By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
When it was released in 1999, the historical action film The 13th Warrior, starring Antonio Banderas as an Arab warrior, was a major box office failure. However, in the years since, it has gained a new appreciation, particularly among Muslim audiences.
Marking its 25th anniversary in the U.S., The 13th Warrior had all the ingredients of a Hollywood hit. It featured Antonio Banderas, a major star, was directed by John McTiernan, the action filmmaker behind Predator and Die Hard, and was based on Michael Crichton’s novel Eaters of the Dead, itself inspired by the classic Beowulf. The film tells the story of Ahmad ibn Fadlan, a 10th century Arab diplomat who, after being exiled from Baghdad, reluctantly joins a band of Vikings on a mission to combat a mysterious evil.
Despite this promising setup, the movie was both a critical and commercial disappointment. Costly reshoots, triggered by poor test screening responses, pushed the budget beyond $100 million (£76.2m), but it only grossed $61.7 million (£47m) worldwide. Critics like Roger Ebert panned the film, with Ebert rating it 1.5 out of 5 stars and commenting that the film "displays a lot of cash on the screen, but little thought." He criticized the movie for its overwhelming action scenes that obscured the story.
Despite fading from the public eye, The 13th Warrior has since developed a cult following, especially among Muslims who appreciate its portrayal of a positive Muslim protagonist. Hollywood has often been criticized for its negative and stereotypical portrayals of Muslims, so finding a film with a nuanced Muslim hero is rare. This makes The 13th Warrior a unique and important, though complicated, film in Hollywood's history of representing Muslims.
Dr. Reza Aslan, a bestselling author and TV producer, notes that the film’s poor performance likely discouraged Hollywood from making movies centered on Muslim protagonists for a time, especially in the wake of 9/11, when Muslims were increasingly depicted as antagonists in film.
The story of The 13th Warrior originates from Michael Crichton’s fascination with Beowulf and his discovery of the real life Ahmad ibn Fadlan’s manuscript, the first known outsider's account of Viking culture. Crichton was so captivated by ibn Fadlan’s writings that he made him the protagonist of his novel.
Warren Lewis, one of the film’s screenwriters, recalls that when adapting the book for the screen, it was clear that the character’s Islamic faith would play a significant role. The filmmakers worked hard to present Ahmad ibn Fadlan in a respectful manner, a departure from earlier, more comedic portrayals of the character.
Antonio Banderas’ portrayal of Ahmad ibn Fadlan is marked by quiet dignity. Although initially a fish out of water among the Vikings, Ahmad is not ridiculed but rather given moments to demonstrate his intelligence and courage. For instance, when mocked for the size of his horse, Ahmad impresses the Vikings with his riding skills. When handed a sword too heavy for him, he modifies it into a scimitar, showing his ingenuity.
One notable scene is when Ahmad writes the Muslim declaration of faith, “There is no God but Allah and Mohammad is his Prophet,” in Arabic. This moment stands out for its positive portrayal of Islam, free from any negative connotations. The film also subverts typical Hollywood tropes by presenting Ahmad as a learned, civilized man in contrast to the barbaric Vikings, which is a reversal of the usual narrative that centers Western superiority.
However, the film is not without its flaws. It perpetuates the trope of masculine violence, suggesting that Ahmad must prove his manhood by adopting the warrior culture of the Vikings. Additionally, while the film was groundbreaking for its time, it lacks authenticity, as it was created entirely by non-Muslims and cast a Spanish actor in the role of an Arab character. Dr. Aslan points out that if the film were made today, there would likely be greater emphasis on cultural authenticity, with Muslim creators involved in the project.
Though The 13th Warrior is not a perfect film, it remains an entertaining watch with a compelling story, impressive sets, and intense action. Some believe that if it were made today, it might achieve the success it initially sought, appealing to a broad audience much like Pirates of the Caribbean did.
