Director: Sturla Gunnarsson
Writers:
Andrew Rai Berzins, Anonymous (epic poem "Beowulf")
The blood-soaked tale of a Norse warrior's battle against the great and murderous troll, Grendel. Heads will roll. Out of allegiance to the King Hrothgar, the much respected Lord of the Danes, Beowulf leads a troop of warriors across the sea to rid a village of the marauding monster. The monster, Grendel, is not a creature of mythic powers, but one of flesh and blood - immense flesh and raging blood, driven by a vengeance from being wronged, while Beowulf, a victorious soldier in his own right, has become increasingly troubled by the hero-myth rising up around his exploits. Beowulf's willingness to kill on behalf of Hrothgar wavers when it becomes clear that the King is more responsible for the troll's rampages than was first apparent. As a soldier, Beowulf is unaccustomed to hesitating. His relationship with the mesmerizing witch, Selma, creates deeper confusion. Swinging his sword at a great, stinking beast is no longer such a simple act. The story is set in barbarous Northern Europe where the reign of the many-gods is giving way to one - the southern invader, Christ. Beowulf is a man caught between sides in this great shift, his simple code transforming and falling apart before his eyes. Vengeance, loyalty and mercy powerfully entwine. A story of blood and beer and sweat, which strips away the mask of the hero-myth, leaving a raw and tangled tale.
I've never been a big fan of Beowulf adaptations. This one is really no different for me. This is not a bad movie, I just found it kind of boring. The story has some changes for this adaptation, but overall it's the same. Beowulf comes to save the day from Grendel....
There is really not a lot of action here. There's a lot of possible action, but it never seems to come to fruition. Grendel basically demolishes everyone and then demolishes himself.
The acting, of course, is great with the likes of butler and Skarsgard. Also, it's nice to see "The Hound" himself in Rory McCann. Sarah Polley is fine, but shows little emotion through the film. One thing that bugged me was that everyone seemed to have an accent except her. I'm not sure why she was cast in this.
There is no nudity or even any sex appeal to be had in this movie. Unless of course you are in love with Gerard Butler.
The scenery of Iceland is, of course beautiful and is really the star here.
The practical effects of Grendel and the Sea hag were nicely done, but not great. However, it's always nice to see practical effects at all in this day and age.
Overall, this is a decent movie with little to complain about. If you like the Beowulf tale and never tire of seeing it, then you might enjoy this. Personally, I found it a bit boring with little to capture my attention
Verdict: Beowulf lovers only
The Cast
Gerard Butler ... Beowulf
Sarah Polley ... Selma
Tony Curran ... Hondscioh
Rory McCann ... Breca
Ronan Vibert ... Thorkel
Eddie Marsan ... Father Brendan
Spencer Wilding ... Grendel's Father
Philip Whitchurch ... Fisherman
Martin Delaney ... Thorfinn
Ólafur Darri Ólafsson ... Unferth
Mark Lewis ... King Hygelac
Hringur Ingvarsson ... Young Grendel
Gísli Örn Garðarsson ... Erik
Gunnar Hansson ... Grimur
Gunnar Eyjólfsson ... Aeschere
Elva Ósk Ólafsdóttir ... Sea Hag
Benedikt Clausen ... Selma's Child
