Beowulf & Grendel (2005)

In Denmark, during the 6th century, Danish king Hrothgar and his warriors kill a troll whose son, Grendel, vows revenge.

Director:

Sturla Gunnarsson

Writers:

Anonymous (epic poem "Beowulf"), Andrew Rai Berzins

Stars:

Hringur Ingvarsson, Spencer Wilding, Stellan Skarsgård

1 win & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Hringur Ingvarsson	...	Young Grendel
Spencer Wilding	...	Grendel's Father
Stellan Skarsgård	...	Hrothgar
Ingvar Sigurdsson	...	Grendel (as Ingvar E. Sigurdsson)
Gunnar Eyjólfsson	...	Aeschere
Gerard Butler	...	Beowulf
Philip Whitchurch	...	Fisherman
Ronan Vibert	...	Thorkel
Rory McCann	...	Breca
Tony Curran	...	Hondscioh
Martin Delaney	...	Thorfinn
Mark Lewis	...	King Hygelac
Elva Ósk Ólafsdóttir	...	Sea Hag
Ólafur Darri Ólafsson	...	Unferth
Steinunn Ólína Þorsteinsdóttir	...	Wealtheow (as Steinunn Ólína Thorsteinsdóttir)

Storyline

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 ...

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Plot Keywords:

beowulf | troll | death of father | beowulf character | king hrothgar character | 

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Taglines:

Heads Will Roll

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama | Fantasy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence, language and some sexuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

This is a correction regarding the storyline of "The 13th Warrior". That particular film, (in it's finished state), had *nothing* to do with Beowulf or Grendel as neither of those characters were even referenced in "The 13th Warrior". However, Tony Curran, a Scotsman, was again playing a Viking style role. He did quite well.

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Goofs

While the Daneland portrayed in the movie has many mountains, cliffs and rocks, the real Denmark does not. Denmark has no rock formations, and very few steep cliffs.

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Quotes

Beowulf: [on arriving] I'm sorry, we didn't mean to wake you
King Hrothgar: Wake me? I'm a grief-crippled king half drunk in the middle of the afternoon, what is there to wake?

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Connections

Version of Grendel Grendel Grendel (1981)

User Reviews

I really liked it.

This version of Beowulf & Grendel doesn't stay true to the epic poem, if you want that version see the animated feature. This version instead try's to de-construct the poem into a realistic mainly non fantastical movie. There are no real villains in this film. just people trying to conquer their fear and ignorance. Grendel is depicted as the last of his race. A sad ,confused and ultimately wronged creature out for revenge but also capable of pathos and even shows signs of a sly sense of humour.

The cinematography is absolutely astounding the use of natural light really adds another dimension to this film. I would have to say it is the most beautifully shot film of the last 20 years.

As for the acting Gerard Butler gives another excellent performance as the world wiry Beowulf as dose Stellan Skarsgård as the king trying to come to term with his past and conscious. Only the slightly miss cast Sarah Polley lets the acting stakes down a little. Her character seems somewhat out of place in this film. but this is only a small gripe. I would recommend this version of Beowulf & Grendel to those who like their historical films to have a more realistic edge.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Canada UK Iceland USA Australia

Language:

English Latin Icelandic

Release Date:

9 March 2006 (Thailand)

Also Known As:

Beowulf & Grendel

Filming Locations:

Iceland

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,360, 18 June 2006

Gross USA:

$68,820

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$92,076

Company Credits

Production Co:

Movision, Endgame Entertainment, Beowulf Productions Limited

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1