The Barbarians (1987) Review

 

Barbarian twins go on a quest to recover a magical ruby and rescue their mentor.

Director Ruggero Deodato (Cannibal Holocaust) with backing from Cannon label, off the the back of the Sword & Sandal fantasy craze offers 1987’s Barbarians. James R. Silke’s story follows the usual Conan-copy story beats, but what sets this apart from the countless Italian copies of the 80s is the overall production quality. Yes, it still has the bad dubbing and all the associated clunkiness but to lesser extent. Deodato has a fine eye and this offering has plenty of atmosphere, although if uneven.

Despite its uneven tone, serious with violent action, to light, hammy, cheesy and comedic in a blind of an eye, Pino Donaggio impressive music score fits perfectly, it’s synth at times but has a charm of its own. The sweeping locations, fantastic scenery is breathtaking and wonderfully captured by Gianlorenzo Battaglia (Popeye (1980), Phenomena (1985)). The stunts are well executed for the most part, the props and and sets are well crafted. The costumes and effects are a mixed bag. There’s a swamp monster and warriors and bloody sword action littered throughout.

The editing is as heavy handed as the dialogue and twins acting. But things start promising with the opening obligatory voice over narration introduction telling of tales of magic stones and the twins progression to adulthood. Some of the acting has conviction, striking Virginia Bryant as the twins’ guardian Canary is particularly notable. Novel low budget bodybuilding actors the late David Paul as Gore and Peter Paul as Kutchek (who were amusing in Double Trouble (1992)) even combined are no Arnold Schwarzenegger but they do an adequate job in the lead roles. That said, they play it tongue and cheek as no doubt directed which they deliver on which is a pity considering the story and contrast to some weighty performances and themes. Veteran actor Richard Lynch is on his usually screen presence film form as the evil warlord Kadar. Top billing is likeable Eva LaRue as the smart very American sidekick Kara. Memorable is Michael Berryman of The Hills have Eyes (1977) fame and also evil sorceress Sheeba Alahani as China even though they have little screen-time. The supporting cast are a array of model looking women and quirky faced men. To Alahani, Lynch, Bryant’s credit their performances far exceed this production.

The great locations can’t save the film alone, it lacks the period feel not just due to some of the costumes, dialogue and the delivery but accents too. With a little work all Deodato’s elements and sets could have delivered an adequate serious Swords and Sandals film to put next to Conan the Barbarian; but unfortunately it’s a poor man’s over the top Conan the Destroyer.

Even though a late addition, despite its shortcomings this is one of the more entertaining Conan cash-ins. Recommend with caution of muscle bound proportions.