he has to calculate what he can't see."
Buliwyf - "As you say, 'Foolish.' And expensive. We will miss Angus tonight. We will miss his sword..." Not the most talkative Leader, but every word he DID speak..? Had SERIOUS weight, denoting both great wisdom and blood-soaked, hard earned experience. Yeah...I'd have signed on for that quest...
The conventional wisdom and honor of this movie makes it one of my favorites of all time. "Go hide in a hole of you like, you won't live one moment longer..."
I have a personal saying, "Wisdom is a bumper sticker.". Basically, you can find deep insights in the most unlikely of places. Like a bumper sticker on a car, or a quote from a movie. And THIS quote is DEFINITELY a bit of deep wisdom that I loved & is probably the best quote of the movie! Drinker is right, this movie IS a fun. (I remember seeing it in the theatre back in the day.)
“Merciful father…I have squandered my days with plans of many things. This was not among them. But at this moment, I beg only to live the next few minutes well.”
Buliwyf: 'Lo, there do I see my father. 'Lo, there do I see... Herger the Joyous: My mother, and my sisters, and my brothers. Buliwyf: 'Lo, there do I see... Herger the Joyous: The line of my people... Edgtho the Silent: Back to the beginning. Weath the Musician: 'Lo, they do call to me. Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan: They bid me take my place among them. Buliwyf: Iin the halls of Valhalla... Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan: Where the brave... Herger the Joyous: May live... Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan: ...forever.
My favourite character was that scout viking. "You were supposed to be guarding from that post!" "That is exactly why I was not there." Dude knows his craft.
Finally, someone with decent kudos, who gets how good this movie is. Don’t know how many times I’ve watched it and never once been bored. Well played Sir Drinker
Ahhh . . . Fond memories . . . One of Banderas’s finest movies. Vladimir Kulich still crops up in movies, usually playing, “that big, badassed, Viking guy,” like in Ironclad, which is also awesome (the first one, NOT the sequels). And he even seems to be doing that when he’s in modern settings, like in The Equaliser, with Denzel Washington, looking (and behaving!) like a Viking in a suit! But, this was his most memorable, (dare I say, “moving?” Oh, go on. F’k it. Why not?) moving performance that I’ve seen him do. John McTiernan left the 1990’s with this (1999) after having reached the giddy heights of Die Hard, The Hunt For Red October and Predator, never to really reach so high ever again. Ah, the 90’s . . . Still the most Golden of Hollywood’s Golden Ages, in my humble opinion. Did I say, “humble?” I meant, “right.”
If you enjoyed Master and Commander the move, you should treat yourself to the novels on which it is based. The first is a bit of a slog, due to the overwhelming amount of period terminology, but once you “learn the ropes” you will be left with the greatest historical fiction stories ever commits to paper imho.
Thanks to the "Free" movies on TH-cam, I just watched M&C, and holy crap, I loved it. I could tell it was based on an intelligent novel, and I will definitely be checking out the book series. Crowe and Bettany were both superb.
“The All-Father wove the skein of your life a long time ago. Go and hide in a hole if you wish, but you won't live one instant longer. Your fate is fixed. Fear profits a man nothing.” This line got me through too many very scary situations.
I’ve actually studied Vikings and that’s a pretty good summation of their warrior philosophy. Cowardice profited a man nothing because the time of your death was fixed, locked in an iron box or running naked across a battlefield wouldn’t gain or lose you an instant. They also had an “interesting” sense of humor.
“Ouch!” “That’s a woman’s sound.” “Do that again and you’ll make it.” This flick is right up there with Jaws as a movie I can always watch one more time, even if I just saw it. There’s not many like that.
I loved the Buliwyf character in this movie. He was, imo, the true hero of the story. Here he was, poisoned and dying, but he knew that if they didn't kill the enemy leader this small village would be wiped out so he went out and with the last of his strength absolutely crushed him. Then got on his make-shift throne to die. What a badass.
You should read the poem of Beowulf if you haven't yet. He is even more badass than this movie. As an old man he goes to fight a dragon on his own because his warriors refuse.
Yeah, and that wasn’t just some stupid writing of “ ok he will do this, then this, and also this”. It was grounded. You could actually believe these characters would do what they did. The ending of fadlan leaving with the Vikings earned respect is just a really nicely earned ending. It feels real. Like a grand adventure brought down to earth, and made real. As if it were what a real person would have experienced in that era. I love this movie. None of Hollywood will likely ever produce something as real as it was again any time soon.
Ever since I saw him slam that sword into the ground and took his sit as the victor, the image has been burned into my mind forever. Truly a kingly way to go out.
"See to your friend, he was a brave man." The delivery was so authentically sad, like he really didn't want to snuff out a brave young man simply to send a message. This movie is one of my guilty pleasures.
Speaking of hidden gems, I don't know why the Drinker haven't reviewed Legionnaire with Jean Claude van Dame, an absolute classic, it left an everlasting impression on me since I was a child.
@@fernandorosales03 I know I'm late to the party, but how can you appreciate that garbage ??? JCvD came with a few other guys to visit (uninvited) the Legion's para regiment base 2 REP in Calvi, Corsica, to gather information and support and to get a general feeling about what it is to be a legionnaire. A sentinel was sent to the regimental commander's office to ask for permission of entry (when they showed up unannounced at the gate) and for permission to see the Colonel ... then the sentinel came back to inform them to "f off !!", never to bother again. I know that story to be 100% true because I was that sentinel.
"Probably was some smoke-colored camp girl; looked like that one's mother!" (hesitantly, but developing confidence) "My mother was a pure woman from a noble family, and I at least know who my father is you pig-eating son of a whore!" One of the simplest and yet most badass exchanges I'd ever heard in a movie to date!
One of the most important scenes is when Ahmad ibn Fadlan learns the language just by listening and the Viking King asks him to write something ('paint words') and then to imitate him the next morning - to show him that Vikings are capable of learning and not barbarians. I love this movie, have seen it at least 12 times!
My husband and I can never drink mead without exclaiming "Honey! It's made from Honey!" Among other references we regularly make from this film. One of the best.
I agree, but what about a sequel where Antonio Banderas goes on another quest where he ties in with another pseudo historical event? Or would that be too Indiana Jones and Kingdom of Crystal Skull?
I say that, as I always thought it lent itself to being a series of movies. I'll add that to the list of stuff I want, but won't happen. Like Robocop 3 remaining in the heads of the writer, so I can whine that there should have a been a trilogy!
So true. They give him a sword way too heavy for him. And when he complains. They just tell him to grow stronger... But in the end his is a brother to them. As he deserves to be.
This movie is full of great quotes and memorable scenes. It has perfect casting and beautiful soundtrack. Easily one of two most rewatchable fantasy movies out there (together with original Conan the Barbarian).
"Watch where you throw that." "You dig like a dog." "Did you call me, a dog?" "I said you dig like one. Flinging earth carelessly like an animal." "So now im, an animal." "... Youre not listening." "Im deaf?!" "Youre a fool little man." "That is because boy, your words, are feeble, and twisted as an old womans!" "This old woman will send you to the next world old man!"
Agree, I have seen it maybe 10 or more times over the years. Its fun not to serious and Shot before People ruined films with Over the top Casting and writing.
I picked up a copy years ago on whim and was really surprised. McTiernan and Crichton are the kind of guys that make directing and writing look easy...and fun!
When I got out of the marines I moved in with my best friend and me and him were obsessed with this movie. We used to drink our hearts out when we watched it being drunk and in our barracks rooms. When we played it again with some of his high school friends they also shut the fuck up when the movie was playing. It was like the super bowl or some meaningful event on TV. whether you served in the military or not men who knew this movie, it sang a certain song to our hearts. Something we all knew was missing in our lives but none of us could put to words. Some movies have this affect on men whether you realize it or not. 13th warrior to me is better than starship troopers and I'm obsessed with that movie as well. BORN TOO LATE I guess but I'm glad to have seen this
"Step closer Bulwyne... Closer..." "You know me?" "Oh I have ears, warrior says the wind, chieftain says the rain, but why seek you me? Met you your match? Met you your match with the eaters of the dead!?" Awesome film, another one of those cult classics that while not a big earner at the box office has gathered a loyal cohort of fans over the years since its release. I especially like how they took the story of Beowulf and retold it in a modern way with some great action and lots of quotable lines and humour to keep it interesting. Plus the sound track is awesome. A much maligned film but one of my favourites, up there with Last of the Mohicans.
