Wizards
Wizards

Wizards

1977Movie81 minEnglish

After the death of his mother, evil mutant wizard Blackwolf discovers long-lost military technologies. Full of ego and ambition, Blackwolf claims his mother's throne, assembles an army, and sets out to brainwash and conquer Earth. Meanwhile, Blackwolf's gentle twin brother, the bearded sage Avatar, calls upon his own magical abilities to foil Blackwolf's plans for world domination — even if it means eliminating his own flesh and blood.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes63%
Google Users79%
Director: Ralph BakshiGenres: Animation, Fantasy, Adventure

Plot Summary

In a mystical future, two twin brothers, the benevolent wizard Merlyn and the evil wizard Mandrac, battle for control of the planet. Merlyn, aided by fairies and a young human prince, fights against Mandrac's forces of darkness, which include elves, goblins, and zombies, in a war that will determine the fate of magic and humanity.

Critical Reception

Ralph Bakshi's "Wizards" is a cult classic animated fantasy film that polarized audiences and critics upon its release. While some praised its unique visual style and ambitious storytelling, others found its narrative disjointed and its animation crude. Over time, it has gained a dedicated following for its unconventional approach to animation and its dark, adult themes within a fantasy setting.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique, rotoscoped animation style and ambitious, dark fantasy narrative.
  • Criticized for a somewhat convoluted plot and uneven pacing.
  • Appreciated for its mature themes and departure from traditional animated fare.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's distinctive visual aesthetic and its engaging, albeit sometimes strange, fantasy world. Many appreciate its adult themes and the creative, dark tone that sets it apart from typical animation. Some viewers find the plot occasionally hard to follow, but the overall sentiment is positive for its originality.

Fun Fact

The film famously uses rotoscoping, a technique where animators trace over live-action footage, which gives the characters a distinctive, fluid, yet sometimes unsettling appearance.

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