Click Here >> Watch/Download Beowulf 2007 Online
Beowulf – A Tale of Heroes and Monsters
As a lover of epic tales, I was thrilled when Beowulf hit the screen in 2007. This movie, based on the Old English poem of the same name, was directed by Robert Zemeckis and starred some of the industry’s most celebrated actors. Before diving into my feelings about the movie, let’s explore its storyline and plot a little.
The Storyline
The movie starts with King Hrothgar (played by Anthony Hopkins), whose land is being terrorized by a monster named Grendel (voiced by Crispin Glover). He calls for a hero to come to his aid and slay the monster. Enter Beowulf (played by Ray Winstone) and his trusted companions, who accept the king’s challenge. They set out to face Grendel in his lair and engage in an epic battle that ends with Beowulf killing Grendel.
The victory is short-lived though as Grendel’s vengeful mother (voiced by Angelina Jolie) comes seeking revenge. She seduces Beowulf into a deadly pact that has far-reaching consequences. The rest of the movie is an exploration of heroism, loyalty, and betrayal amidst battles against monsters that threaten not just Hrothgar’s kingdom but also mankind itself.
Casts & Characters
The movie boasts of a star-studded cast that includes some heavyweights like Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Robin Wright Penn, and Ray Winstone, among others. Each of these actors brought their A-game to the movie, breathing life into their respective characters.
While Hopkins’ portrayal of Hrothgar was spot on, Jolie’s seductive and sinister performance as Grendel’s mother was captivating. Malkovich’s portrayal of Unferth, a rival to Beowulf, was also commendable. But the real star of the show was Winstone’s Beowulf, whose larger-than-life character dominated the screen.
History & Popularity
The original Old English poem on which the movie is based has been around for centuries. It is believed to have been written between the 8th and 11th centuries by an unknown author. The movie brought this ancient tale to a modern audience and helped it reach new heights of popularity.
Since its release in 2007, Beowulf has gone on to become a cult classic. Fans of epic tales love it for its grandeur and spectacle. Its Rotten Tomatoes rating may not reflect its popularity among fans (it currently stands at 70%), but that has not stopped people from revisiting this movie time and again.
Cinematography & Special Effects
The most notable aspect of Beowulf is its use of motion capture technology. This technique allowed the filmmakers to create more realistic performances from the actors and made the characters look more lifelike than ever before.
The result was an immersive cinematic experience that stood out for its attention to detail when it came to cinematography and special effects. The battle scenes were epic, with each blow landing with a thunderous impact. The use of lighting added depth to each shot and helped create an overall mood that suited the tone of the story perfectly.
The Dialogue & Soundtrack
The movie’s dialogue was well-crafted and suited each character perfectly. The voice acting by the likes of Hopkins, Jolie, and Winstone added depth to the characters they portrayed. The soundtrack was also notable, with composer Alan Silvestri’s work adding another layer of drama to the proceedings.
My Evaluation
After watching Beowulf for the first time, I have to admit that I was blown away by it. The epic battles, larger-than-life characters, and stunning visuals left a lasting impression on me.
However, after revisiting it years later, I must say that my opinion of it has diminished somewhat. While the story and performances remain top-notch, some of the visual effects don’t quite hold up as well as they did back in 2007.
All in all though, Beowulf remains a classic in its own right. It is a grand tale of heroes and monsters that deserves to be seen by anyone who loves epic stories.