I'm glad to see The 13th Warrior get the proper "Drinker Treatment". It's one of the few movies with near-infinite re-watchability (for me, anyway). The studio may have torpedoed the marketing for it, but having Will Jordan extolling its virtues is BETTER, even if it is over 20 years too late. Keep 'em coming, Drinker!
I enjoyed the movie when it first came out. It is part of my dvd collection. It is right there with "300" on movies about men teaching other men how to men.
"If you die, can I give that to my daughter?" The movie takes time to let the characters personalities come from their actions, especially fascinating as it comes from an outsider. That scene where he slowly learns their language is beautiful because we as the audience get to understand these characters without being "told."
@@somebody700 And to think, critics didn't see any character development. This was some of the best character development I've ever seen. Coming from the perspective of someone not the hero, made you feel like you were there, and not just watching a movie. It created immersion. The movie didn't get the recognition it deserves.
One of my all-time favourites. I love how there's no clear-cut hero, that it's the dynamic of the band of warriors that creates their strength. Buliwyf has a clear-cut hero's journey to carve his name in legend, Herger the Joyous is deuteragonist to Ahmed and just about the biggest reason he lives to tell the tale, Edgtho the Silent doesn't even need the attention, he's too busy being a fucking ninja, and then there's Weath... "Go on, make it worse. Now it's gonna rain lol."
Kind of a booboo that one as Vikings were far from illiterate, also when they call his Arabian horse a dog when Arabian horses are in reality larger than Scandinavian ones. Just a bit of nit picking though its a awesome movie.
@@raclark2730 The armour too is dodgy as well. We know what Vikings looked like, both from archeology and illuminated manuscripts - medieval monks drew what the saw - so why they have to screw around with the look is beyond me. Still, the rest of the set design was good and the story and characters brilliant so I can overlook these booboo's,
@@raclark2730 I think it was more that Beowulf hoped that Ahmad would write down his history and deeds. He asked him to confirm that the really could read and write in a more wide spread language than his
@@richardarcher7177 Thats because common knowledge about anything medival was almost non existent safe for with historians. As at that time movie makers where still spreading most of the common still active today misconception and flat out lies about anything medival or ancient history related really. E.g all peasants wearing only brown broken cloths everybody is filthy, constructions are shoddy at the best of times with basically everything being made out of raw wood etc
Criminally underrated movie. I love how they recreated an ancient semi-germanic language for it. I can speak german and english both pretty well and you can hear so many influences of both. It's great. I don't even care how accurate it is, it just sounds right.
@@alek3974 I am quite sure it is just Norwegian. It is from memory but i know the boy is speaking norwegian and there is other actors that speak norwegian also, and there is some that speak a mangeled english norwegian thing. Also Herger is a Norwegian actor called Dennis Storhøi. And i say this because i understand every word they say as i am norwegian.
@@havtor007 The boy was speaking Norwegian, probably because he was just some kid actor they got in and it was easy. There's also Danish and proper Old Norse thrown in there. As someone who's from Varyag stock and knows a few poems, it's easy to make out, but it should be for just about any Swe-Nor-Den person. Our languages have so much intercomprehensibility with each other that we can often talk to each other all at once without having to swap out of our mother tongue.
@@havtor007 Really? I feel silly now. I meant mostly the scene where the old lady is calling for 13 warriors. Phrases like "Der andere Mann" for "the second man" stuck out to me and sound very German, while other parts of what she said sounded very english. In both cases with weird pronounciation which made me believe it was a recreation of an old language. Maybe Norse like Alek said. Whatever... it sounds good and it's nice that you could actually kind of understand what she was saying.
"The 13th Warrior" may be underrated, but I think it a left subtler impression on pop culture than folks may think; the popular wording of the funeral prayer ("Lo there do I see my father") originates from this movie/book, if I recall correctly. Also, "It's made from honey!" is probably one of the least expected things to hear after a hard-won battle.
There was a lot of fuss about how everyone involved having a bad time making it along with somewhat unfair shake with the critics. For the end result though as us the viewers, its a damn fine show with just an awesome cast and script that carried it through some otherwise dull spots
@@krissteel4074 Amen. It manages to navigate a fine thread through action/adventure and fantasy with some horror elements; it does all this without leaning hard on gore for shock value or grinding the pace to a halt to focus on a generic piece of eye candy, all the while providing a gritty retelling if not somewhat anachronistic origin of the Beowulf mythology. The character interactions are meaningful and the lighter moments are funny and natural.
This movie is so underrated. It's honestly one of my favorite movies of all time. I think I saw it like 3 times in theater when I was a teen and I own it and still watch it fairly often.
I read the book on a plane to Alaska, just before the movie was released. Loved the book. Saw it in the theater. Loved the movie. I've owned it on DVD since 1999 or 2000. I watch it probably yearly.
Watched this move with my Advanced Dungeons and Dragons group when it came out in the cinema. Great experience. Made Role Playing even better afterwards.
This is definitely a good one, an underrated gem that seems to improve with age. Excellent production design, a real gritty and brutal immersive action-packed atmosphere, and another stirring Jerry Goldsmith score!
I'm a big fan, always have been. I am starting to wonder if movies like this, where people now look back on as better than they initially thought is a direct result of the absolute ass Hollywood is turning out to where a sub par 80's movie is in comparison, pretty damn good.
Antonio Banderas: Maybe I shouldn't go north with a bunch of huge barbarians whose language is incomprehensible to me... Omar Sharif: Nah, it'll be fine.
"Missing person in Amazon" is one of the most common sentences you will ever about the region, in my country.... We suspect that they go missing in the mouth of some isolated tribes....
The best Antonio Banderas movie and it doesn't stray too far from the book. I really liked the actors they picked for the 13 warriors. All were very likable and charismatic.
I loved the scene where ibn Fadlan, whom the Vikings have been making fun of, takes his lovely Arabian horse over a series of obstacles, showing an agility and a level of horsemanship that their horses and they couldn’t hope to match. Also, the book on which this movie is based, “Eaters of the Dead” by Michael Crichton, is excellent and is based on ibn Fadlan’s own account. And Antonio Banderas, what can one say-he’s played some great roles and done them well.
The movie was fun, but stupid scenes like this made it almost cringe worthy. How long did they travel that he had time to learn their language - 5-10 years?
One of the greatest underappreciated movies of all time. A typical Chrichton novel turned into a seriously badass action movie, the kind that Timeline wished it could be on it's best day. More quoteable lines then Conan the Barbarian, and just one hell of a lot of fun. Good pick, Drinker!
@@sethralavode9012 True, but it still wasn't a great book, it just felt like it was written to be a screenplay rather then a story. Sure enough some years later....but yeah still far better then the movie it spawned.
@@slayking2378 Heh, didn't we all! No srsly, didn't we all? Dammit the only other movies I re-watched as much as this as a kid were Star Wars (IV), Conan the Barbarian, K-19 The Widowmaker, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Highlander.
I loved The 13th Warrior. My favorite character was Herger. Somehow, throughout the entire film, you always knew he was going to survive. His humor and epic fighting played a major roll in my fandom.
"You couldn't keep a cow out of here". Always loved that line, delivered as the Norsemen were evaluating the defenses of the camp they were tasked to save. This movie is a favorite of mine.
"How do you speak our language" "I listened" King Beowulf: "Hmm. That's how I learned the language of the Dov from the Graybeards." (same actor as Ulfric Stormcloak, you know)
I love this film. It's not even a 'guilty pleaseyure', it's a straight up great film. Great Jerry Goldsmith score, great action, great fun characters, and the sequence with the fire worm is fantastic.
