The 13th Warrior: Why This John McTiernan Film Leaves Fans Divided

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#7 in my Ranking of John McTiernan films.

It’s challenging to distinguish your main character from your protagonist in a story, but The 13th Warrior gives it a try, though I feel it doesn’t quite hit the mark. While the movie has technical finesse and some impressive individual scenes, as well as clear directorial skill, the overall narrative falls short of being captivating.

The story’s structure is unconventional, as it swiftly moves from Baghdad to Viking lands, passing through various stages: a perilous road journey, an encounter with Vikings, the revelation of a looming threat they must confront, and Ahmad, our protagonist, being inducted into their ranks as the thirteenth warrior. The scene that stands out most is when the old seer proclaims to the tribe that the thirteenth warrior is foreign (Ahmad being the only foreign fighter among them), followed immediately by a sudden transition to him preparing his horse for departure with the group, without any time for second thoughts or hesitation. It seems as though he’s been integrated into their group effortlessly.

The upcoming significant emotional barrier arises when the band of thirteen warriors successfully navigates the water to encounter Hrothgar and his hall. There’s no effort made to engage or empathize with the terrified villagers who are victims of the Wendol’s terror. Instead, we witness some unclear palace politics that lead to a fight between two insignificant characters. However, Ahmad manages to spend some personal moments with a young, appealing village woman, but their interaction lacks depth due to her brief appearance and minimal introduction.

The film excels when it focuses on the meticulous examination of evidence leading to the Wendol, a horde of man-like bears who terrorize the village by killing and consuming their victims. A notable instance is when Ahmad and his companions discover a looted farmstead, with the camera subtly guiding us as it tracks Ahmad’s exploration within and around the premises. This scene proves particularly impactful due to its understated intensity. (Inspired by Eaters of the Dead, naturally.)

The overall action seems mysterious yet decisive, but it’s mostly impersonal because only a handful of the thirteen warriors stand out. Ahmad, Herger, and the leader Buliwyf are the ones who truly leave an impact; the rest seem to blend into the backdrop, like a faint melody. As the action unfolds, more and more of these background figures fade away, leaving one with a sense that not much is being missed.

In this story, Ahmad serves as the central figure, or main character, but it’s Buliwyf who takes on the role of the protagonist. While we follow Ahmad throughout the narrative, it’s Buliwyf who makes the significant decisions that guide the group and controls the major strategic moves. The climactic battle is deeply tied to Buliwyf emotionally, not Ahmad. Despite this, our perspective remains with Ahmad, observing as a follower of those around him. A good example of this dynamic can be seen when Ahmad unexpectedly joins the other twelve on their journey. Unlike the others, he shows no personal initiative; his actions are more about blending in rather than taking charge. While Ahmad’s actions may range from clever to amusing, they don’t serve as the driving force behind the story. Instead, these humorous moments often feel like mere diversions.

In conclusion, there’s much debate about who actually made the movie. Based on what I’ve learned, John McTiernan and Michael Crichton, the director and writer/producer respectively, had significant disagreements during filming. After a disappointing test showing, McTiernan reportedly left the project (he was apparently busy with The Thomas Crown Affair which came out before The 13th Warrior), and it was Crichton who took over directing the major reshoots. So, one might ask, whose movie is this? Although McTiernan’s name appears as director, the production seems to have been heavily influenced by both parties, suggesting a shared authorship.

I find myself quite ambivalent about this movie. On one hand, it has some impressive technical aspects that are commendable. However, there’s an issue with emotional detachment due to certain storyline decisions that don’t quite gel. The remake of Eaters of the Dead, a creative reinterpretation of Beowulf, could have been more captivating and enjoyable than it turned out to be. It’s neither a catastrophe nor a triumph.

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2025-01-30 00:30