Cast
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Miles O'Keeffe
as Liberty
Mitzi Kapture
as Sarah
Lynnette Mettey
as Terry
Lou Ferrigno
as Bash
Richard Eden
as Jesse
Cheryl Paris
as Melissa
Gary Conway
as Commissioner Jordan
Charles Dierkop
as Mr. B
Darrell Kunitomi
as Juan Ton
Rick Zumwalt
as Ace
Stephen Liska
as Deuce
Al White
as Detective Anderson
Eileen Conn
as Denise
Pamela Poitier
as Rose
Will Gotay
as Luis
Crew
Director
- Myrl A. Schreibman
Writer
- Myrl A. Schreibman
- Tina Plackinger
Producer
- Douglas Forsmith
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Crime film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Liberty & Bash distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Myrl A. Schreibman brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1989, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Liberty & Bash took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 225 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1989, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Liberty & Bash shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Big Stan, which focuses more on action than character development, Liberty & Bash subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Flock and The Olsen Gang in a Fix explore similar territory, Liberty & Bash stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 1, 1989
- Runtime: 1h 32m