When I heard that "Eaters of the Dead" was going to be made into a movie, I was pretty excited. The movie is different from the book, but the divergence is one of the few times that both got it right. My favorite parts of the book are and movie are too many to mention, but three from the book always come to mind. First is when Michael Crichton explained that he would write in Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan's style. The first third of the book was a copy of Fahdlan's manuscript, and the rest was Crichton's story. I figured that I'd automatically pick up on the transition, especially because I knew when it would happen. I was wrong. I was about two or three chapters beyond the transition when I realized I'd missed it. Changing his writing style to fit another's, and still writing compellingly is, in my opinion, one of Crichton's most impressive feats. Crichton incorporating two diverse cultures while letting them stand on there own was impressive enough (John McTiernan and Crichton doing this in the movie was just as astounding.), but bringing a third group into the mix while making that third group just as relatable is beyond compare. Neanderthals. The Wendel were neanderthals. Not only deciding to write a book about an apex predator that was hunting the predator that replaced it, but tying that into history and actual scientific research was astounding. There have been many research papers on neanderthals dying out later than most thought with the northern extremes of Eurasia being the places of the newest neanderthal bones being found-as late as 1200 AD. And lastly, combining history and current scientific research with a unique story has always been Crichton's forte, but, for me, this was his zenith. Thanks for posting this movie review.
@@peterembranch5797 I'm trying to find the paper. I thought that it came out around 1994 or '95. I was wrong. I just looked up some information, and realized I was off by 20 years. I went to college a few years after getting out of the Air Force. When speaking with a biology teacher, I noticed his copy of "Eaters of the Dead". He told me about the theory of neanderthals living into the second millennium. I read his copy of the paper, and was intrigued. I took his class in '97, and assumed, I now know wrongly, that it was a recent paper. I'll still look for that paper, so I can research counter-findings, and if/how it was disproved. When I do, I'll send you a link. Of course that paper dealt with a "pure" strain of neanderthals. Since then we've seen many countervailing papers. Most of the ones that I read dealt with neanderthals dying out because they interbred with homo sapiens-creating homo sapiens sapiens or other human strains that eventually died out-or neanderthals dying out at times before or after what is generally accepted. One thing about Michael Crichton that was interesting as well as infuriating was how he'd take one research paper and expand upon the idea in as entertaining way. Sometimes I wish that I was one of those "I read a paper once, so you have to believe me" guys, but I'm not. I can't hide from truth; it leads me to research that strengthens my statement, or nullifies it. This case is probably the latter, but I hope to find out the progress of this argument, no matter the outcome. I'll end my rambling to your question, and start my research now. At least you'll keep me occupied for the foreseeable future. Not sure if I should thank or curse you.
And intelligent, practical women aiding their community and warriors in both leadership and support roles? Even making hard decisions like not letting the children be taken by the Wendol to be eaten should the worst happen? Unthinkable!
@@613harbinger316 Queen Weilew was actually in charge of whatever left from the kingdom, from informing and correcting about situation to defense planning. She too was also present in the battle, albeit in the background.
Mmmh, maybe we could have them. What are really scarce are good writers... Toeing the party line - whichever may it be - way too tight is the standard trick of the mediocre shill.
One of the most underrated movies ever. I find myself always telling people about this one. And I guess it's over a decade later and I'm still finding myself doing it haha
the Viking prayer at the end is perfect and the J.Goldsmith soundtrack is even more perfect. The score was also reused in the director's cut of "Kingdom of heaven".
My dad and twin brothers favorite film. I remember rewatching this over and over in my childhood. It doesn’t ever get any love but it should. It’s a classic.
I always had a soft spot for this movie. Favorite scene? When Ahmed instructs the smith to remake his sword into a scimitar, then demonstrating how much easier it is to handle... only for the viking to go like: "Give an arab a sword, he'll make a knife out of it." And the madlad who adds: "When you die, can I give it to my daughter?"
me, I would have given them back the sword and had the metal worker make me a spear... maybe two so I have a spare. Lindybeige convinced me that a spear is a superior weapon to a sword in some situations... and this would be one of them.
Always thought this was a much cooler movie that everyone gave it credit for. Took me years to realize this was based on Crichton's "Eaters Of The Dead", which I had sitting on my bookshelf for years. McTiernan is a great director, and Crichton's story is very intriguing.
The movie was originally titled that as well. They even released a teaser trailer with that title. I know I worked as a projectionist at a movie theatre at the time and saw it.
Which was based of the epic poem Beowulf. The Wendel=Grendel, The Witch=Grendel's Mother and The "Fire Serpent=The Dragon. My favorite translation of it was the Burton Raffel version. I remember seeing the cover of it in high school, thinking it looked stupid. Then when we finally read it, I loved it. It's my favorite book. Highly Recommend! 😀
Cant think of a better action-adventure film than “The 13th Warrior”. It knows exactly what it is, and who it’s for, and maximizes every aspect with those things firmly in mind.
I love how Achmed can't even understand the Norsemen at first. He has to piece together their language over their time traveling from Iraq. They even have a scene devoted to this, and it's honestly pretty great. This really one of my favorite lesser known films. I haven't seen it in so long, I think I'll go ahead and rewatch it. Great stuff Drinker. Cheers.
McTiernan loved playing around with language. Fadlan figuring out the viking speech is a great scene and draws heavily from the one in Hunt for Red October where Sean Connery transitions from Russian to English during a zoom in sequence, only to revert to language barriers later when the Americans come aboard.
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. It's far from perfect, there is the odd scene that doesn't quite make sense, or sub plots that don't really go anywhere, but these don't go as far as annoying me. The greatness of this film is mainly down to it's atmosphere. I love the fear and confusion shown by the northmen on discovering who the adversary is, the scene in the cave is amazing...it's just a great blend of action, horror and some comedy. I can't believe so many reviewers disliked this film. As I said before, it's not perfect, but (like many 90s films) it's just great fun and really entertaining.
The scene where skandinavik language is fading into the language of the audience to illustrate how "Iben" is learning to understand the vikings is brilliant and legendary.
I LISTENED
Why couldn’t Spanish class be that easy.
I always liked that conceit.
A similar thing was used by the director in hunt for the red October
@@dchegu Came here to mention that, the way the camera pans in on the speech and pans out again in English, just to remove the need for subtitles was inspired.
"I cannot lift this!"
"Grow stronger!"
One of the best quotes in a movie
DON’T WORRY, LITTLE BROTHER, THERE’S MORE!
“Give an Arab a sword and he makes a knife.”
“When you die can I give that to me dottir?”
Great movie.
@@TheStonewall117 Daaaamn I remember that, awesome line
@@CorHor The dog can jump...
@@ThePuttercross It's settled, I'm watching it tonight. That's a damn good one too
"Don't worry, little brother. There are more!"
*Big grin*
Absolute madlad
That line cracked me up 😂
"I'm forbidden to drink fermentation of grape and wheat"
*hysterical laugh*
"IT'S MADE FROM HONEY!" 🤣
@@jvikingj1006Thank Odin for mead
My favorite line from the movie, by far.
@@scottm.603 I'd say I agree, but there's too many great lines in this for me to pick one.
The scene where he learns the language is to this day one of my favourite scenes of all time. Including generally speaking how the language barrier was handled in this movie. Us - the viewers - were as clueless as the protagonist about what went on. And then hearing little bits and peaces of the language was simply genius in it's simplicity of creating engagement by the viewer.
The scenes where Omar Sharif is still translating... brilliant!
Unless you were from a Nordic country. I understood everything they said. The Norwegian, Swedish and Danish spoken. But u get what you're saying.
that's every new language learner's dream. how do i learn a new language like antonio banderas in 13th warrior? 🤣🤣🤣
Totally agree. That was well executed. "....and 12 horses!"
That's a goosebump moment.
my favorite scene too!
"Instead of a sword, he makes a knife!"
"When you're dead, can I give that to me daughter?"
"it works"
hehe, I loved that movie. Was not a big fan of all the north mythology hocus pocus of the movie though.... Would have been better if they just stayed in the real realm.... but I guess that's a real problem with movies these days. However the story line horror isn't new... you see the horror movie 'the outpost' have a similar storyline but then with zombie nazi's.
