Review of Beowulf & Grendel (2005) by Jonathan F — 21 Oct 2007

Not for everyone, especially not 300 junkies or fans of the old poem itself. this is not the bombastic computer generated world that 300 showed us, but the raw and unforgiving yet beautiful natural landscape of Iceland. Nor is it the swashbuckling, boastful poem. it's a small, refreshing film with tradition Viking dress and weaponry, unlike the disgraceful 'Pathfinder'. This is a filmmaker's vision of what may have really transpired - with all the juicy themes of the hero myth, revenge, and passion. Some blood and guts, but not really enough. critics who say that the cussing was out of place need to remember that 'fuck' may be the oldest word ever spoken by humans. Old Norse was as much a carnal language as English is.

Overall, a stirring tale of Vikings, bigfoot, Christianity versus Paganism, and more Vikings, and worth a watch for anyone in the mood for a drama and a few bestiality related jokes.

'They say he tried a rabbit and got stuck!'.

Perhaps one of the best small budget films I've ever seen.