Warcraft (2016) – Full Spoiler Review

Poster for Warcraft 2016 Movie — Official Poster Warcraft 2016 Movie

Two worlds. One home.

PG-13
2h 3m

Directed by: Duncan Jones
Writer: Charles Leavitt
Premiered: May 25, 2016
Language: English
Status: Released
Budget: $160,000,000.00
Revenue: $433,677,183.00
Awards: 2 wins & 3 nominations total
Country: United States of America
China
Poland
Germany

Warcraft

6.3/10 (7071 vote)

★★★★★★★★★★

Production: Legendary Pictures
Atlas Entertainment
Blizzard Entertainment
Tencent Pictures
and 6 more

Spoiler

In the epic fantasy film Warcraft, directed by Duncan Jones, the peaceful realm of Azeroth finds itself on the verge of chaos as it faces an invasion from a fierce race of orc warriors. These orcs, led by the chieftain Durotan (Toby Kebbell), are fleeing their dying home, Draenor, which is teetering on the brink of destruction. Durotan, who is expecting his first child with his wife Draka (Anna Galvin), yearns for a life free from the relentless cycle of war.

As the orc clans unite to form The Horde, they are guided by the malevolent warlock Gul'dan (Daniel Wu), who wields a dark and deadly form of magic known as fel. This sinister power, born from death, fuels his ambitions as he captures Draenei prisoners, using their life force to open a portal to Azeroth. Among the captives is Garona (Paula Patton), a half-orc, half-human who walks past the imprisoned Draenei, unable to assist them.

When the portal to Azeroth is finally opened, the orcs surge through, with Draka concealing her pregnancy. However, upon arrival, she experiences severe pain, leading to the revelation of her condition. Despite the protests of the other orcs, Draka gives birth to a stillborn son. In a shocking display of his dark powers, Gul'dan drains the life from a nearby deer to revive the child, presenting Durotan's son to The Horde as a new warrior.

Meanwhile, in Ironforge, Commander Anduin Lothar (Travis Fimmel) is summoned by King Magni Bronzebeard (Michael Adamthwaite) to discuss a recent attack on a garrison. Lothar travels to Stormwind, where he meets the young mage Khadgar (Ben Schnetzer). Together, they investigate the aftermath of the attack, discovering that the fel magic used in the assault has left a trail of devastation.

Their investigation leads them to the Guardian Medivh (Ben Foster) in the mystical tower of Karazhan. As Lothar briefs Medivh on the situation, Khadgar explores the library and encounters a shadowy figure that draws him toward a forbidden book. Medivh intervenes, showcasing his immense power, but the group soon finds themselves under attack by a band of orcs.

During the skirmish, Lothar manages to defeat several orcs, but Medivh's magic fails to affect Durotan and his allies. In a fierce battle, Lothar loses his son Callan (Burkely Duffield) to the orc Blackhand (Clancy Brown), who brutally impales the boy. This tragedy deepens the rift between the orcs and humans.

As tensions rise, Garona is captured and taken to Llane's castle, where she reveals the impending threat of the orc army. Despite her mixed heritage, she struggles with her identity and the expectations placed upon her by both sides. Meanwhile, Gul'dan chastises Blackhand for his cowardice, asserting his dominance over the orc clans.

Durotan, realizing the destructive path Gul'dan is leading them down, seeks to stop him. He confides in Orgrim Doomhammer (Rob Kazinsky), who is torn between loyalty to The Horde and the need to protect their future. As the orc clans prepare for battle, Durotan's concerns about Gul'dan's magic become increasingly urgent.

In a desperate bid for peace, Llane (Dominic Cooper) decides to negotiate with Durotan, with Garona acting as a translator. However, their meeting is ambushed by Gul'dan's loyalists, leading to chaos and bloodshed. In the aftermath, Medivh's power wanes, and he becomes increasingly unstable, revealing that he is also under the influence of fel magic.

As the conflict escalates, Llane's forces prepare for a final confrontation with the orcs. Khadgar seeks assistance from the elder mages of Dalaran, who are initially skeptical of his warnings about the fel magic spreading through Azeroth. He learns from Alodi (Glenn Close), a former Guardian, that Medivh has been battling a demonic presence within himself, which has led to his corruption.

Back in the midst of the war, Draka attempts to save her child, Go'el, by sending him downriver in a basket. Tragically, she is fatally wounded while defending him. Durotan, realizing the threat posed by Gul'dan, challenges him to a duel. Despite his strength, Durotan falls victim to Gul'dan's dark magic, leading to a devastating loss for The Horde.

As the battle rages on, Llane makes a sacrificial decision, urging Garona to kill him to forge a path for peace. Reluctantly, she complies, plunging her dagger into his neck. This act of betrayal earns her the respect of the orcs, but it leaves Lothar devastated as he witnesses the death of his king.

In the climactic showdown, Lothar confronts Blackhand, who has been empowered by fel magic. In a fierce duel, Lothar avenges Callan's death, but the victory is bittersweet as the orc clans remain divided. Gul'dan's ambitions continue to threaten both worlds, and the battle for Azeroth rages on.

The film concludes with a somber funeral for Llane, where Taria honors her husband and Lothar steps up as the new leader of The Alliance. As the camera pans away, we see Go'el floating safely down the river, with Durotan's voice echoing in the background, hinting at the hope that he may one day unite the orcs and bring peace to their fractured world.