@@stijnvdv2 It's Norse mythology not "North Mythology". What are you, eight years old? You're as wrong about its incorporation into the film as you are about its pronunciation. And it was grounded in reality. Did you actually watch this film? There was no actual magic. The percieved "hocus pocus" was just that, a perception. People of that time were very steeped in their superstitions (and many still are) so it makes total sense that the belief in the mysticism that they used to explain their scary and brutal world would directly influence their decision making. What we call mythology, they called religion.
@@Sparkdaddy69 take it easy man, this channel is bigger than you think and many comments are made by people whose native language is not English.
....awesome fuccin community, Here!!
"It is written, we shall not drink the fermentation of grapes or wheat..."
"Hahaha! It's made of honey!"
gulp gulp gulp
I quote this line constantly. It lives in my head rent-free.
I went to total wine and bought a bottle of mead after the movie 😂
The only problem is that most meads are made with fruit juice added to the honey water
"Did she finish you, or bring you back to life?"
"A gentleman does not discuss such things."
Att least, " l " know who my father is !
I saw this in theatre with my dungeons and dragons group. I wore out the first dvd of it I had. So underrated it is criminal.
Fun fact: This was based on Crichton's novel "Eaters of the Dead", and in that book the antagonists are heavily implied to be the last surviving tribe of Neanderthals. That explains their stone-age outfits.
I think that also inspired the film Beowulf and Grendel, in which it is implied that the Norse trolls are surviving remnants of the Neanderthals.
Antonio Banderas in… EATERS…OF THE DEAD!!!!
@@shadowchaser3836 they just didn't like that name did they
@@Johnny-Thunder I love this movie. Pretty underrated and Gerard Butler was great in it. The troll/Grendel is scary because he is very brutish yet damn smart. It's hard to explain but it just works. lol
@@Johnny-Thunder the story IS beowulf
Michael Crichton had a discussion with friends about whether or not you can rewrite old stories and Eaters of the Dead was the result
"You notice he's bigger than you?"
"Yes..."
"...and younger"
"Bet on him if you like"
"I may!"
Tactics win again.
Dude was a giant tree...... Got felled, like one, too.
Perhaps i will
Herger the Joyous : That is because, boy, your words are feeble and twisted as an old woman! Angus : This old woman'll send you to the next world, old man. the script... priceless
The scene where Antonio Banderas’ character learns the Vikings’ language is one of my favorites in all of cinema. It’s original and masterfully done. The entire film is great, and I’m happy to see The Drinker agreeing!
It's makes no sense at all. You cannot learn a language like that.
@@Bronn92 Who fucking cares. It bridges the gap between everyone in the film speaking the same language with no explanation at all and having some ridiculous montage of the characters miming at each other the words for rock and horse.
"I listened!" Is truly an epic delivery.
One of my favorite scenes too
Looked like that ones mother!!!!
MY MOTHER ....... is a pure woman, from a noble family, and I .... at least ..... know who my father is .......
"I am not a warrior"
"Very soon you will be"
Love this movie! So many great quotes
That's one of my favorite lines in the movie for sure.
‘How do you know our language?’
“I listened.”
Small things like this made it a great flick.
People don’t get that they were traveling a long time and Fadhlan was an incredibly intelligent person who could learn the language via context.
best line in the movie!
@@gladiusdei I've heard somewhere that the more languages you know, the easier it is to learn more. Could be BS, but it's what I've heard.
Can you imagine what this world would be like if people actually ....listened?
This movie displayed how friendship is possible between a practicing Arab Muslim and a Nordic Pagan. It had a nice message of brotherhood and common grounds.
"Luck, often enough, will save a man. If his courage holds."
Excellent life advice.
Holy shit this movie is quotable af.
@@baileymoore7779 You can probably piece together the entire script from this comment section.
Apparently that's an almost perfect, word-for-word translation taken from a line in _Beowulf._ Dr. Jackson Crawford talks about this in one of his videos.
Still has the absolute best language transition ive ever seen. By far.
Yeah.. that scene was awesome. "My mother was a pure woman from a noble family. And I, at least, know who my father is, you pig-eating son of a whore!" lol
That scene has always stuck with me for how awesome it is. None better.
That scene deserves the “epic” ratio!
Absolutely
It's great but it reminds me of the hunt for red October
Always brought a chill when I heard this: "Lo there do I see my father; Lo there do I see my mother, my sisters and my brothers; Lo there do I see the line of my people, back to the beginning. Lo, they do call me, they bid me take my place among them, in the halls of Valhalla, where the brave may live forever"
That’s from Humpty dance, by Humpty hump, right?
🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
I loved 'iben's' prayer also, mostly because i can kind of relate to it lol
"Heavenly father, i have squandered my days dreaming of many things, this was not among them. .."
I want this spoken at my funeral.
LOVE IT!
The 13th Warrior has one of the most badass "Last Stand" scenes in cinema, with the Viking "prayer".
(The " Lo, I see my father and his father and my brothers calling me to join them in Valhalla.... " scene).
That's some awesome, manly shit right there. I also love the fact that Banderas' character despite not being a warrior, shows some resourcefulness and eventually "mans up" and kicks some ass during the story.
P. S. The 2 main blonde Viking warriors, the leader and Banderas' " Big Viking brother " are absolute mad lads though. It's a shame these 2 actors haven't been in more movies, very charismatic dudes.
Seeing this movie I literally had a man-crush on Vladimir Kulich when I was a youngster. You know the type of time you meet someone or see someone where it's like a revelation "that's the perfect being right there. he represents everything I like, what a man is supposed to be like" lol
The Valkyries had to be fighting each other to be the one to reap Buliwyf's spirit for Valhalla. If anyone involved in that whole battle ended up at the Allfathers table, it was him.
Indeed! Very impressive scene! "For all I have and haven't done, said and haven't said I beg forgiveness". Also: closing lines of Bandera's character were great.
The Hollywood is very reluctant to film big burly slavic dudes. Or they usually make them some "unsawory criminal types".
Buliwyf: 'Lo, there do I see my father. 'Lo, there do I see...
Herger the Joyous: My mother, and my sisters, and my brothers.
Buliwyf: 'Lo, there do I see...
Herger the Joyous: The line of my people...
Edgtho the Silent: Back to the beginning.
Weath the Musician: 'Lo, they do call to me.
Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan: They bid me take my place among them.
Buliwyf: Iin the halls of Valhalla...
Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan: Where the brave...
Herger the Joyous: May live...
Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan: ...forever
Best scene ever!
Perfection.
Got this tattooed on my back in runes
absolutely. Heart wrenching and glorious all at once!
Luv that scene
@CHAL KIE 🤣 TY.
This film does a perfect job of developing honorable, brave, capable and intelligent protagonists, who all contribute to a fantastically entertaining and fun movie. This is what movies should be!
And has the best character death of all time. With Beowulf sitting atop a battlefield throne, his sword bloody, watching his enemy flee before him. God damn amazing.
@@Laneous14 Along with possibly the greatest character arch of all time. Ibn started as an exiled ambassador who inexorably transformed into a warrior hero.
I can't fucking wait for the all female reboot!
I also like any movie that gives an accurate portrayal of how things like superstition and religion played into politics.
Too many movies exaggerate it to the point of ridiculousness.
(i.e. in another movie the old woman would be a fraud who knew it was bullspit and manipulating everyone for some reason. Or maybe Beowulf is the one viking in creation who simply doesnt believe any of it because hes "forward thinking".)
@@jackdorseysdisappointedfather There really isn't much clever "debunking" going on. Everything is exactly as supernatural as people _want_ it to be.
I hope this makes more sense XD
"So you saw the Dragon?"
"Yes, it's cavalry! With torches, Hundreds of them!"
Thoughtfully; " I rather prefer a Dragon..."
Agreed, many great lines in this movie. After a dozen or more screenings, I still look forward to watching it again.
The king in this movie defines the expression going out like a boss.
Yah! Turning the disgraceful death by poison to that glorious last stand.
@@systemshocker7634 The wail of his giant Irish Wolf Hound at the end really gets you in the feels, special place in Valhalla for him and his hound
I loved how he spikes his sword once they win like “yeah ni*** whatsup”
"I will die a pauper. You will be buried as a king."
I honestly think about that scene all the time. What a great movie.
