Conan the Barbarian
D: John Milius (1982); with Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Sandahl Bergman, Mako, Gerry Lopez.
While Gladiator snapped up a Golden Globe, some fans may want to revisit this early Eighties gem. True Conan fanatics may dispute its authenticity, but as a fantasy film, it works brilliantly. Conan (Schwarzenegger) is orphaned when his parents are butchered by the evil Thulsa Doom (Jones, in a marvelous role). After being sold into slavery, he becomes a gladiator and eventually begins a quest to avenge his parents. Along the way, he meets fellow thieves and cutthroats including Subotai (played by surfing great Lopez), a nutty magician (Mako), and Valeria (Bergman). Some special effects haven’t aged well, but the swordplay is solid. Schwarzenegger’s childlike expressions and physical presence makes for a sympathetic yet brutal Conan. Jones is over the top, but delightful as the evil cult leader. His evil is apparent, but Jones uses a subtle charm that makes him all the more credible. Some may shove this into B-movie category (its sequel Conan the Destroyer belongs there), but the principal story (by Millius and Oliver Stone) is very good, and the final product is still an action classic.
This article appears in March 23 • 2001.