Hellboy Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A big red demon, raised by humans, punches monsters and pines after a pyrokinetic, all while Nazis try to end the world… again.

🍿 Hellboy: Detailed Plot Synopsis

WWII Origin Story

In 1944, Nazi Germany, desperate for victory, enlists the aid of Grigori Rasputin to open a portal to another dimension. Their goal is to unleash powerful entities known as the Ogdru Jahad to turn the tide of the war. The ritual is interrupted by Allied forces led by Professor Trevor Bruttenholm, an expert in the occult.

Hellboy’s Arrival and Upbringing

While the portal is destroyed and Rasputin seemingly vanquished, a demonic infant with a large stone right hand appears – Hellboy. Professor Bruttenholm adopts Hellboy and raises him as his own, teaching him to use his powers for good and protect humanity from paranormal threats. Hellboy becomes part of the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD).

The Resurfacing Threat

Sixty years later, Rasputin is resurrected by his loyal followers, Ilsa Haupstein and Karl Ruprecht Kroenen. He seeks to complete his original mission and unleash the Ogdru Jahad. Hellboy, alongside fellow BPRD agents Abe Sapien (an aquatic psychic) and Liz Sherman (a pyrokinetic), must stop Rasputin’s plans.

BPRD Investigations

The team investigates a series of paranormal events linked to Rasputin, facing various monsters and uncovering his plan. FBI Agent John Myers is assigned as Hellboy’s handler, navigating the complexities of working with the supernatural while developing feelings for Liz. Hellboy also harbors feelings for Liz, creating a love triangle.

Bruttenholm’s Death

Rasputin infiltrates the BPRD headquarters and confronts Professor Bruttenholm. He shows Bruttenholm a vision of the future, revealing Hellboy as the harbinger of the apocalypse. Kroenen assassinates Bruttenholm, leaving Hellboy grief-stricken and determined to avenge his father figure’s death.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hellboy (Ron Perlman): A demon raised to fight the forces of darkness, struggling with his destiny and earthly desires.
• Liz Sherman (Selma Blair): A pyrokinetic agent of the BPRD who grapples with her destructive powers and feelings for Hellboy.
• Abe Sapien (Doug Jones): An intelligent and empathic amphibious humanoid who works as an agent for the BPRD.
• Trevor “Broom” Bruttenholm (John Hurt): Hellboy’s adoptive father and founder of the BPRD, dedicated to protecting humanity from paranormal threats.
• John Myers (Rupert Evans): A sensitive FBI agent who becomes Hellboy’s handler and forms a bond with Liz.
• Grigori Rasputin (Karel Roden): A resurrected Russian mystic determined to unleash the Ogdru Jahad to destroy the world.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hellboy: “Aw, crap.” – Hellboy’s often-used, sarcastic response to overwhelming or frustrating situations.
• Professor Broom: “There are things that go bump in the night, Agent Myers. And we are the ones who bump back.” – Professor Broom explains the BPRD’s mission to the newly assigned Agent Myers.
• Hellboy: “Hey, you on the other side! Let her go! Because for her, I’ll cross over, and then you’ll be sorry!” – Hellboy shouts to the creatures of the other side to return Liz’s soul, showing his love and determination.
• Hellboy: “I’m fireproof, you’re not.” – Hellboy says this to Agent Myers trying to protect him from Liz’s uncontrollable fire powers.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $66,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $59,623,958
• Worldwide Gross: $99,378,985