One of my "watch anytime" movies. That "Lo, there do I see ..." prayer is going to be on my headstone.
I usually get chills when they all start chanting. Even if Ibn doesnt believe in their religion, he has essentially become one of them and in that moment sees clearly how in that moment he has nothing to regret
Mine too
Typically you get charged by the letter. You'll die broke.
@@scorn787 My hearse was not going to have a luggage rack.
It actually come from the historical text written by the man played by banderas. It is the only known written funeral prayer from the viking age.
After the duel scene: "You could have killed him at will!"
"Yes."
"Why the deception?"
"Deception is the point! Any fool can calculate strength. That's what they've been doing from the moment they saw us. Now he has to calculate what he can't see."
And fear……..what he doesn’t know.
Holy shit the hungarian voice actors said this totaly different.... LOL we were decieved! 🤣
"That ones been doing it..."
Buliwyf - "As you say, 'Foolish.' And expensive. We will miss Angus tonight. We will miss his sword..."
Not the most talkative Leader, but every word he DID speak..? Had SERIOUS weight, denoting both great wisdom and blood-soaked, hard earned experience.
Yeah...I'd have signed on for that quest...
@@bowendemarc5351 Dang. I might have to watch it in German again to catch any differences (ususally watch the original versions, if it's in English).
"The all father held the scales of your life long ago. Go hide in a hole if you like... you will not live one instance longer." - freaking legend!
* wove the skein of your life
“I cannot lift this”
“Grow stronger”
That’s a life philosophy if I’ve ever heard one.
The conventional wisdom and honor of this movie makes it one of my favorites of all time.
"Go hide in a hole of you like, you won't live one moment longer..."
If the movie was made today
I cannot lift this
Its okay, here is a star for trying your bestest
"Fear profits man nothing."
I have a personal saying, "Wisdom is a bumper sticker.".
Basically, you can find deep insights in the most unlikely of places. Like a bumper sticker on a car, or a quote from a movie.
And THIS quote is DEFINITELY a bit of deep wisdom that I loved & is probably the best quote of the movie!
Drinker is right, this movie IS a fun. (I remember seeing it in the theatre back in the day.)
yeah that line had an impact on me growing up
“Merciful father…I have squandered my days with plans of many things. This was not among them. But at this moment, I beg only to live the next few minutes well.”
GOD THE DIALOGUE IN THIS MOVIE!!!
Forgot all about that one.
I need to go back and watch it
Almost as good a prayer as Conan gave to Crom before the Battle of the Mounds ...
Buliwyf: 'Lo, there do I see my father. 'Lo, there do I see...
Herger the Joyous: My mother, and my sisters, and my brothers.
Buliwyf: 'Lo, there do I see...
Herger the Joyous: The line of my people...
Edgtho the Silent: Back to the beginning.
Weath the Musician: 'Lo, they do call to me.
Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan: They bid me take my place among them.
Buliwyf: Iin the halls of Valhalla...
Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan: Where the brave...
Herger the Joyous: May live...
Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan: ...forever.
@@1down4upworkshop61 Massive Conan vibes all through this movie. The score even sounds like Basil Poledouris.
That is a line you can use when you are in deep shit. And face it.
My favourite character was that scout viking. "You were supposed to be guarding from that post!" "That is exactly why I was not there." Dude knows his craft.
Yes! I love that dude.
Yep... there's a reason he was one of the survivors.
He was the tracker/ranger of the band. I liked his axe and long knife fighting method.
My favorite is the matrix villain lazy to browse his name now,I mean agent Smith.
@@aminububa851Hugo Weaving. But he was not in this movie.
Finally, someone with decent kudos, who gets how good this movie is. Don’t know how many times I’ve watched it and never once been bored. Well played Sir Drinker
"When you die can I give that to me daughter?"
Love that line :-) and I love the movie overall.
The tiny horse and tiny sword.🤣
@@Dirtbag-Hyena "The dog can jump!"
As a swordsman I like that line as well.
First thing I think of when this movie is mentioned! Props to Achmed for somehow grinding a broadsword down into a scimitar, on a manual grindstone.
@@stevenscott2136 "He insisted" :-)
"I am not a warrior."
"Very soon, you will be."
Ahhh . . . Fond memories . . . One of Banderas’s finest movies. Vladimir Kulich still crops up in movies, usually playing, “that big, badassed, Viking guy,” like in Ironclad, which is also awesome (the first one, NOT the sequels). And he even seems to be doing that when he’s in modern settings, like in The Equaliser, with Denzel Washington, looking (and behaving!) like a Viking in a suit! But, this was his most memorable, (dare I say, “moving?” Oh, go on. F’k it. Why not?) moving performance that I’ve seen him do. John McTiernan left the 1990’s with this (1999) after having reached the giddy heights of Die Hard, The Hunt For Red October and Predator, never to really reach so high ever again. Ah, the 90’s . . . Still the most Golden of Hollywood’s Golden Ages, in my humble opinion. Did I say, “humble?” I meant, “right.”
@@ashroskell Relative.
Great movie - hugely underrated just like MASTER AND COMMANDER
If you enjoyed Master and Commander the move, you should treat yourself to the novels on which it is based. The first is a bit of a slog, due to the overwhelming amount of period terminology, but once you “learn the ropes” you will be left with the greatest historical fiction stories ever commits to paper imho.
Master and Commander is one of the greatest movies ever made.
Thanks to the "Free" movies on TH-cam, I just watched M&C, and holy crap, I loved it. I could tell it was based on an intelligent novel, and I will definitely be checking out the book series. Crowe and Bettany were both superb.
@@myoptik3x103 Agreed, the novels don't play nice and throw you in the deep end but BOY do they pay off.
@@andrewconrad2859 In a just world there would be at least five Aubrey/Maturin movies out right now. But at least we got the one.
"I listened!"
That scene where he slowly learns the language in montage around the camp was masterfully done.
Achmad: " I thought you would be in the tower." -Edgho: "Yea - thats why I´m not in it." - loved that one too.
So many great lines in this film.
fun fact that dude is a doctor in Texas now
Just slight correction it is Ahmad
“The All-Father wove the skein of your life a long time ago. Go and hide in a hole if you wish, but you won't live one instant longer. Your fate is fixed. Fear profits a man nothing.” This line got me through too many very scary situations.
I’ve actually studied Vikings and that’s a pretty good summation of their warrior philosophy. Cowardice profited a man nothing because the time of your death was fixed, locked in an iron box or running naked across a battlefield wouldn’t gain or lose you an instant. They also had an “interesting” sense of humor.
Fear profits a man nothing
Wyrd often saves the undoomed man whose courage is good.
The vikings in 13th Warrior were the most cheerful fatalists you could imagine!
"fear is the mind killer" another quote that has served me well.
“Ouch!”
“That’s a woman’s sound.”
“Do that again and you’ll make it.”
This flick is right up there with Jaws as a movie I can always watch one more time, even if I just saw it. There’s not many like that.
I’ll drink to that!
"Do not...step in front of me." I would have watched a whole Viking-sniper movie just for that bowman. Love this movie. A taste of ancient days.
I loved the Buliwyf character in this movie. He was, imo, the true hero of the story. Here he was, poisoned and dying, but he knew that if they didn't kill the enemy leader this small village would be wiped out so he went out and with the last of his strength absolutely crushed him. Then got on his make-shift throne to die. What a badass.
Definitely a fucking legend if there ever was one.
You should read the poem of Beowulf if you haven't yet. He is even more badass than this movie. As an old man he goes to fight a dragon on his own because his warriors refuse.
Yeah, and that wasn’t just some stupid writing of “ ok he will do this, then this, and also this”. It was grounded. You could actually believe these characters would do what they did. The ending of fadlan leaving with the Vikings earned respect is just a really nicely earned ending. It feels real. Like a grand adventure brought down to earth, and made real. As if it were what a real person would have experienced in that era. I love this movie. None of Hollywood will likely ever produce something as real as it was again any time soon.
@@n.d.m.515 "Man, do I have to do _everything_ myself?!"
Ever since I saw him slam that sword into the ground and took his sit as the victor, the image has been burned into my mind forever. Truly a kingly way to go out.
