S3 Ep.8 "You Dig Like a Dog" The 13th Warrior

Welcome, adventurers, to another episode of our podcast! Today, we’re donning our furs, sharpening our swords, and braving the icy winds of the North as we follow a band of fearless Vikings—and one very out-of-place Arab emissary—on a quest to save a besieged Nordic kingdom. That’s right, we’re diving into the 1999 epic, The 13th Warrior. Inspired by the legendary tale of Beowulf and the real-life account of Ahmad Ibn Fahdlan, this film promised adventure, danger, action, and even a dash of humor. Despite a star turn from Antonio Banderas, it famously flopped at the box office. But does it deserve its frosty reputation? Let’s find out.

We kick things off by exploring the film’s unique blend of myth and history. The 13th Warrior brings together the grandeur of Norse legend and the outsider’s perspective of Ibn Fahdlan, played by Banderas. The movie delivers on atmosphere—misty forests, roaring fires, and brutal battles. The camaraderie among the Vikings is palpable, and the sense of mystery surrounding the enemy keeps the tension high. But does the film’s epic scope make up for its narrative stumbles? We debate the highs and lows, from the thrilling set pieces to the sometimes muddled storytelling.

I Coulda Done Without That
In this segment, we each pick something that didn’t quite work for us. Was it the occasionally clunky dialogue? The abrupt pacing? Or maybe the way some characters seemed to blend together? We share our “coulda done without” moments and discuss how they affected our enjoyment of the film.

Academy of Popped
Time to hand out some awards! Who brought their A-game, and who left us cold? We nominate our picks for best and worst performances. Did Banderas rise to the challenge, or did a Viking warrior steal the show? And who, unfortunately, just didn’t fit in with the rest of the cast? Our Academy of Popped has the answers.

Yeah, I Know That Dude
In this spotlight segment, we focus on a particular actor from the film. Maybe it’s Omar Sharif in a memorable supporting role, or perhaps one of the Viking warriors who’s popped up in other movies or TV shows. We dig into their careers and share some fun facts you might not know.

Trivia
Did you know The 13th Warrior was one of the most expensive movies ever made at the time? Or that it went through extensive reshoots and rewrites? We share behind-the-scenes tidbits, production woes, and surprising facts that add new layers to the film’s legacy.

Let’s Get to Poppin’
It’s time for our final verdict! We each rate The 13th Warrior using our signature “Pops” system. Does it deserve a second chance, or is it best left buried in the snow? Tune in to hear our scores and final thoughts.

Thanks for joining us on this wild ride through the frozen North! Whether you’re a fan of epic tales, historical adventures, or just love a good underdog story, The 13th Warrior has something for everyone. Grab your sword and board, and we’ll see you next time for another cinematic adventure. Until then, keep your shields up and your popcorn ready!

Music:

Vikings
SergePavkinMusic

Awards Ceremony Nomination - Heroic Adventure Epic Cinematic
SoundGalleryByDmitryTaras

Freyja - Viking Nordic Background Music
OB-LIX

A Dawn Of Glory
ROVADOR 

Fun Disco
Musictown

French Jazz Music
William King