During the success of the first ‘Underworld’ film, a prequel film was being planned. That film was ‘Rise of the Lycans’. It was to be set long before ‘Underworld’ and told through Lucian’s (Michael Sheen) eyes.
As with the other ‘Underworld’ films ‘Rise of the Lycans’ was met with mixed to positive reviews. Some people said that they thought that the prequel was needless since Lucian’s story was briefly mentioned on the first ‘Underworld’ film through flashbacks.
The story starts off with the birth of Lucian in a cell. Vampire leader Viktor (Bill Nighy) is brought down to the cells by the guards. In the cells are various lycans. In the cell that Viktor is interested in, there is a baby. Viktor considers killing the child but at the same time, he can’t bring himself to do it.
Instead, Viktor lets the baby live. Lucian grows up to be stronger and more powerful than most of his kind. This is shown when Viktor makes Lucian fight off some of his vampires during various training sessions. It isn’t before long when Viktor starts making more of Lucian’s kind…by starving Lucian and making him bite human slaves.
The ones that survive become new lycans. As a result, the vampires think that they’ve got full control over the lycans. The vampires are obviously wrong.
During the present day, Viktor is having a meeting with his council members as a horseman is trying to get away from wolves in the woods. Viktor’s council members tell him that wolves have been attacking human slaves but he doesn’t believe them. Or at least pretends not to believe them; human slaves are their main source of food and income.
As the rider arrives to the gates still being chased by wolves, the vampires notice and are readily prepared. The rider is then saved by Lucian.
One of the things that I did like about ‘Rise of the Lycans’ is that it told the story from Lucian's point of view and why he hates the vampires. Lucian is portrayed as a sympathetic character rather than the villain this time.
Once again, as much as I like vampires, I admit that I’m on the side of the lycans on this film. I actually felt sorry for Lucian.
Comments