"See to your friend, he was a brave man."
The delivery was so authentically sad, like he really didn't want to snuff out a brave young man simply to send a message.
This movie is one of my guilty pleasures.
"We will miss Angus tonight. We will miss his sword."
@@immortaljanus "As you said. Foolish. And expensive."
Guilty pleasure? There's no guilt involved loving this movie.
@@Skoora is there a way to give more likes ?...
@Trawler Kent What the fuck is there to feel guilty about?
This movie is an absolute hidden gem. I've loved it since childhood.
the book is worth a read.
Speaking of hidden gems, I don't know why the Drinker haven't reviewed Legionnaire with Jean Claude van Dame, an absolute classic, it left an everlasting impression on me since I was a child.
@@fernandorosales03 I know I'm late to the party, but how can you appreciate that garbage ??? JCvD came with a few other guys to visit (uninvited) the Legion's para regiment base 2 REP in Calvi, Corsica, to gather information and support and to get a general feeling about what it is to be a legionnaire. A sentinel was sent to the regimental commander's office to ask for permission of entry (when they showed up unannounced at the gate) and for permission to see the Colonel ... then the sentinel came back to inform them to "f off !!", never to bother again.
I know that story to be 100% true because I was that sentinel.
@@Vurt.451 Not too late, my friend, that's a crazy history hahaha. I love that movie since I was a child.
@@fernandorosales03 No worries, buddy ... we all have our hidden pleasures ;)
"Probably was some smoke-colored camp girl; looked like that one's mother!"
(hesitantly, but developing confidence) "My mother was a pure woman from a noble family, and I at least know who my father is you pig-eating son of a whore!"
One of the simplest and yet most badass exchanges I'd ever heard in a movie to date!
Today half the cinema will burst out in tears at such verbal violence
I came to post this...but I was beaten, by 5 months
How did you learn our language?
I listened!
One of the most important scenes is when Ahmad ibn Fadlan learns the language just by listening and the Viking King asks him to write something ('paint words') and then to imitate him the next morning - to show him that Vikings are capable of learning and not barbarians.
I love this movie, have seen it at least 12 times!
why not 13?
@@shaulkramer7425 could be ;)
Eban!
12, Damn, I Gotta Catch Up LOL!
That's why I liked Ragnar in "Vikings", he was a savage warrior at need, but he was also curious and imaginative.
My husband and I can never drink mead without exclaiming "Honey! It's made from Honey!" Among other references we regularly make from this film. One of the best.
This is another fantastic movie that absolutely DOES NOT need a modern remake!
I agree, but what about a sequel where Antonio Banderas goes on another quest where he ties in with another pseudo historical event? Or would that be too Indiana Jones and Kingdom of Crystal Skull?
I say that, as I always thought it lent itself to being a series of movies. I'll add that to the list of stuff I want, but won't happen. Like Robocop 3 remaining in the heads of the writer, so I can whine that there should have a been a trilogy!
Shhh bro
Wouldn't be a wise idea, anyways. They just don't make movies like this anymore.
No remake! I can't imagine it being any better.
Based on “Eaters of the Dead”. A really great novel. Read it if you want to fill in the story gaps.
I have been. Just need to actually get back to it. Love this movie.
I was going to mention the book. I love all of Crichton's novels and how he mixes in history and science into them.
Which he wrote on a dare when someone in one of his classes complained that Beowulf was a boring and irrelevant story in the 20th century.
I read it!
Thanks, gonna check it out
"there is a woman who was old when my grandmother was born, she is quite mad..."
"the perfect advisor"
Another "Drinker's Extra Shots' selection that has long been on my list of favorites
He seems to bring up damn near all of my favorite movies growing up, its unreal
+1 on that. Great movie and good review.
Amen. He's been hitting most of my favorite collection here lately as well.
Damn near every one of his 'extra shots' is on my top 10 list!
One of my late father's "go-to" movies.
Thank you for shining a light on this underrated gem.
I'm sorry about your father. Its true that this is a unrated treasure to be sure. Great film
@@codygriffin8256 Thank you.
Same!
Your dad had good taste!
@@kratosgow721 Thank you
I really cannot stress enough how good of a movie this is and how fun it is
The Banter between the Vikings and Antonio's character is so great.
So true. They give him a sword way too heavy for him. And when he complains. They just tell him to grow stronger... But in the end his is a brother to them. As he deserves to be.
"Only an Arab would bring..."
"A dog to war? I heard this the first time."
This movie is full of great quotes and memorable scenes. It has perfect casting and beautiful soundtrack. Easily one of two most rewatchable fantasy movies out there (together with original Conan the Barbarian).
"Watch where you throw that."
"You dig like a dog."
"Did you call me, a dog?"
"I said you dig like one. Flinging earth carelessly like an animal."
"So now im, an animal."
"... Youre not listening."
"Im deaf?!"
"Youre a fool little man."
"That is because boy, your words, are feeble, and twisted as an old womans!"
"This old woman will send you to the next world old man!"
Agreed...
Totally agree. Watched It at least 8 times. And gonna watch much more
Name checks out :D
Agree, I have seen it maybe 10 or more times over the years. Its fun not to serious and Shot before People ruined films with Over the top Casting and writing.
The marketing for this made it look like it was going to be a complete pile. Ended up being one of my all time favorites.
I picked up a copy years ago on whim and was really surprised. McTiernan and Crichton are the kind of guys that make directing and writing look easy...and fun!
When I got out of the marines I moved in with my best friend and me and him were obsessed with this movie. We used to drink our hearts out when we watched it being drunk and in our barracks rooms. When we played it again with some of his high school friends they also shut the fuck up when the movie was playing. It was like the super bowl or some meaningful event on TV. whether you served in the military or not men who knew this movie, it sang a certain song to our hearts. Something we all knew was missing in our lives but none of us could put to words. Some movies have this affect on men whether you realize it or not. 13th warrior to me is better than starship troopers and I'm obsessed with that movie as well. BORN TOO LATE I guess but I'm glad to have seen this
"I rather prefer a dragon..."
Such a great movie
Aah... trolling in the old day's!...really a great movie!
A truly underrated movie.
I really wish we could get a 4k hdr re-release
"Step closer Bulwyne... Closer..."
"You know me?"
"Oh I have ears, warrior says the wind, chieftain says the rain, but why seek you me? Met you your match? Met you your match with the eaters of the dead!?"
Awesome film, another one of those cult classics that while not a big earner at the box office has gathered a loyal cohort of fans over the years since its release. I especially like how they took the story of Beowulf and retold it in a modern way with some great action and lots of quotable lines and humour to keep it interesting. Plus the sound track is awesome. A much maligned film but one of my favourites, up there with Last of the Mohicans.
"It's a small matter". Best badass line ever.
I'm glad to see The 13th Warrior get the proper "Drinker Treatment". It's one of the few movies with near-infinite re-watchability (for me, anyway). The studio may have torpedoed the marketing for it, but having Will Jordan extolling its virtues is BETTER, even if it is over 20 years too late. Keep 'em coming, Drinker!
I've always enjoyed this movie.
I enjoyed the movie when it first came out. It is part of my dvd collection. It is right there with "300" on movies about men teaching other men how to men.
@@superdave8248 scent of a woman and finding forester. Not action but both great movies
"If you die, can I give that to my daughter?"
The movie takes time to let the characters personalities come from their actions, especially fascinating as it comes from an outsider. That scene where he slowly learns their language is beautiful because we as the audience get to understand these characters without being "told."
@@somebody700 And to think, critics didn't see any character development. This was some of the best character development I've ever seen. Coming from the perspective of someone not the hero, made you feel like you were there, and not just watching a movie. It created immersion. The movie didn't get the recognition it deserves.
One of my all-time favourites. I love how there's no clear-cut hero, that it's the dynamic of the band of warriors that creates their strength. Buliwyf has a clear-cut hero's journey to carve his name in legend, Herger the Joyous is deuteragonist to Ahmed and just about the biggest reason he lives to tell the tale, Edgtho the Silent doesn't even need the attention, he's too busy being a fucking ninja, and then there's Weath...
