Neither 300 nor the dragon: 20 years ago, Gerard Butler portrayed the legendary hero in the fantastic film of the 2000s that no one saw

Gerard Butler has been known for his films in 2000 and 2010, but especially for his works in 300 years. The film, directed by Zac Snider, was inspired by the famous Frank Miller comic book series and successfully worshiping this historic epic on the screen.

However, a year earlier, before the Butler shines the role of Leonidas, the actor began a fantastic adventure inspired by a classic Anglo-Saxon verse BovulfCalled Bowulf, the Viking legend (or Bowulf & Grendel From its original title) and made by Sturla Gunnarsson. Compared to other EPIC adaptations, including the legend of Bowulf by Robert Zemekis (released only two years later), interpretation Gerard Butler The character was forgotten. But today, 20 years after the facts, this is an ideal time to review it.

Version that focuses on characters

As the collider reminds us, it is important to note that the Canadian-Level Action film is inspired by the original epic verse, but also relieves it. Many parts of these changes are intended to increase the suspension. If you already know the history of Bowulf, you may be frustrated with the sympathy that this version offers in the absence of Grendel (Ingvari E. Sigurson) or in the absence of dragons in the last action. On the other hand, if you do not know the original verse, you will appreciate what this movie is.

Given its many nonsense, it is not surprising that the feature film as adaptation was not well received. However, if you get rid of the original story, the story remains interesting, studying the relationship between men and monsters, causing the compassion of society to Grendel, questioning Bovulf’s vision and the role of a traditional hero, and the deconstruction of the character of Hroitgar, to move on.

Indeed, Bowulf, the legend of the Vikings Occurs in Denmark in the sixth century. King Hrottgar appeals to a reputable warrior Buulf to get rid of a troll named Grendel, who sows terror and death in the kingdom. But Bovulf quickly realizes that Grendel is not at all the monster we believe and that the king hides part of the truth …

In this version Gerard Butler He is a conflicting character. He is seeking justice and revenge against the Grendel Monster for attacks against Hrottgar (Stellan Skarsgård) and his people, but attracting him to a local magician, Selma (Sarah Paulley), leads him to discover the deep truths of himself and to the monster he shares with the poster. This is a pretty original approach to classical history, Grendel is depicted in the same way of Bowulf. Both are struggling for dignity, revenge and family, but the actions of Buulf and Hrottgar are justified, and Grendel’s representatives condemned.

So, Bowulf, the legend of the Vikings It may not be a good adaptation, but it will not make it a bad movie. His changes are really interesting and question the truth beyond myths and legends, and eventually forces the public to choose the stories he wants. In addition, the adventure is entertaining and emphasizes the qualities of Butler’s actor, beyond his roles. At the same time, the film was strangely overshadowed by its own documentary …

A documentary that reveals its terrible production

Bowulf, the legend of the Vikings It was shot in Iceland and its production was terrible. As a documentary film “Making”, the wrath of the gods, the director Sturla gunnarsson And his team had to fight with the elements that the film was given life. As we can see, the weather was a constant obstacle, even if it adds some realism.

The anger of the gods It was much better welcomed to society and criticism than a film that reveals behind the scenes. The documentary was really won by five prizes, its director, John Ainaron Gustafson, who evaluated the seizure of terrible events around the project shooting. He also played a small role in the film.

Between the quality of production and the nuanced interpretations Gerard Butler Sister Stellan skarsgård Especially Bowulf, the legend of the Vikings He had great potential. After so many years, the film is still trying to recognize. Although imperfect, it was a bold attempt that had something unique about the epic text. For everyone to understand them, this is subject to interpretation.

It is up to you to consider your opinion! Bowulf, the Vikings legend can be seen in DVD and Blu-ray.

Gerard Butler will also return to the medieval costume version The lively action of dragonsIt is planned on June 11, 2025, in which it will renew its role that has been doubled by the Stoiquk La Brute.

Discover the movie trailer below: