Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

*Underworld: Rise of the Lycans* (2009) takes the *Underworld* franchise to its roots, offering fans a thrilling prequel that delves into the origins of the war between vampires and Lycans (werewolves). Directed by Patrick Tatopoulos, this installment moves away from the central characters of Selene and Michael, focusing instead on the rise of Lucian (played by Michael Sheen), the first Lycan to rebel against vampire rule. With action, romance, and dark gothic visuals, *Rise of the Lycans* sets out to provide a deeper look at the backstory of the war between the two supernatural factions.

While *Rise of the Lycans* may not have the same level of impact as the original *Underworld* (2003), it still delivers a gripping narrative full of intense action, supernatural intrigue, and a tragic love story. This film gives fans a chance to see the roots of the *Underworld* universe while fleshing out the characters and events that laid the groundwork for the franchise’s central conflict.

**Plot Overview**
Set hundreds of years before Selene’s story, *Rise of the Lycans* focuses on the events that lead to the war between vampires and Lycans. Lucian, a Lycan who possesses the ability to transform at will, has long been enslaved by Viktor (Bill Nighy), the powerful and ruthless leader of the vampire coven. As a child, Lucian witnessed the slaughter of his parents and the brutal treatment of his kind. Raised as a slave, he is forced to serve the vampires and fight their wars.

However, Lucian’s rebellious spirit is ignited when he falls in love with Sonja (Rhona Mitra), the daughter of Viktor. Their forbidden love sets off a chain of events that leads to Lucian’s uprising, as he leads the Lycans in a war for their freedom. What begins as a personal vendetta soon turns into an all-out battle for survival, as Lucian seeks to free his people and challenge Viktor’s reign.

The plot is a tragic tale of love, loss, and revenge, as Lucian’s motivations are driven by both the desire to end the oppression of the Lycans and his longing for Sonja. The film builds on the *Underworld* mythology, revealing how the age-old feud between vampires and Lycans began, and how both races became locked in an eternal struggle for dominance.

**Performance & Direction**
Michael Sheen’s portrayal of Lucian is one of the film’s standout performances. Sheen brings a strong emotional depth to the character, capturing Lucian’s inner turmoil, determination, and vulnerability. He transforms Lucian from a slave to a fierce leader, and his performance is both commanding and sympathetic. Sheen’s intense chemistry with Rhona Mitra, who plays Sonja, also adds emotional weight to the film, especially as their doomed romance drives the narrative forward.

Bill Nighy’s Viktor is as sinister and calculating as ever, bringing a chilling presence to the role of the ruthless vampire lord. Nighy’s performance is marked by a cold, authoritarian demeanor, which makes him an effective villain. Rhona Mitra, while less experienced than Sheen or Nighy, delivers a solid performance as Sonja, though her character’s motivations could have been explored further.

Director Patrick Tatopoulos handles the action sequences with skill, staging several high-energy battles between the Lycans and vampires. While the film’s tone is dark and gothic, it doesn’t shy away from delivering some thrilling moments of intense combat. The film balances the action with character-driven scenes, allowing the audience to connect with Lucian’s struggle and the stakes of his rebellion.

**Action Sequences & Cinematography**
As expected from a film in the *Underworld* franchise, *Rise of the Lycans* delivers some brutal and well-choreographed action sequences. The battle between vampires and Lycans is relentless and fast-paced, with dramatic fight scenes taking place in both close-quarters and larger battle settings. Lucian’s transformation into a Lycan is a focal point of the film, and the special effects used to depict the changing forms are impressive.

The film’s climactic battle, set against the snowy backdrop of a gothic castle, is a visually striking and intense set piece, showcasing the power and fury of both sides. There’s a clear emphasis on physical combat, with the Lycans’ strength and speed used to their advantage in combat against the vampires’ more calculated, strategic style.

Cinematically, *Rise of the Lycans* maintains the franchise’s signature dark and brooding aesthetic. The film’s lighting and color palette are steeped in shades of blue, grey, and black, creating a moody atmosphere that perfectly complements the film’s themes of oppression and rebellion. The contrast between the cold, sterile interiors of the vampire castles and the wild, untamed landscapes where the Lycans fight for freedom is visually striking.

**Themes & Music**
The central theme of *Rise of the Lycans* is rebellion—Lucian’s rise from slave to revolutionary leader mirrors the broader conflict between the oppressed Lycans and their vampire overlords. The film touches on themes of freedom, love, and betrayal, as Lucian’s personal vendetta becomes a catalyst for a larger-scale conflict that will shape the fate of both races.

The love story between Lucian and Sonja is tragic and serves as an emotional core to the film. Their relationship is marked by defiance and sacrifice, as they both struggle with the constraints placed on them by their respective worlds. While their romance is central to the narrative, it also serves as a metaphor for the broader theme of freedom from oppression, as Lucian and Sonja defy the societal rules that seek to control them.

The film’s score, composed by Paul Haslinger, complements the action and drama with its sweeping orchestral sound, punctuated by moments of tension and urgency. The music effectively heightens the film’s darker moments and adds to the overall atmosphere of impending doom.

**Character Development & Conflict**
Character development is one of the film’s stronger points, particularly with Lucian. As a slave who becomes a leader, Lucian’s journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, and Michael Sheen does an excellent job of conveying his character’s emotional journey. Lucian’s transformation from a subjugated man to a revolutionary leader is compelling, and Sheen’s performance is one of the most memorable aspects of the film.

Sonja’s character, though central to the plot, is somewhat underdeveloped. While her love for Lucian is clear, her motivations and the reasons behind her actions could have been explored more deeply. Viktor’s villainy is effectively portrayed by Bill Nighy, though his character remains somewhat one-dimensional, as he is primarily driven by power and control. The film does an excellent job of portraying the deep-seated animosity between the two factions, with the conflict between vampires and Lycans serving as a backdrop for the personal battles that drive the narrative.

**Conclusion**
*Underworld: Rise of the Lycans* (2009) is a strong prequel that expands on the mythology of the *Underworld* universe, offering a deeper exploration of the war between vampires and Lycans. While it may not surpass the original film in terms of overall impact, it delivers plenty of action, solid performances, and an emotionally charged narrative. Michael Sheen’s performance as Lucian is the film’s standout, and the movie effectively combines intense combat with a tragic love story and themes of rebellion. If you’re a fan of the *Underworld* franchise, *Rise of the Lycans* provides an engaging backstory to the war between vampires and Lycans, with memorable action sequences and a darker, more serious tone.