"Go on, make it worse. Now it's gonna rain lol."
"Can you draw sounds?"
"Yes, I can draw sounds... and I can speak them back."
Kind of a booboo that one as Vikings were far from illiterate, also when they call his Arabian horse a dog when Arabian horses are in reality larger than Scandinavian ones. Just a bit of nit picking though its a awesome movie.
@@raclark2730 The armour too is dodgy as well. We know what Vikings looked like, both from archeology and illuminated manuscripts - medieval monks drew what the saw - so why they have to screw around with the look is beyond me. Still, the rest of the set design was good and the story and characters brilliant so I can overlook these booboo's,
@@raclark2730 I think it was more that Beowulf hoped that Ahmad would write down his history and deeds.
He asked him to confirm that the really could read and write in a more wide spread language than his
@@richardarcher7177 Thats because common knowledge about anything medival was almost non existent safe for with historians.
As at that time movie makers where still spreading most of the common still active today misconception and flat out lies about anything medival or ancient history related really.
E.g all peasants wearing only brown broken cloths
everybody is filthy,
constructions are shoddy at the best of times with basically everything being made out of raw wood
etc
@@powerflumi Indeed good point.
Criminally underrated movie. I love how they recreated an ancient semi-germanic language for it. I can speak german and english both pretty well and you can hear so many influences of both. It's great. I don't even care how accurate it is, it just sounds right.
It's Old Norse, the father language of Danish, Swedish, Norwegian and Icelandic.
@@alek3974 I am quite sure it is just Norwegian.
It is from memory but i know the boy is speaking norwegian and there is other actors that speak norwegian also, and there is some that speak a mangeled english norwegian thing.
Also Herger is a Norwegian actor called Dennis Storhøi.
And i say this because i understand every word they say as i am norwegian.
@@havtor007 The boy was speaking Norwegian, probably because he was just some kid actor they got in and it was easy. There's also Danish and proper Old Norse thrown in there. As someone who's from Varyag stock and knows a few poems, it's easy to make out, but it should be for just about any Swe-Nor-Den person. Our languages have so much intercomprehensibility with each other that we can often talk to each other all at once without having to swap out of our mother tongue.
@@havtor007 Really? I feel silly now. I meant mostly the scene where the old lady is calling for 13 warriors. Phrases like "Der andere Mann" for "the second man" stuck out to me and sound very German, while other parts of what she said sounded very english. In both cases with weird pronounciation which made me believe it was a recreation of an old language. Maybe Norse like Alek said. Whatever... it sounds good and it's nice that you could actually kind of understand what she was saying.
So many great lines.
“I am not a warrior”
“Very soon you will be”
"give an Arab a sword and he makes a knife." "When you die can I give that to me daughter?"🤣🤣🤣🤣
I've always liked this movie.
One of my favorite movies. "It's too heavy. I can't lift this."
"Then grow stronger!"
True sigma grindset #vikingiollionare
"The 13th Warrior" may be underrated, but I think it a left subtler impression on pop culture than folks may think; the popular wording of the funeral prayer ("Lo there do I see my father") originates from this movie/book, if I recall correctly. Also, "It's made from honey!" is probably one of the least expected things to hear after a hard-won battle.
There was a lot of fuss about how everyone involved having a bad time making it along with somewhat unfair shake with the critics.
For the end result though as us the viewers, its a damn fine show with just an awesome cast and script that carried it through some otherwise dull spots
@@krissteel4074 Amen. It manages to navigate a fine thread through action/adventure and fantasy with some horror elements; it does all this without leaning hard on gore for shock value or grinding the pace to a halt to focus on a generic piece of eye candy, all the while providing a gritty retelling if not somewhat anachronistic origin of the Beowulf mythology. The character interactions are meaningful and the lighter moments are funny and natural.
This movie is so underrated. It's honestly one of my favorite movies of all time. I think I saw it like 3 times in theater when I was a teen and I own it and still watch it fairly often.
You could shake hands with my brother, he watched this movie several times a week for years :D
I read the book on a plane to Alaska, just before the movie was released. Loved the book. Saw it in the theater. Loved the movie. I've owned it on DVD since 1999 or 2000. I watch it probably yearly.
Watched this move with my Advanced Dungeons and Dragons group when it came out in the cinema. Great experience.
Made Role Playing even better afterwards.
This is definitely a good one, an underrated gem that seems to improve with age. Excellent production design, a real gritty and brutal immersive action-packed atmosphere, and another stirring Jerry Goldsmith score!
I'm a big fan, always have been. I am starting to wonder if movies like this, where people now look back on as better than they initially thought is a direct result of the absolute ass Hollywood is turning out to where a sub par 80's movie is in comparison, pretty damn good.
@@theblackflame4002 This isn't an 80's movie...
Antonio Banderas: Maybe I shouldn't go north with a bunch of huge barbarians whose language is incomprehensible to me...
Omar Sharif: Nah, it'll be fine.
Vikings at the end of the movie: "Go away now"
Omar Sharif make any film better.
@@thomaspreston3618 yeap! Great presence.
In the book one spoke a bit of Greek. Dude never learned Norse.
"as believable as a lost army of cannablisitic cavemen dressed as bears can be"... Drinker, I'm sure you've been to Dundee before, that's believable.
The only unbelieveable part is the number of horses they have. It is too expensive/much effort to keep them all year round.
@@Muck006 it’s possible they got them from raids and would be good food in the winter
"Missing person in Amazon" is one of the most common sentences you will ever about the region, in my country....
We suspect that they go missing in the mouth of some isolated tribes....
Hey, my Scottish ancestry was from Dundee!
Ahh, one speaks of the Kirkton tribe
The best Antonio Banderas movie and it doesn't stray too far from the book.
I really liked the actors they picked for the 13 warriors. All were very likable and charismatic.
"Well, did she finish you off, or bring you back to life?"
With Viking women that could go either way.
"A gentleman doesn't discuss such things."
Only if you're weak.
both!!!
I loved the scene where ibn Fadlan, whom the Vikings have been making fun of, takes his lovely Arabian horse over a series of obstacles, showing an agility and a level of horsemanship that their horses and they couldn’t hope to match. Also, the book on which this movie is based, “Eaters of the Dead” by Michael Crichton, is excellent and is based on ibn Fadlan’s own account. And Antonio Banderas, what can one say-he’s played some great roles and done them well.
"The dog can jump."
I really enjoyed the book too!
"Where did you learn our language? I LISTENED!" Absolute boss right there... such a great movie.
Easily the most boss part of the movie
The movie was fun, but stupid scenes like this made it almost cringe worthy.
How long did they travel that he had time to learn their language - 5-10 years?
@@Astuga you have a totally 100℅ valid point, but that is what makes it so badass. He would of needed at least 6 months in real life and be very smart
@@Astuga some people when submerged in a new language can become fluent in weeks/months. And trolls will troll.
"My mother was a noble woman, and at least I know who my father was, you son of a dog!"
This is one of my favourite chill movies, once or twice a year, when I bored and just want to chill and watch a good movie this is the one I put on.
Finally the Scotsman talks about this masterpiece.
Fitting since the Gaelic lands were once ruled by the Norse.
One of the greatest underappreciated movies of all time. A typical Chrichton novel turned into a seriously badass action movie, the kind that Timeline wished it could be on it's best day. More quoteable lines then Conan the Barbarian, and just one hell of a lot of fun. Good pick, Drinker!
The novel for Timeline was so much better than the movie. Lots of clever bits they didn’t have time to place into the movie.
@@sethralavode9012 True, but it still wasn't a great book, it just felt like it was written to be a screenplay rather then a story. Sure enough some years later....but yeah still far better then the movie it spawned.
I used to rewatch this movie a lot as a kid.
@@slayking2378 Heh, didn't we all!
No srsly, didn't we all? Dammit the only other movies I re-watched as much as this as a kid were Star Wars (IV), Conan the Barbarian, K-19 The Widowmaker, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Highlander.
Im taking credit for this one :) I recommended it a while back on his threads. Hopefully soon comes Spy game! :)
"If they don't follow us we'll know it's too far to swim!" God I love that movie!!!
