3 Questions

How did they play up religious concepts even more?
The movie Beowulf and Grendel, portrayed more religious concepts than the story from the book.  One of the main parts was showing the king being baptized.  This in a way symbolizes the old Angelo-Saxon way of life dying and turning into Christianity.  The priest had a greater role in the film than in the book.  He blessed the warriors and when Grendel came up to him, nothing happened.  This symbolizes the power that God had and could protect the priest.

What major changes to the plot were made?
The most noticeable plot change that I saw was the change in personality of Beowulf.  In the book, he is very boastful and full of pride but in the movie, he's not at all.  When Grendel loses him arm is another point.  Beowulf is suppose to rip off Grendel's arm to show his power but in the movie, Grendel does it himself.  In the movie we find out Grendel had a son which changes the viewers mind about Grendel.  The audience feels sorry for him and his son.  The movie also cut out the entire dragon scene. I think they did this to keep the story only on Beowulf and Grendel.

Of these changes, which was effective & which was not?
I thought the part when the arm comes off was bad.  Beowulf was the one who was suppose to tear it off to show his strength and power. I actually liked Beowulf's personality better in the movie than in the book.  I felt he was conceded and prideful in the book which made me not like him as much.  I didn't really think the part about the kid was necessary.  It didn't really fit into the story very well.