Animated Epics: Beowulf

Ever since my third year in University, I have been a fanatical lover of Beowulf. The seventh-century poem has a great hero, an enthralling story, and a group of monsters (Grendel, his mother, and the Dragon) that is still capable of terrifying. While I have seen more than one adaptation of the poem (The 13th Warrior is right now by far the best), this is easily the version that is truest to the subject matter.

This version concentrates on the monster fights, excluding the background stories that are sprinkled throughout the poem; not a surprising move by the scriptwriter, as the many asides would end up scattering the narrative. The story is told simply and quickly, with the characters well represented.

Unfortunately, where the poem had an earthly thrill to it, this film descends into an artfulness that completely destroys the mood. Much of the action is so artistic that it becomes incomprehensible (for example, rather than grappling with Grendel's arm, Beowulf somehow ends up travelling up it), and the animation, rather than being crisp and clean, is rather crude and sketchy. With the surreal feel to the film, anybody who has not nearly memorized the poem in advance is in danger of finding themselves either lost or bored out of their skull.

Final mark: 2.5/5. The story was right, but the spirit of the poem was completely lost in the translation. Sigh...perhaps the next film version of the poem will get it right...

My review won't be long but the animation was good. The animation added more emotion to the actual poem. The difference is that you actually have a visual guide through the poem now. I rated this a 7 because I don't care for the monster part of the story, but the type of animation used portrayed a specific style that high lighted the Anglo-Saxon theme. They also had good sound effects and the emotion was played well through the voice actors. Sometimes I would prefer to watch the animation over the poem, however I believe the book was better. But I would consider recommending this to a person who likes mostly visuals and the summary of a story.

Considering how many cinematic versions exist for Beowulf, amazingly enough this 30 minute animated version is about the only one to cover the epic poem correctly. For those desiring to see the poem come to life, this would be the choice. It covers the fight with Grendel and the Dragon most true to the poem. Don't be swayed by golden-covered actresses or Scottish hunks--this animated version swiftly, though a bit surrealistic at times, covers the great monster story. The animation is a bit sketchy and rough at times, but the narration is quite well done. This is an especially helpful version for showing to students or for those wanting a quick version of the classic tale.

I just saw the animated short a few minutes ago for the first time. I say first, because I intend to purchase it. I teach Senior English, and this film is about to become my newest tool. This is an excellent retelling of the Beowulf legend. The story is intact (except for a few of the bits of background), and the surreal animation lends to the storyteller's voice perfectly. The art is just vague enough (except for the arm scene) that it leaves enough to the imagination to still keep the fairy-tale/legend/campfire-story quality of oral tradition.

It kept the monster's body-count high, but the art was mild enough that I didn't mind allowing my six-year old to watch it with me (proof that even a story as violent as this can be told without an abundance of gore).

It is Beowulf.

The essential episodes, the steps of story, the fights and the portraits of characters. You feel the emotion of first lecture of poem and yozu can use it as introduction for young people, discovering the epic.

From voices to drawings - inspired the last for image of Grendel and its mother - to treasor and the fight of Beowulf against dragon, all works just in poetic manner, with inspired subtle details.

Easy to define it as correct version and, indeed, it is one but it offers more than a good job.

In short, admirable scene by scene and proper for gratitude of the inspired translation of original spirit.