# Beowulf

> 2007 film by Robert Zemeckis

**Wikidata**: [Q644933](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q644933)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beowulf_(2007_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/beowulf

## Summary
*Beowulf* is a 2007 fantasy and action film directed by Robert Zemeckis, based on the Anglo-Saxon epic poem of the same name. It uses motion capture animation and stars Ray Winstone, Anthony Hopkins, and Angelina Jolie.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date:** November 15, 2007 (Germany); also released in 2007 in the United States.
- **Director:** Robert Zemeckis.
- **Writers:** Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary.
- **Genre:** Fantasy film, action film, medieval film.
- **Based on:** The Anglo-Saxon epic poem *Beowulf*.
- **Runtime:** 113 minutes.
- **Languages:** English (primary).
- **Aspect Ratio:** 2.35:1.
- **Color:** Color.
- **Distribution Formats:** Theatrical release, video on demand (available on Netflix).
- **Narrative Location:** Denmark.
- **IMDb ID:** tt0442933.
- **TMDB ID:** 2310.
- **Metacritic ID:** movie/beowulf.
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 71% (based on 194 reviews); average rating 6.5/10.
- **Metacritic Score:** 59/100.
- **Box Office Performance:** Notable commercial release with wide distribution.
- **Cast Includes:**
  - Ray Winstone as Beowulf.
  - Anthony Hopkins as King Hrothgar.
  - John Malkovich as Unferth.
  - Angelina Jolie as Grendel’s mother.
  - Crispin Glover as Grendel.
  - Brendan Gleeson as King Hrothgar (voice).
- **Production Companies:** Warner Bros. Entertainment, ImageMovers.
- **Composer:** Alan Silvestri.
- **Producers:** Robert Zemeckis, Jack Rapke, Steve Starkey.
- **Technologies Used:** Motion capture animation.
- **Sequel/Related Works:** Part of Zemeckis’s motion capture trilogy, following *The Polar Express* (2004) and preceding *A Christmas Carol* (2009).
- **Awards & Recognition:**
  - Passed the Bechdel Test (considering named characters only).
  - Received mixed to positive critical reception.
- **Website:** [www.beowulfmovie.com](http://www.beowulfmovie.com) (archived).
- **Aliases:** *Beowulf*, *La Legende de Beowulf*, *Légende de Beowulf*, *魔戰王貝奧武夫*, *魔戰王：貝奧武夫*, *魔戰王: 貝奧武夫*, *A Lenda de Beowulf*.
- **Available on Platforms:** Netflix, iTunes, Amazon, YouTube, Kanopy, and various DVD/Blu-ray formats.
- **Characteristics:** 3D film, film based on book.

## FAQs

**What is the film *Beowulf* about?**  
*Beowulf* is a 2007 fantasy film that reimagines the ancient Anglo-Saxon epic poem, focusing on the hero Beowulf’s battles with the monster Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and ultimately, his own legacy. It blends myth, action, and psychological drama in a visually stylized motion capture format.

**Who directed *Beowulf*?**  
Robert Zemeckis directed the film. He is known for his work on *Back to the Future*, *Cast Away*, and *Who Framed Roger Rabbit*, and has pioneered the use of motion capture technology in cinema.

**Who wrote the screenplay for *Beowulf*?**  
Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary co-wrote the screenplay, adapting the original epic poem into a modern cinematic narrative.

**What is the genre of *Beowulf*?**  
It is classified as a fantasy film, action film, and medieval film, with elements of psychological drama and mythological storytelling.

**Is *Beowulf* based on a book?**  
Yes, it is based on the Anglo-Saxon epic poem *Beowulf*, a foundational work of English literature.

**What technology was used to make *Beowulf*?**  
The film was created using motion capture animation, a technique Zemeckis had previously used in *The Polar Express* (2004).

**Who are the main actors in *Beowulf*?**  
The main cast includes Ray Winstone (voice of Beowulf), Anthony Hopkins (King Hrothgar), Angelina Jolie (Grendel’s mother), Crispin Glover (Grendel), and John Malkovich (Unferth).

**What awards or recognition did *Beowulf* receive?**  
It passed the Bechdel Test and received a 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with a Metacritic score of 59/100.

**Where can I watch *Beowulf*?**  
The film is available on various platforms including Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, and on physical media such as DVD, Blu-ray, and HD-DVD.

**What is the runtime of *Beowulf*?**  
The film runs for 113 minutes.

**What is the aspect ratio of *Beowulf*?**  
It is presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio.

**What is the plot setting of *Beowulf*?**  
The narrative is set in Denmark, focusing on the warrior Beowulf’s confrontation with monsters and his rise to power.

**What is the significance of *Beowulf* in film history?**  
It represents a major use of motion capture animation in mainstream cinema and is part of Robert Zemeckis’s digital filmmaking trilogy.

## Why It Matters
*Beowulf* is significant for its bold reimagining of a classic literary work through cutting-edge motion capture technology. It pushed the boundaries of digital animation and demonstrated how ancient myths could be adapted for modern audiences. As part of Robert Zemeckis’s motion capture trilogy, it contributed to the evolution of performance-driven animation in cinema. The film also sparked discussions about heroism, legacy, and the darker aspects of mythological storytelling.

