When people think of superhero movies, Spider-Man or Batman, usually come up. A superhero, that fell under the radar, but gain a major amount of cult fans, is Hellboy. There are two Hellboy films and both are top-notch superhero films, but it's the first film where this Cult Character comes from.
Karl Ruprecht Kroenen, a villain in the Hellboy comics and a surprise fan favourite, when the film was first released.
According to Dark Horse comics, Kroenen, is a German scientist working for the Nazis and a member of the Thule Society. He became one of the top scientists for Project Ragna Rok and a close disciple of Rasputin. He was present with Rasputin at the secret ritual that brought Hellboy to earth. He has many powers and abilities, including: a mystical clockwork heart which is mentally linked to his brain, which allows him to slow or speed up his heartbeat, fake his death and live longer than usual; Superhuman strength, which helps him lift over two tons and cut through steel or stone; Superhuman speed; Superhuman stamina; Superhuman reflexes; Superhuman Agility; Superhuman Durability; Superhuman longevity. His abilities, include: Inventive genius, Master surgeon, Master swordsman, Master martial artist, Weapons specialist and also, Kroenen revels in pain and can keep going long after pain would stop a normal human.
In the first Hellboy film, it was pure excitement to watch Kroenen. His moves were so fast and his attacks were so devastating. I loved the character and always thought he was the best bad guy, in any of the films. Many fans had the same feelings I did and his popularity has been noted to be higher than almost any character in the films. He wields a pair of Katara-like daggers, which he does most of his damage with. He meets his demise near the end of Hellboy, at the hands of Hellboy. Until after the credits, it shows a segment of Tom Manning (Jeffrey Tambor), in Kroenen's lair and there is a ear-piercing screech. Me and many fans thought and hoped this meant Kroenen, would be back from the dead in the second film. Unfortunately, this did not happen and fans weren't very happy with the movie maker's decision. Kroenen is still a fan favourite today and always will be.
Kroenen was played by Ladislav Beran, who has also played minor characters in Blade 2 and the newest Mission Impossible. His portrayal of Kroenen, was a ruthless and deadly one. His scenes and character will not soon be forgotten. I remember watching this movie in the theatre for the first time and I liked him almost instantly. I loved the fact that he just had to wind-down or up is heart, to slow is heartbeat or even revive his health. That night I gave him a nickname, for some reason, it was "The Nazi Nipple-Winder" (because of the placement of his winding key)
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