BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment

Platicsco Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Invaderbank The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

Kaydan Christian A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

ashley wetherall 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.

rainey-3 I really don't understand the negative comments on this wonderful film. Costumes, location, dialogue, performances, all totally excellent. It was a revelation seeing the incredible Icelandic landscapes alone! The music score was great, prefect in its moody richness. And I've become a huge Gerard Butler fan from watching this film; lord, the man suffered for this film, as did everyone on this shoot. Another very cool thing about this movie is that even though I've never heard before anyone try to convey how a Neanderthal might speak, this movie made me feel that now I have. And it was so weird and strange... perfect. These people-- the director, writer, actors and crew, of "Beowulf and Grendel"-- have given us a glimpse of Dark Ages Scandinavian life, more I think than any movie has ever done before. I thought the movie was just magic. An amazing movie, shot under incredibly difficult conditions. Watch the documentary about the making of "Beowulf and Grendel" called "Wrath of Gods" to really understand just how wonderful this movie is. I never get tired of watching both "Wrath of Gods" and "Beowulf and Grendel". Give them both a try!

gordon451 I stumbled upon this movie at the local video library, and picked it up comparing it to the lamentable Winstone/Jolie CGI version.There's no point in recapping the story -- others on these pages have done that well. It's not Oscar material, though the screenplay, direction and acting are fine enough. It's old-school film-making, and Sturla Gunnarsson should qualify as a Bard just by this movie. But I have to say this is the first movie I've seen that truly qualifies as a Greek tragedy in the classic sense.Hrothgar did not have to kill Grendel's father. Hrothgar could (should?) have killed young Grendel. So he lays out his Doom. None of his subjects has the strength to fix things, so their Doom follows Hrothgar's.Beowulf is young, with the arrogance of youth. He could (should?) have asked a couple of questions. But he learns humility, and some wisdom. This is not an adventure he can boast of on return to Geatland.And we wonder what the future holds for Grendel's son, Selma's boy. And Selma? Will the tragedy continue?Why cannot Hollywood ask these questions? But maybe we do need to shovel tons of gravel to find each diamond. I didn't think of Casablanca until just now: but that's the quality of "Beowulf and Grendel".

rowmorg It's hard to believe that this film is set in 500 CE, after the Roman Empire had transformed most of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East into a vast trading network with a sophisticated literature and widespread underfloor heating. The Nordic barbarians in 'Beowulf & Grendel' barely hang on in a treeless landscape with permanent filthy weather. Their womenfolk play a less prominent role in society than Moslem women, and the men are obsessed with killing. In my opinion, this is a bogus and misleading depiction of Nordic life. It has been shown that Vikings, for example, were gifted farmers who built solid communities. I was brought up in one, Rottingdean in Sussex, England. Rote (redhead), inge (folk), dene (valley). In other words, the valley of the people of the Redhead. The name has lasted for fifteen hundred years, and you don't achieve that by killing everyone and downgrading women. The fact is, that the Vikings traded with Mediterranean countries, reached America, and became the famous Normans who defeated England and built the aristocracy. The gormless wretches in this movie bear no relation IMO. I'm not going to echo those who bemoan the travestying of an ancient bardic text. A commercial movie could hardly do that; the popcorn crowd would stay away in droves. However, I do think that tacking on a sexy 'wtich' (Sarah Polley), who survives by building (interlocking) stone circles and planting things in crevices, is going a bit far, particularly when she has intercourse with Beowulf in the politically-correct 'cowgirl' position. This gesture to the ladies in the audience is destroyed by the foul language used by the barbarians, which rules out the film's use in the English classroom for Beowulf studies, which is a shame. I think Mr. Gersins, the screenwriter, must take responsibility for most of the popcorn rubbish in this production. Perhaps he was a co-investor (with a long list of national film agencies) and hyper-concerned about a return on his cash. Sad, because his modish bad language and sex-interest paradoxically may have wrecked his chances. Worth a viewing, if only for what might have been.