An Introduction to Literature

Rating: 9/10 (7 December 1999)

After reading many of the other comments, I would like to share an opinion from another viewpoint. I have watched this film on the big screen about five times now. Each time picking out more of the in-depth work that was done on the historic viewpoint. It was my introduction to the Beowulf Saga.
After the movie, I read the book (I prefer to do it that way and learn the background of the story instead of watching for some favorite scene that didn't make it all the way through) and learned so much about Michael Crichton's effort in explaining an epic poem in realistic terms. Then I read several other books on the epic, including one prose version of the tale mixing realism and Nordic myth. All added to my further enjoyment of the film's storytelling.
Further research lead to explanations as to why things could have happened as the film depicted. The "Venus" effigies used by the "Wendel" were common to the CroMagnon people. It was highly likely that a pocket civilization might exist in the mid-900s. The sole survivor of one attack listed it as a "very old hate".
The armour of the Vikings was unique. It is very possible that they would each have their own favorite pieces which they had procured one way or another in their travels. Each one was a specialist in his own way.
I enjoyed the film thoroughly, obviously. I look forward to the release of the VHS and DVD editions. From further reading, I understand that there was much unused footage. A director's cut would be a welcome addition to my collection.