The 13th Warrior”: A cinema flop is making a comeback on the screen!

The 13th Warrior”: A cinema flop is making a comeback on the screen!

“The 13th Warrior,” a historical action film directed by John McTiernan, premieres tonight at 8:15 p.m. on Nitro with a repeat at 12:10 a.m. The film, based on Michael Crichton's novel Those Who Eat Their Dead, tells the story of protagonist Ahmad Ibn Fadlān, played by Antonio Banderas. The story takes place in 922 AD and focuses on cultures, power and survival in a harsh world.

The film is considered a loose adaptation of the epic “Beowulf” and the travelogue by Ahmad Ibn Fadlān. The story begins with Ahmad, disgraced after a diplomatic mishap, being sent to contact Vikings. They are led by Buliwyf (Vladimir Kulich), who recruits him as the 13th warrior needed to free a settlement from a monster. Despite his hesitation, an unexpected bond grows between Ahmad and the Vikings.

Criticism and reception

When released in 1999, reviews were largely negative, with box office earnings of just $61 million, earning the film the title of biggest commercial flop of the year. Production costs were estimated at $100 million to $160 million, resulting in a loss of up to $129 million. Nevertheless, the film has developed a loyal fan base who appreciate it for its unique characters and portrayal of a Muslim hero in Hollywood. Positive reviews from users highlight the atmosphere and the background music.

Jerry Goldsmith's film, which cut a combination of Nordic and oriental sounds, reportedly contributed to its positive reception among followers. Goldsmith's score originally replaced Graeme Revell's composition after the project was recut following initial test screenings with poor response. Although “The 13th Warrior” flopped in the summer of 1999, it has gained a lasting cult following.

The director in focus

John McTiernan, known for action classics such as "Die Hard" and "Predator", faced various challenges while filming "The 13th Warrior", especially when working with actors and producers. These difficulties culminated in his legal career, which ended with his arrest in 2006 for making false statements to the FBI. McTiernan was sentenced to a year in prison in 2010 and has not made any feature films since 2017, only one commercial.

It currently remains unclear whether McTiernan will return to the film business. However, this film's decades-long influence on the cinematic landscape remains undisputed, especially given the ethical complexities it addresses within Hollywood narratives surrounding the portrayal of non-Western heroes.

In summary, despite its initial failures, The 13th Warrior left a lasting impression. The film, based on dramatic and mystical elements, is now not only a cult classic, but also an important contribution to diversity in Hollywood.

For more information about the film and its broadcast, visit Film releases and Wikipedia.