I loved The 13th Warrior. My favorite character was Herger. Somehow, throughout the entire film, you always knew he was going to survive. His humor and epic fighting played a major roll in my fandom.
Wish we could have that mythical "Directors Cut" of this film. Always loved this movie
"You couldn't keep a cow out of here". Always loved that line, delivered as the Norsemen were evaluating the defenses of the camp they were tasked to save. This movie is a favorite of mine.
"How do you speak our language"
"I listened"
King Beowulf: "Hmm. That's how I learned the language of the Dov from the Graybeards." (same actor as Ulfric Stormcloak, you know)
I love this film. It's not even a 'guilty pleaseyure', it's a straight up great film. Great Jerry Goldsmith score, great action, great fun characters, and the sequence with the fire worm is fantastic.
I fucking love this film, watched it so many times growing up
When I heard that "Eaters of the Dead" was going to be made into a movie, I was pretty excited. The movie is different from the book, but the divergence is one of the few times that both got it right.
My favorite parts of the book are and movie are too many to mention, but three from the book always come to mind.
First is when Michael Crichton explained that he would write in Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan's style. The first third of the book was a copy of Fahdlan's manuscript, and the rest was Crichton's story. I figured that I'd automatically pick up on the transition, especially because I knew when it would happen. I was wrong. I was about two or three chapters beyond the transition when I realized I'd missed it. Changing his writing style to fit another's, and still writing compellingly is, in my opinion, one of Crichton's most impressive feats.
Crichton incorporating two diverse cultures while letting them stand on there own was impressive enough (John McTiernan and Crichton doing this in the movie was just as astounding.), but bringing a third group into the mix while making that third group just as relatable is beyond compare.
Neanderthals. The Wendel were neanderthals. Not only deciding to write a book about an apex predator that was hunting the predator that replaced it, but tying that into history and actual scientific research was astounding. There have been many research papers on neanderthals dying out later than most thought with the northern extremes of Eurasia being the places of the newest neanderthal bones being found-as late as 1200 AD.
And lastly, combining history and current scientific research with a unique story has always been Crichton's forte, but, for me, this was his zenith.
Thanks for posting this movie review.
Where did you read about neanderthal bones as late as 1200 AD?
@@peterembranch5797 I'm trying to find the paper. I thought that it came out around 1994 or '95.
I was wrong. I just looked up some information, and realized I was off by 20 years.
I went to college a few years after getting out of the Air Force. When speaking with a biology teacher, I noticed his copy of "Eaters of the Dead". He told me about the theory of neanderthals living into the second millennium. I read his copy of the paper, and was intrigued. I took his class in '97, and assumed, I now know wrongly, that it was a recent paper.
I'll still look for that paper, so I can research counter-findings, and if/how it was disproved. When I do, I'll send you a link.
Of course that paper dealt with a "pure" strain of neanderthals. Since then we've seen many countervailing papers. Most of the ones that I read dealt with neanderthals dying out because they interbred with homo sapiens-creating homo sapiens sapiens or other human strains that eventually died out-or neanderthals dying out at times before or after what is generally accepted.
One thing about Michael Crichton that was interesting as well as infuriating was how he'd take one research paper and expand upon the idea in as entertaining way.
Sometimes I wish that I was one of those "I read a paper once, so you have to believe me" guys, but I'm not. I can't hide from truth; it leads me to research that strengthens my statement, or nullifies it. This case is probably the latter, but I hope to find out the progress of this argument, no matter the outcome.
I'll end my rambling to your question, and start my research now. At least you'll keep me occupied for the foreseeable future. Not sure if I should thank or curse you.
The best thing the movie accomplished was depicting the camaraderie of the Vikings and Fadlan. Herger and Fadlan especially.
2021: Intelligent, capable men in a movie? No no no, we can't have that.
And intelligent, practical women aiding their community and warriors in both leadership and support roles? Even making hard decisions like not letting the children be taken by the Wendol to be eaten should the worst happen? Unthinkable!
@@613harbinger316 Queen Weilew was actually in charge of whatever left from the kingdom, from informing and correcting about situation to defense planning. She too was also present in the battle, albeit in the background.
Mmmh, maybe we could have them. What are really scarce are good writers...
Toeing the party line - whichever may it be - way too tight is the standard trick of the mediocre shill.
One of the most underrated movies ever. I find myself always telling people about this one. And I guess it's over a decade later and I'm still finding myself doing it haha
The book it's based on, Eaters of the Dead, is a great read.
Yeah really fleshes out the story. Something tells me that had there been fewer reshoots we would have gotten that actual story.
Michael Crichton baby
Great book. Gotta find it and reread it again.
More interesting read, and far more provocative title.
Honestly I found it boring. I saw the movie first, so maybe I was expecting more to happen.
“What do I do with this???”
“YOU PUT YOUR FOOT ON IT. AND STAND.”
Please read the instruction manual before skewering the enemy...
That gives me chills :)
I really enjoy seeing how the Drinker is slowly bringing up one by one the list of my favorite Hollywood sleeping gems.
Have loved this movie since childhood. Still holds up💪😎
the Viking prayer at the end is perfect and the J.Goldsmith soundtrack is even more perfect. The score was also reused in the director's cut of "Kingdom of heaven".
My dad and twin brothers favorite film. I remember rewatching this over and over in my childhood. It doesn’t ever get any love but it should. It’s a classic.
I always had a soft spot for this movie. Favorite scene?
When Ahmed instructs the smith to remake his sword into a scimitar, then demonstrating how much easier it is to handle... only for the viking to go like: "Give an arab a sword, he'll make a knife out of it."
And the madlad who adds: "When you die, can I give it to my daughter?"
"Can I give that do me daughter?"
@@immortaljanus Oh, you're right. Memory failing.
It's ironic how in the end scimitars won against "swords" if we take the Varangian Guard (Norsemen) and the Turks (who probably used scimitars).
me, I would have given them back the sword and had the metal worker make me a spear... maybe two so I have a spare.
Lindybeige convinced me that a spear is a superior weapon to a sword in some situations... and this would be one of them.
@@MrlspPrt I think there was a lot of gunpowder involved when Constantinople fell.
Also the Varangian Guard's iconic weapon was a two-handed axe.
Cult classic, infinitely rewatchable, and one of the most quotable movies of all time
Always thought this was a much cooler movie that everyone gave it credit for. Took me years to realize this was based on Crichton's "Eaters Of The Dead", which I had sitting on my bookshelf for years. McTiernan is a great director, and Crichton's story is very intriguing.
The movie was originally titled that as well. They even released a teaser trailer with that title. I know I worked as a projectionist at a movie theatre at the time and saw it.
Which was based of the epic poem Beowulf. The Wendel=Grendel, The Witch=Grendel's Mother and The "Fire Serpent=The Dragon. My favorite translation of it was the Burton Raffel version. I remember seeing the cover of it in high school, thinking it looked stupid. Then when we finally read it, I loved it. It's my favorite book. Highly Recommend! 😀
Cant think of a better action-adventure film than “The 13th Warrior”. It knows exactly what it is, and who it’s for, and maximizes every aspect with those things firmly in mind.
I love how Achmed can't even understand the Norsemen at first. He has to piece together their language over their time traveling from Iraq. They even have a scene devoted to this, and it's honestly pretty great. This really one of my favorite lesser known films. I haven't seen it in so long, I think I'll go ahead and rewatch it. Great stuff Drinker. Cheers.
McTiernan loved playing around with language. Fadlan figuring out the viking speech is a great scene and draws heavily from the one in Hunt for Red October where Sean Connery transitions from Russian to English during a zoom in sequence, only to revert to language barriers later when the Americans come aboard.
This is one of my favorite movies of all time.
It's far from perfect, there is the odd scene that doesn't quite make sense, or sub plots that don't really go anywhere, but these don't go as far as annoying me.
The greatness of this film is mainly down to it's atmosphere. I love the fear and confusion shown by the northmen on discovering who the adversary is, the scene in the cave is amazing...it's just a great blend of action, horror and some comedy.
I can't believe so many reviewers disliked this film. As I said before, it's not perfect, but (like many 90s films) it's just great fun and really entertaining.