Modern gothic tale of folklore with realistic storyline.

Rating: Null/10 (9 September 2003)

This is a great movie that depicts the tale of blood feuding rivals meshing modern and gothic times with age-old folklore of Lycans and Vampires. Underworld is not for the timid of heart or squeamish with the perhaps its excessive depiction of violence between the two foes in the combat scenes; then its great score, which at times is a bit more powerful than the movies itself. These two minor faults bar not any reason for one to see this film. I enjoyed the viewpoint of the storyline told by the younger, more curious mind of Selene trying to understand the struggles and history of her kind; only discover the truths, which have been carefully hidden and unfolds through building ties to Michael. This tale combines an articulate mix of tragedy and romance, strange allegiances and carefully crafted deceptions. The story leaves the viewer with a desire for a prequel to define the ancestry more and rise of power of the `elders' (Viktor, Marcus and Amelia) and with the obvious ending alluding to a sequel.
I eagerly await both.
(viewed at Toronto Film Festival)