Beowulf and Grendel (2005) [w/Commentary]

Director: Sturla Gunnarsson
Writers: Anonymous (epic poem "Beowulf"), Andrew Rai Berzins
Stars: Hringur Ingvarsson, Spencer Wilding, Stellan Skarsgård

The blood-soaked tale of a Norse warrior's battle against the great and murderous troll, Grendel. Heads will roll. Out of allegiance to the King Hrothgar, the much respected Lord of the Danes, Beowulf leads a troop of warriors across the sea to rid a village of the marauding monster. The monster, Grendel, is not a creature of mythic powers, but one of flesh and blood - immense flesh and raging blood, driven by a vengeance from being wronged, while Beowulf, a victorious soldier in his own right, has become increasingly troubled by the hero-myth rising up around his exploits. Beowulf's willingness to kill on behalf of Hrothgar wavers when it becomes clear that the King is more responsible for the troll's rampages than was first apparent. As a soldier, Beowulf is unaccustomed to hesitating. His relationship with the mesmerizing witch, Selma, creates deeper confusion. Swinging his sword at a great, stinking beast is no longer such a simple act. The story is set in barbarous Northern Daneland (Denmark).



Audio commentary with director/co-producer Sturla Gunnarsson, writer Andrew Rai Berzins, and costume designer Debra Hanson

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