## Notable For
- Being part of Robert Zemeckis’s motion capture trilogy (*The Polar Express*, *Beowulf*, *A Christmas Carol*).
- Pioneering the use of performance capture technology in mainstream cinema.
- Receiving a 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and passing the Bechdel Test.
- Featuring a star-studded voice cast including Ray Winstone, Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, and Crispin Glover.
- Being based on the Anglo-Saxon epic poem *Beowulf*, one of the oldest surviving pieces of English literature.
- Directed by Robert Zemeckis, a recipient of the Academy Award for Best Director.
- Incorporating stylized 3D animation and dark fantasy themes.
- Being distributed by major platforms such as Netflix and available in multiple formats (DVD, Blu-ray, HD-DVD).
- Having a narrative set in Denmark, consistent with the original epic.

## Body

### Overview
*Beowulf* (2007) is a fantasy-action film directed by Robert Zemeckis and produced by ImageMovers and Warner Bros. It adapts the ancient Anglo-Saxon epic poem into a visually striking motion capture animation. The film explores themes of heroism, legacy, and moral ambiguity, reinterpreting the myth of Beowulf and his battles with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon.

### Production and Direction
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film is part of his digital animation trilogy, following *The Polar Express* (2004) and preceding *A Christmas Carol* (2009). Zemeckis is known for his innovative use of motion capture technology, which he employed to animate the characters and environments. The screenplay was written by Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary, adapting the original epic poem.

### Cast and Characters
The film features a voice cast of acclaimed actors:
- **Ray Winstone** as Beowulf.
- **Anthony Hopkins** as King Hrothgar.
- **Angelina Jolie** as Grendel’s mother.
- **Crispin Glover** as Grendel.
- **John Malkovich** as Unferth.
- **Brendan Gleeson** also appears in a supporting role.

### Plot and Narrative
Set in Denmark, the story follows Beowulf, a Geatish warrior who comes to the aid of King Hrothgar, whose people are terrorized by the monster Grendel. After defeating Grendel and his mother, Beowulf returns home and becomes king, only to face a final dragon in his old age. The film explores the psychological complexity of heroism and the consequences of fame.

### Technology and Animation
The film uses motion capture animation, a technique where actors' movements are digitally recorded and applied to animated characters. This method was also used in *The Polar Express* and *A Christmas Carol*, making it a hallmark of Zemeckis’s later filmography. The animation style blends realism with stylized fantasy elements.

### Release and Distribution
*Beowulf* was released theatrically in November 2007, with its German premiere on November 15, 2007. It was later distributed via video on demand platforms, including Netflix. Physical media versions were released on DVD, Blu-ray, and HD-DVD.

### Reception and Criticism
The film received mixed to positive reviews. It holds a 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average score of 6.5/10. On Metacritic, it scored 59/100. Critics praised its visual innovation and voice acting, while some noted its departure from the original poem’s tone.

### Awards and Recognition
- Passed the Bechdel Test (considering named characters only).
- Received recognition for its animation and storytelling.
- Notable for its use of motion capture technology in a major studio release.

### Cultural and Literary Context
Based on the Anglo-Saxon epic poem, *Beowulf* is one of the earliest surviving works of English literature. The 2007 adaptation reinterprets the myth for a modern audience, emphasizing themes of legacy, power, and moral ambiguity. It reflects Zemeckis’s interest in reimagining classic stories through new technologies.

### Related Entities and Collaborations
- **Production Companies:** Warner Bros. Entertainment, ImageMovers.
- **Composer:** Alan Silvestri, known for his collaborations with Zemeckis on multiple films.
- **Writers:** Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary adapted the original poem.
- **Sequels and Related Works:** Part of a trilogy that includes *The Polar Express* (2004) and *A Christmas Carol* (2009).

### Platforms and Availability
The film is available on:
- **Netflix** (video on demand).
- **iTunes**, **Amazon Prime Video**, **Google Play Movies & TV**.
- Physical formats: DVD, Blu-ray, HD-DVD.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime:** 113 minutes.
- **Aspect Ratio:** 2.35:1.
- **Color:** Color.
- **Languages:** English (primary).
- **Technologies Used:** Motion capture animation.

### Legacy and Influence
*Beowulf* stands as a landmark in digital animation and fantasy filmmaking. It demonstrated the potential of motion capture to bring mythological stories to life and influenced subsequent animated and hybrid films. Its reinterpretation of the epic poem sparked renewed interest in the original text and its themes.

### Archival and Database Identifiers
- **IMDb ID:** tt0442933.
- **TMDB ID:** 2310.
- **Metacritic ID:** movie/beowulf.
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID:** m/beowulf.
- **Wikidata Description:** 2007 film by Robert Zemeckis.
- **Aliases:** *Beowulf*, *魔戰王貝奧武夫*, *魔戰王：貝奧武夫*, *魔戰王: 貝奧武夫*, *A Lenda de Beowulf*.

### Conclusion
*Beowulf* (2007) is a visually ambitious and narratively complex adaptation of a foundational work of English literature. Through its use of motion capture animation and reinterpretation of myth, it stands as a significant entry in both Zemeckis’s filmography and the broader landscape of fantasy cinema.

## References

1. The Movie Database
2. Beowulf. Rotten Tomatoes
3. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0442933/releaseinfo)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Kinopoisk
6. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/beowulf-1/)
7. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
8. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
9. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/119114)
10. [Source](http://portal.mj.gov.br/ClassificacaoIndicativa/jsps/DadosObraForm.do?select_action=&tbobra_codigo=28758)
11. Brazilian Advisory Rating System
12. Bechdel Test Movie List
13. mymovies.it
14. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/449B-F8BE-6EA5-69E5-D84F-P)
15. Danish Film Database
16. Kanopy
17. Trakt.tv
18. FilmVandaag.nl