The 13th Warrior

The 13th Warrior

However, it is the recent podcast by Megan and Kristin on the topic of historical fiction films that reminded me of a movie that generally tends to be appreciated by its viewers if they ever get around to watching it. When asked in a not so serious poll on Facebook, respondents (my circle of friends) were evenly split with about half of them claiming to have seen it.

A voice message to people who like this flick: During each and every discussion that I’ve had with these viewers, they all unreservedly praise the film. Then why is it so popular when half the people I know still haven’t had the pleasure of watching it? Is it a rumor with all false evidence? The answer is relatively straightforward, yet very puzzling.

The 13th Warrior (1999), also known as Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan, focuses on an ambassador as played by the actor Antonio Banderas, who is sent by his homeland in Baghdad to Tossuk Vlad under the direction of the president. Although he engages with Northmen, the story’s action follows him as someone on a quest. He is tested in the North where he faces a clouded and violent horror. It is a test of his endurance and will. In the end he tone that leaves around a changed and more courageous man.

The inspiration for this film can be traced back to the historical figure Ahmad ibn Fadlan. The film is based on the Michael Crichton authored novel Eaters of the Dead which depicts fictional tales surrounding Ahmed ibn Fadlan’s legendary voyage through the Scandinavian world in the 10th century.

Though I have not read his book, it would be difficult for me to assess the cinema version’s truthfulness as compared to the written version. But there exists in history such an interesting narrative for writers or filmmakers. An Islamic man from the desert travels by vessel into the North and settles among the Pagans. Will he be adapted to such counter-parts’ civilization and climate? And the fact that his life has such a background makes the story even more fascinating. It is a hero’s journey and he, indeed, finds himself in the process.

The engagement of Banderas in the film might surprise the viewer at first. It is understandable that the studio wanted to sell. But it is probably one of Banderas’ best acting performances in any of his films. He plays the character well and succeeds in appearing to be an alien from Medieval period. Also pleasing is the appearance of Omar Sharif in a minor role at the beginning of this film.

He is effective in a limited amount of footage because he has the authority to lend plausibility to what appears to be a far-fetched narrative on paper. In general, there are no great masterpieces or any phenomenal aspects of the film. No great acting or tremendous use of lighting. On the contrary, it is a splendid film and only illustrates what can be achieved with an interesting plot, as opposed to some striving to be out of the ordinary in visual storytelling.

Hence we pose the question again, why does it seem to be such an averagely accepted film? What is its USP? And the last one is not answered as easily, probably leading into our core part of the discussion. The film, without a doubt, is in the historical fiction category. Fictional stories are basically invented but, in this case, they are patterned around real life events or real people or places.

We’ve previously agreed that The 13th Warrior is based on real events. However, The 13th Warrior is a perfect case of a cult flick, a sub-genre. Just to put it in kind of an easier way, a cult classic is a film that is not widely known but is adored by certain audiences. A good cult classic is Firefly (2002), or Shaun of the Dead (2004), okay the later has gone further into the franchises of spoofing themselves years down the line, but still.

In an extreme sense, these classic films were not backed well by the full force of a production/advertising budget or under performed in the box office. The 13th Warrior only recovered about 40% of its production costs in ticket sales. Yet it continues to be loved by the people.

Expectations are not missed on The 13th Warrior as it goes through the trope of genre mix specialists. They have waited this long so the audience understands that here begins the hero’s journey, and the history has been established, and then background elements of the horror genre come into play. The audience is now left to wonder if any one of the 13 warriors is going to stand up and be counted against the overpowering evil luring them on their journey.

The blending of genres allows the audience to become more absorbed within the narrative while also appealing to fans of different film styles. Therefore, this is the achievement of The 13th Warrior. The notion of genre is not one that is monolithic. There is a fluidity; they rub against each other and within them, it is impossible to impose clear boundaries. The more intertwined they are, the more the audience is intrigued by the story. Hence, the case in point is The 13th Warrior: it is a story which offers to the viewer areas that can appeal to anyone.

For more movies Visit Gomovies.