Cast
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Crew
Director
- Lucio Fulci
Producer
- Giovanni Di Clemente
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Adventure/Fantasy/Action/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Conquest presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Lucio Fulci 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 1983, 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 Conquest took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 455 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1983, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Conquest shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Fermata, which focuses more on action than character development, Conquest subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Little Witch Academia: The Enchanted Parade and Assassination Classroom explore similar territory, Conquest 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.
