Underworld (2003)

Selene, a vampire warrior, is entrenched in a conflict between vampires and werewolves, while falling in love with Michael, a human who is sought by werewolves for unknown reasons.

Director:

Len Wiseman

Writers:

Kevin Grevioux (story), Len Wiseman (story)

Stars:

Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Shane Brolly

1 win & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kate Beckinsale	...	Selene
Scott Speedman	...	Michael
Michael Sheen	...	Lucian
Shane Brolly	...	Kraven
Bill Nighy	...	Viktor
Erwin Leder	...	Singe
Sophia Myles	...	Erika
Robbie Gee	...	Kahn (as Robby Gee)
Wentworth Miller	...	Dr. Adam
Kevin Grevioux	...	Raze
Zita Görög	...	Amelia
Dennis J. Kozeluh	...	Dignitary (as Dennis Kozeluh)
Scott McElroy	...	Soren
Todd Schneider	...	Trix
Sándor Bolla	...	Rigel

Storyline

Against the backdrop of an unseen centuries-old war between the sophisticated Vampire clan and the brutish clan of lycanthropes, the Lycans, the lethally alluring vampire assassin and member of the elite "Death Dealers" squad, Selene, has devoted her existence to eradicating the earth's scattered pockets of remaining werewolves. With the death of the Lycans' supreme overlord, Lucian, the vampires' victory seems near; however, when their arch-enemy takes a special interest in the seemingly harmless human doctor, Michael Corvin, Selene will unearth a long-standing conspiracy. Now, treason, deceit, and conflicting feelings stand in the way of truth, forcing Selene to break protocol for the sake of the vampire race. Can a forbidden relationship put in jeopardy her noble quest? Is this the beginning of a new era, and an entirely different war?

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Plot Keywords:

vampire | vampire bite | blood | death | strong female character | 

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Taglines:

This Fall, when the battle begins, which side will you choose?

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Genres:

Action | Fantasy | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence/gore and some language

Did You Know?

Trivia

The movie was initially pitched as "Romeo and Juliet for vampires and werewolves."

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Goofs

(at around 20 mins) Just before Raze gets the stars removed, he walks in holding someone's body over his shoulder. He is supposed to be naked because of the transformation, but you can see a small pair of black underwear.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Selene: [voiceover] The war had all but ground to a halt in the blink of an eye. Lucian, the most feared and ruthless leader ever to rule the Lycan clan, had finally been killed. The Lycan horde scattered to the wind in a single evening of flame and retribution. Victory, it seemed, was in our grasp, the very birthright of the vampires. Nearly six centuries had passed since that night, yet the ancient feud proved unwilling to follow Lucian to the grave. Though Lycans were fewer in number, ...

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Crazy Credits

The Lakeshore Entertainment logo is shaded blood red.

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Alternate Versions

In the original release of the movie, Jázmin Dammak played the part of Sonja, Viktor's daughter, in the flashback scenes, however after the release of Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, a version is available (most notably on U.S. Netflix) where scenes with Rhona Mitra were inserted in place of the original scenes.

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Connections

Followed by Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)

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Soundtracks

Rocket Collecting
(uncredited)
Written and Performed by Milla Jovovich

User Reviews

Quit whining and enjoy yourselves.

I knew I was in trouble when I saw the previews for this film, I loved them.

I know I would love this film. I knew that I would take much flack for loving this film. I know that I would not care. I did, I did and I don't. People who complain about films like this should spend more time at the library and less time at the cinema, and even less time telling everyone else how smart they are and how silly films like this are beneath them. Cut it out. Film is an art form about light, the lack of light and the bending of light, I thought the light was marvelous. What do you want from a film about a war between vampires and werewolves?, I know what I wanted and this film delivered. It was stylish, amusing and well paced. This film was a testament to people who know priorities, no big money star vehicles, just fine actors, young and old, wonderfully silly duologue, played straight, appropriate screeching metal music and lots of shooting and many scenes of Kate Beckensale doing her thing, marvelous. I adore Ms. Beckansale and this film almost allowed me to forgive her for "Brokedown Palace"....almost. I can't wait for the sequel, I will be there when it opens, to blazes with all the snobby nae-Sayers who are unable to appreciate the genius of lines like "You are acting like a pack of rabid dogs" delivered, straight faced, by the disgusted head of the Lycon community and for the Amazing Ms Beckansale who managed to be every bit as sexy as she was in "Haunted" without removing any of her clothing...any of it, a true movie star if there ever was one.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Sony Pictures Entertainment

Country:

USA UK Germany Hungary

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 September 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

Underworld

Filming Locations:

Hungary

Box Office

Budget:

$22,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$21,753,759, 21 September 2003

Gross USA:

$51,970,690

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$95,708,457

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lakeshore Entertainment, Screen Gems, Subterranean Productions UK Ltd.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

121 min 133 min (director's cut)

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS (8 channels) Dolby Atmos

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1