


Conan the Barbarian
A horde of rampaging warriors massacre the parents of young Conan and enslave the young child for years on The Wheel of Pain. As the sole survivor of the childhood massacre, Conan is released from slavery and taught the ancient arts of fighting. Transforming himself into a killing machine, Conan travels into the wilderness to seek vengeance on Thulsa Doom, the man responsible for killing his family. In the wilderness, Conan takes up with the thieves Valeria and Subotai. The group comes upon King Osric, who wants the trio of warriors to help rescue his daughter who has joined Doom in the hills.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a primitive, prehistoric world, young Conan witnesses the massacre of his village and the murder of his parents by the serpent cult led by Thulsa Doom. After being enslaved and trained as a gladiator, Conan escapes and embarks on a quest for vengeance against Thulsa Doom, encountering magic, betrayal, and formidable challenges along the way. His journey culminates in a confrontation that will determine the fate of the sorcerer and his followers.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Conan the Barbarian' received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its epic scope, visual style, and Schwarzenegger's imposing presence, while others criticized its violence and thin plot. Over time, it has gained a significant cult following and is now often regarded as a benchmark for sword-and-sorcery films.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its gritty atmosphere and brutal action sequences.
- Arnold Schwarzenegger's breakout performance is highlighted as a major strength.
- Criticized by some for its explicit violence and simplistic narrative.
Google audience: Audience reviews generally appreciate the film's epic fantasy setting, Schwarzenegger's iconic portrayal of Conan, and the memorable score. Some viewers find the plot a bit underdeveloped, but the overall tone and action are often cited as compelling reasons to watch.
Fun Fact
The distinctive score for 'Conan the Barbarian' was composed by Basil Poledouris, and its main theme was directly inspired by Richard Wagner's 'Ride of the Valkyries'.
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TMDB Reviews
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