Beowulf (1999)

Beowulf Poster

Beowulf is a wanderer who learns about a man-eating creature called Grendel, which comes in the night to devour warriors trapped at the Outpost. The Outpost is ruled by Hrothgar. He has a daughter, whose husband may have been murdered by the Outpost's master of arms.

Introduction
"Beowulf" (1999) is a science fiction, action, thriller movie directed by Graham Baker, influenced by the Old English impressive poem of the very same name. The movie features Christopher Lambert in the lead role, portraying Beowulf in a post-apocalyptic version of the classic tale. In spite of obtaining the names and fundamental plot structure, the film holds little similarity to the original poem.

Plot
In Beowulf (1999), the titular character, played by Christopher Lambert, is a singular warrior who concerns the help of Hrothgar (Oliver Cotton), the king of a beleaguered outpost. King Hrothgar's kingdom has been under consistent attack by a horrific monster referred to as Grendel. Beowulf, renowned for his distinct combating abilities, is charged with the objective of killing the creature terrorizing Hrothgar's kingdom and threatening its people.

Skewed Adaptation
Unlike the traditional poem, Beowulf is depicted as a sort of weapon-wielding mutant and Grendel as a kind of demonic beast. There is likewise no brave voyage across the seas, instead, the movie is embeded in a post-apocalyptic dystopian future. It presents a romantic plotline in between Beowulf and Kyra (Rhona Mitra), a warrior maiden from Hrothgar's court, which is absent in the original poem.

The Monster Grendel & His Mother
Grendel is revealed as a monstrous kid driven by rage and suffering, who seeks vengeance on Hrothgar's station due to the relentless noise interrupting him and his mother. The principle of Grendel's mother, played by Layla Roberts, is also extensively various from the poem. In the movie, she is portrayed as a seductress, who tempts and manipulates Hrothgar, outwitting him into a pact. The consistent danger to the fortress is because of menstruation that Grendel's mom lid down on Hrothgar's family.

The Battle Scene
In an exhilarating fight scene where Beowulf confronts Grendel, he draws the monster out by causing anger through noise. Utilizing his wits and dexterity, he briefly blinds the beast, leading him to fall on his weapon, therefore, eliminating himself. Post Grendel's death, menstruation laid on the fortress does not lift, mentioning to Beowulf that there is yet another beast to kill-- Grendel's cruel mother.

Conclusion
Beowulf ultimately breaks menstruation by killing Grendel's mom after a brutal battle, freeing Hrothgar's troops. The movie concludes with Beowulf and Kyra venturing out to complimentary other settlements from similar monstrous hazards, setting an open end for additional adventures.

Overall
Regardless of being billed as a movie adjustment of the epic poem, the film considerably differs the source, introducing Beowulf as a superhero in a post-apocalyptic setting. The movie's production design sticks out with its strong cyberpunk and gothic aspects. While the performances were decently received, it was slammed for its divergence from the original story.

Top Cast

  • Christopher Lambert (small)
    Christopher Lambert
    Beowulf
  • Rhona Mitra (small)
    Rhona Mitra
    Kyra
  • Oliver Cotton (small)
    Oliver Cotton
    Hrothgar
  • Götz Otto (small)
    Götz Otto
    Roland
  • Vincent Hammond
    Grendel
  • Charles Robinson (small)
    Charles Robinson
    Weaponsmaster
  • Brent Jefferson Lowe
    Will
  • Roger Sloman (small)
    Roger Sloman
    Karl
  • Layla Roberts (small)
    Layla Roberts
    Grendel's Mother
  • Patricia Velásquez (small)
    Patricia Velásquez
    Pendra
  • Robert Willox
    Chief Officer