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.

---

Plot Keywords:

vampire | slave | werewolf | prequel | sword fight | 

---

Taglines:

The birth of a hero. The rise of a legend. The beginning of a war.

---

Genres:

Action | Fantasy | Thriller

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for bloody violence and some sexuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

Kraven was going to have a major role, but he was replaced by Andreas Tanis.

---

Goofs

(at around 1h 17 mins) After Viktor and his personal guards drop into the battle scene towards the end of the film: the zoom shot from Lucien's perspective shows Viktor holding his helmet under his arm. Viktor then puts the helmet on and enters the fray. The camera cuts back to a distance shot from Lucien's perspective. In this distance shot, Viktor's helmet is back under his arm and he is standing where he was in the zoom shot.

---

Quotes

Viktor: I gave you your life.
Lucian: You gave me chains.
Viktor: I thought you would have learned by now after all these years; you cannot have one without the other.

---

Connections

References The Rock (1996)

---

Soundtracks

Board Up the House (Renholder Remix)
Written by William Jordan, Mookie Singleman, Michael Sochynsky
Performed by Genghis Tron
Courtesy of Relapse Records

User Reviews

A Very Good Prequel

If you are a fan of either of the first two Underworld movies you are going to like this one as well. This movie seems to take place a short time after the creation of both races but some time before the events that open Underworld Evolution. The entire story of the feud between the vampires and lycans is told in 90 minutes with plenty of action interspersed throughout. My only complaint is that the movie could have been longer with more character development. An hour and a half is hardly enough time to tell a love story, which is what is at the heart of this movie. Also, a little more depth could have been given to Raze's character as his origins are shown but not in much detail. These plot points are sacrificed to keep the action scenes rolling but the action is great. There are several clashes between vamps and lycans that put those of the first two movies to shame. The special effects are amazing as usual. My hope is that Rise of the Lycans will do well at the box offices and we will all be treated to an extended directors cut on DVD. The plot themes of slavery, forbidden love, and revolution could use a little more screen time in my opinion. Oh and lets all hope for another sequel.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Site

Country:

USA New Zealand

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 January 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Untitled Underworld Prequel

Filming Locations:

Auckland, New Zealand

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$20,828,511, 25 January 2009

Gross USA:

$45,802,315

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$92,158,961

Company Credits

Production Co:

Screen Gems, Lakeshore Entertainment, Lakeshore Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1