💥 Hellboy Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing Hellboy in theaters and being blown away by how cool it was. Ron Perlman *is* Hellboy – his sarcastic quips and world-weary attitude are perfect. I especially loved the scene where he follows Liz and Myers, trying to be sneaky, and ends up talking to that little kid. It felt so real! It’s a fun movie with amazing visuals, and I still enjoy watching it today. And the ending with Liz and the fire is such a perfect visual moment.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of comic book adaptations”
  • “Viewers who enjoy dark fantasy and action”
  • “Those who like films with unique creature designs”
  • “Fans of Guillermo del Toro’s directing style”
  • “Anyone looking for a fun, action-packed movie with humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense action violence”
  • “Supernatural horror elements”
  • “Some thematic elements relating to demons and the occult”
  • “Language”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy is an imaginative and visually stunning adaptation of the comic book, with Ron Perlman perfectly cast as the sardonic demon hero. It’s a fun, action-packed ride that manages to balance dark themes with humor.
• IMDB: “I loved this movie! Loved it! For anyone who is interested in history and cultural mythology and believes that movies, to some extent, are the telling of old tales in new ways (and some will become tomorrow’s myths), ‘Hellboy’ will definitely keep that belief alive. Not to mention it’s simply just one exciting damn fine fun kick butt movie!
• IGN: “Hellboy is a stylish and entertaining comic book adaptation that benefits from Guillermo del Toro’s unique vision and Ron Perlman’s charismatic performance. The story is a bit thin, but the characters and action sequences make up for it.

Audience Reactions

Ron Perlman’s portrayal of Hellboy is iconic and unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise Ron Perlman’s performance, the creature designs, and Guillermo del Toro’s unique directorial style.

The practical effects and makeup are incredibly impressive.: Fans appreciate the blend of practical and CGI effects, which create a tangible and believable world.

Overall Consensus: Hellboy is a well-regarded comic book adaptation praised for its visuals, action, and particularly Ron Perlman’s performance, though some find the plot somewhat thin.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Guillermo del Toro fought hard for Ron Perlman to play Hellboy, despite studio resistance. Perlman’s commitment to the role involved enduring hours of makeup every day.”
• “Doug Jones’s movements as Abe Sapien were entirely his own creation. David Hyde Pierce provided the voice, but went uncredited, feeling Jones deserved full recognition for the character.”
• “The Hellboy comics creator, Mike Mignola, was heavily involved in the film’s production, ensuring the visual style stayed true to the source material.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hellboy?

Hellboy (2004) is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video with a subscription or for rent/purchase. Apple TV also offers the movie for rent or purchase. Check other digital retailers like Google Play Movies & TV and Vudu for availability. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) can be purchased from Amazon and other retailers. Check JustWatch for updated streaming options in your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hellboy, you might like these similar films:

• Blade II (2002): Another Guillermo del Toro film featuring a supernatural hero battling monsters and vampires, with a similar dark, action-packed tone.
• The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003): Features a team of diverse and unusual heroes with supernatural abilities joining forces to fight a common enemy, similar to the BPRD.
• Men in Black (1997): A secret government agency dealing with paranormal threats, but with a comedic and sci-fi twist.
• Constantine (2005): Features a cynical, supernatural detective battling demons and angels in a dark, urban setting.
• Pan’s Labyrinth (2006): Another Guillermo del Toro movie that deals with the intersection of fantasy and reality, and explores similar themes of sacrifice and destiny.

🛒 Hellboy Related Products

• Hellboy (Director’s Cut) [Blu-ray]: Experience Guillermo del Toro’s vision in its entirety with the extended Director’s Cut, featuring additional scenes and enhanced visuals.
• Hellboy Omnibus Volume 1: Seed of Destruction: Dive into the original comics that inspired the movie with this comprehensive collection of Mike Mignola’s Hellboy stories. Experience the origins and explore Hellboy’s world in greater depth.
• Dark Horse Comics Hellboy Action Figure: A highly detailed action figure of Hellboy, complete with his Samaritan gun and Right Hand of Doom. A must-have for collectors and fans of the character.
• Hellboy Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original Hellboy movie poster, perfect for decorating your home theater or office.

🎧 Soundtrack

Hellboy features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Heart Attack and Vine” – performed by Tom Waits
• “La Llorona” – performed by Chavela Vargas

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

We Need More of Guillermo del Toro’s Better HELLBOY

Curious about why some fans prefer Guillermo del Toro’s “Hellboy” movies? This insightful analysis dives into the director’s vision and offers a compelling argument for their superiority in the franchise.

HELLBOY: THE CORPSE – Exploring Mike Mignola’s Gothic Mythology

Intrigued by the dark and captivating world of “Hellboy”? This video analyzes a short story from the original comics, revealing the storytelling secrets that make the franchise so compelling.

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