For whom is 1982’s “Conan the Barbarian” a guilty pleasure? There are some that wouldn’t openly admit to having it in their movie collection, as it’s a none-too-serious, sword and sandal action flick. I’ve watched this movie perhaps a dozen times since the mid 80’s and I think it holds up well despite its age.
After another viewing, I became curious what other people thought of it, and read a number of reviews from around the time of its original screening, and more recent ones to compare. The takeaway is that while Conan may have achieved a cult following, and is praised for its musical score, the movie itself isn’t widely regarded as well made or compelling.
One of the biggest criticisms is the protagonist has very little dialog, and that …show more content…
Having been successful in escaping his past, his female companion urges him to leave it behind and to start a new life. Conan is mute during the exchange, and only after she falls asleep do we learn what he will do; he examines a jade carving of two entwined snakes, the symbol of Thulsa Dooms cult.
Later, Valeria delivers this dialog “All the gods, they cannot sever us. If I were dead and you were still fighting for life, I'd come back from the darkness. Back from the pit of hell to fight at your side.” This is important because it sets up yet more character development after Valeria is killed. Three-quarters of the way through the movie, Valeria’s ghost appears from thin air to help in a battle, suggesting that she solved the riddle and gained entry into the afterlife.
At the last act, Conan has tracked down his parent’s killer and ends with him sitting in contemplation. The audience isn’t told what he’s thinking, but there’s more going on than “me Ugg” caveman talk. Actually, it’s hinted that he’s thinking about his place in the world, and it isn’t what others would make for him, but the one he would make for his
After another viewing, I became curious what other people thought of it, and read a number of reviews from around the time of its original screening, and more recent ones to compare. The takeaway is that while Conan may have achieved a cult following, and is praised for its musical score, the movie itself isn’t widely regarded as well made or compelling.
One of the biggest criticisms is the protagonist has very little dialog, and that …show more content…
Having been successful in escaping his past, his female companion urges him to leave it behind and to start a new life. Conan is mute during the exchange, and only after she falls asleep do we learn what he will do; he examines a jade carving of two entwined snakes, the symbol of Thulsa Dooms cult.
Later, Valeria delivers this dialog “All the gods, they cannot sever us. If I were dead and you were still fighting for life, I'd come back from the darkness. Back from the pit of hell to fight at your side.” This is important because it sets up yet more character development after Valeria is killed. Three-quarters of the way through the movie, Valeria’s ghost appears from thin air to help in a battle, suggesting that she solved the riddle and gained entry into the afterlife.
At the last act, Conan has tracked down his parent’s killer and ends with him sitting in contemplation. The audience isn’t told what he’s thinking, but there’s more going on than “me Ugg” caveman talk. Actually, it’s hinted that he’s thinking about his place in the world, and it isn’t what others would make for him, but the one he would make for his