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Beowulf & Grendel
Directed by: Sturla Gunnarsson
Starring: Gerard Butler
Genre:
Fantasy/Action-Adventure
Run Time: 103
min.
Release Date:
July 2006
On The Web:
Official
Site
Teaser:
Movie Trailer
Reviewed by
Byron Merritt |
Taking from the Anglo-Saxon
epic Beowulf, Icelandic director Sturla Gunnarsson pulls the broad poem
down into a successful two-hour film filled with heroes, warriors,
monsters and love (everything you need in an epic, right?).
The Norse hero Beowulf (Gerard Butler,
300)
is called upon to aid King Hrothgar (Stellan Skarsgard,
PIRATES OF THE
CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST), Lord of the Danes, in his bloody battle
against a massive troll named Grendel (Ingvar Eggert Sigurosson). But once within King Hrothgar's realm, Beowulf
discovers much more than just a deadly troll.
Grendel kills only the strong men, and is selective even then, for his
wrath is one of vengeance. King Hrothgar and his kin killed Grendel's
father years ago, and now the troll is bent on revenge. Beowulf is
initially unaware of Grendel's grudge, but our "hero" warrior soon
learns of it via the beautiful but dangerous witch, Selma (Sarah Polley,
DON'T COME KNOCKING).
That Beowulf is battling a hero status he doesn't feel deserving of is
also observed throughout the film. The additional battles of the many
gods now in danger of falling to "the one God" (Christianity) is also
touched on, for King Hrothgar and his clan feel that the many gods have
abandoned them and perhaps this new God will help protect them.
That Grendel is not just a monster but a flesh and blood being is
quickly sensed as we watch his father killed for no particular reason,
and experience the anguish of his isolation from the world (he plays a
type of bowling game with skulls for entertainment). Even his need to
procreate is vividly portrayed as he pays a nighttime visit to Selma's
home.
So when the end comes for Grendel, it is surprising, touching, bloody,
and brutal. That Beowulf is forced to use his deadly warrior skills only
adds to the terribleness of the deed that needed to be done.
Filmed entirely in Iceland — complete with stubby Icelandic horses — the
film's panoramic views of the stunningly beautiful countryside
contributes to the rounding out of the story. Lengthy waterfalls, green
hillocks, and bizarre stone formations are all incorporated through the
camera lens, giving the entire production an otherworldly feel.
Any faults are directed at the initial rushing of the story during the
first 30 minutes, and the deep brogues by some actors/actresses that
make it tough, at times, to understand what is being said.
But all-in-all the story is pulled off exceptionally well.
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Image from Beowulf &
Grendel
DVD cost: $14.59
Purchase:
Tower.com (Blu-Ray)
Film Review Stew
Favorite? No.
Stew Poo-Poo? No.
Newsworthy:
The film was made entirely
in Iceland and several days of filming had to be canceled due to high
winds that blew stones through the air.
Movie Quote: "A
troll broke down these doors with 20 warriors sleeping inside."
Other Actors/Actresses
from Beowulf & Grendel
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