Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

An origins story centered on the centuries-old feud between the race of aristocratic vampires and their onetime slaves, the Lycans.

Director:

Patrick Tatopoulos

Writers:

Danny McBride (screenplay), Dirk Blackman (screenplay)

Stars:

Rhona Mitra, Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Sheen	...	Lucian
Bill Nighy	...	Viktor
Rhona Mitra	...	Sonja
Steven Mackintosh	...	Tannis
Kevin Grevioux	...	Raze
David Aston	...	Coloman
Geraldine Brophy	...	Nobleman's Wife
Leighton Cardno	...	Fearful Lycan
Alex Carroll	...	Young Lucian (as Alexander Carroll)
Elizabeth Hawthorne	...	Orsova
Jason Hood	...	Death Dealer
Mark Mitchinson	...	Nobleman
Tania Nolan	...	Luka
Craig Parker	...	Sabas
Timothy Raby	...	Janosh (as Tim Raby)

Storyline

The prequel story traces the origins of the centuries-old blood feud between the aristocratic vampires and their onetime slaves, the Lycans. In the Dark Ages, a young Lycan named Lucian emerges as a powerful leader who rallies the werewolves to rise up against Viktor, the cruel vampire king who has enslaved them. Lucian is joined by his secret lover, Sonja, in his battle against the Vampire army and his struggle for Lycan freedom.

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Plot Keywords:

vampire | slave | battle | werewolf | warrior | 

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Taglines:

Every war has a beginning.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Fantasy | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for bloody violence and some sexuality

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA New Zealand

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 January 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Underworld 3

Filming Locations:

Auckland, New Zealand

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£990,285 (UK) (23 January 2009)

Gross:

$45,802,315 (USA) (27 February 2009)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sketch Films, Lakeshore Entertainment, Screen Gems

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

WILHELM SCREAM: Heard when werewolves climb the wall and attack the vampire guards.

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Goofs

Several of the slaves that were bitten by one of Viktor's Lycans take part in the assault on the castle, although they were bitten at least 3 days before they do not change in the light of the full moon. In the original Underworld film it was stated the only the older Lycans could change at will and resist the influence of the moon.

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Quotes

Viktor: [after killing a complaining Nobleman] Would anyone else like to be heard?

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Connections

Followed by Underworld: Endless War (2011)

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Soundtracks

Steal My Romance
Written by Aaron Robinson
Performed by Ghosts On The Radio
Produced by Sean Gordon

User Reviews

WoW...Better then expected in all areas

I was hoping it would be good yet I didn't expect it to be 'this' good.

Honestly, this was 'so' well paced. Actually got me anxious, and thats a bit of a rarity. And in a good way.

First off the story was very interesting from start to finish and the script very well crafted. All of the elements... Love, machismo, heroic, underdog, special abilities, honor, suspense, scandal, comradeship, good vs bad just so many elements. However the difference with this film is they were all intertwined so well. Not the usual 'chemistry cocktail' roll of the dice.

The cinematic hat trick... acting, directing and the written story itself all melted like cheese on a hot Philly steak.

I understand the "Category" this film falls near however, over all very well crafted. Some other "Film Makers" should take a few lessons.

I hope there's another.