Overview"Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" is an action-horror motion picture directed by Patrick Tatopoulos released in 2009. It is the 3rd installation in the Underworld franchise and serves as a prequel to the original film. The movie stars Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy, and Rhona Mitra, concentrating on the origins of the centuries-long fight between the vampire and lycan (werewolf) races.
Plot and SettingSet in Medieval times, the movie opens with a pregnant monster being captured by Viktor, the ruthless vampire older. She brings to life a son, Lucian, who due to his unique ability to transform at will, becomes the first of the Lycans, a lycanthrope breed more human than beast. Viktor, mesmerized by Lucian's originality, spares him and uses him to develop an army of Lycan slaves to guard the coven throughout the day and enable safe passage to the vampire nobles.
ConflictThe film develops tension with the secretive and prohibited love in between Lucian (Michael Sheen) and Viktor's child, Sonja (Rhona Mitra). Their relationship protests the unalterable guidelines of the vampires, and this results in a rift in between the daddy and child and a secret alliance types in between the enthusiasts. Viktor (Bill Nighy), consumed with keeping vampire purity and supremacy, is unaware of Lucian's ability to turn humans into Lycans, which positions a danger to the vampires.
Turning Point and ClimaxThe turning point in the movie comes when Sonja exposes her pregnancy and subsequently being sentenced to death by her daddy Viktor, for breaking the covenant and coupling with a lycan. Consumed with rage and grief, Lucian hires his fellow Lycans and stages an uprising to seek vengeance which ultimately leads to a war between the vampire and lycan clans. This occasion prepares for the age-old feud as portrayed in the previous movies.
Resolution"Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" concludes with Lucian becoming the leader of totally free Lycans. However, with his love Sonja dead and no prospect of peace in between the two races, Lucian is entrusted to only revenge to sustain him. The film ends with the sights set on an age-old battle, marked by bloodshed and hatred, setting the narrative for the events of the original "Underworld".
Styles and ReceptionAmongst the styles checked out in the movie are love, flexibility, betrayal and vengeance. The film got mixed reviews from critics; while some praised the film for its visual impacts, action series, and Sheen's efficiency, others criticized it for its viewed lack of creativity and over-reliance on genre clichés. In spite of these reviews, it has actually ended up being a cult favorite amongst fans of the Underworld series, particularly for providing a much deeper look into the history and tradition of the franchise's universe.
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