Beowulf and Grendel

[sabrinamari]

I saw this last night and really liked it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0402057/

The writing wasn't that great, but the unfolding relationship between Grendel and Beowulf was compelling. The movie's portrayal of Grendel was simply wonderful. Lots of extra points for the sheer, clean beauty of the Icelandic landscape, and for its very reasonable depiction of life during this historical period.

Also, the witch looked very much like you, castalusoria. She had your same kind of beauty.

I also thought of my many Asatru friends who I think would enjoy this, including you, the_smith_e.

You can stream it on Netflix.

Caveat: I love every rendition of the Beowulf story I've seen so far, including "The 13th Warrior". If this story isn't your thing, you may not like it. It is also very violent, as you might imagine.

Huge Plus: This film is *not* slick.

Comments

[the-smith-e.livejournal.com]

I believe I own this. I should watch it again.

[castalusoria.livejournal.com]

Interesting! I'll have to check it out! (And, thank you, I think...)

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

You're welcome.

[the-smith-e.livejournal.com]

I love 13th Warrior. "Honey! It's made from Honey!"

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Me too...really enjoyed that film.

[arielmn.livejournal.com]

And honey makes it alright. O:-)

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Also...

The scenes in which he learns the Norse language...

"I cannot lift this!"
"Grow stronger!"

"Luck, often enough, will save a man if his courage holds."

"I am not a warrior!"
"Very soon, you will be."

[arielmn.livejournal.com]

And it does not at all hurt that he is Antonio Banderas.

[showingup.livejournal.com]

Major bonus for being a Muslim in an American film and actually being the hero and not the Mad Terrorist.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Yes. This reminds of Pitch Black, the only other mainstream American film I can think of that portrays a Muslim as intelligent, compassionate and very capable of responding well under difficult conditions.

[showingup.livejournal.com]

I loved the Riddick universe Imam. I was really upset when he was knocked off. It was like, WHAT?!?! But he was LOVELY!! Damn you, David Twohy, you shrivel-hearted FIEND!!

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

: )

[showingup.livejournal.com]

Gerard Butler as Beowulf? I vaguely remember when they were making this; they had a production blog, I think, where they talked about how the Icelandic landscape seemed to be alive and determined to thwart them. And then I never saw the film and promptly forgot about it.

And now I have a sister with a Gerard Butler obsession, so I reckon we're on for a Beowulf night.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

You won't be disappointed. If you can forgive the awkward writing, violence and uneven acting, you'll be rewarded by a creative and compassionate re-imagining of the story.

[showingup.livejournal.com]

You know my weaknesses for sci-fi and mythology.