Cast
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Giancarlo Prete
as Scorpion
Fred Williamson
as Nadir
George Eastman
as One
Anna Kanakis
as Alma
Ennio Girolami
as Shadow
Venantino Venantini
as Father Moses
Massimo Vanni
as Mako
Giovanni Frezza
as Young Mechanic
Iris Peynado
as Vinya
Andrea Coppola
as Mako's Friend
Vito Fornari
as Templar
Zora Kerova
as Woman - Moses' Group
Fulvio Mingozzi
as Amos
Marinella Troian
as
Patsy May McLachlan
as
Crew
Director
- Enzo G. Castellari
Writer
- Antonio Visone
- Tito Carpi
- Enzo G. Castellari
Producer
- Fabrizio De Angelis
Reviews
talisencrw
Every time cinema has a game-changer (in this case, 'Mad Max' and the entire genre of 'post-apocalyptic dystopia movies'), it's fascinating to watch how various countries and cultures react to the instant knowledge that 'something new is out there that can bring in for us a lot of money'. For this Italian effort, which needed very little in the way of budgeting for either actors, set design or costumes, it's not bad.
Director Castellari brings to it an action-packed flow which never flags for a moment. (The 87-year-old Rome native--God bless him--is directing 'Keoma Rises' at the moment, his first film in six years, and it is slated to be released later this year.) I have previously only seen his spaghetti-western 'Keoma', which I adore. He throws in two instances of nice gratuitous sex in a heartened attempt at 'character and plot development', but I really don't have a problem with that, especially with great Italian beauties like he has at his disposal here. There's a bizarre homoerotic undertone, particularly to a scene in which Scorpion is being tortured, but it's not problematic. Fred Williamson is the only star I recognized, and he continues his credo of 'getting the girls and winning the fights', which he stands by in his movies. The electronic score is dated but not bad, though it's inferior to those of, say, either Tangerine Dream or Goblin.
All in all, it was a 91-minute span of time I don't regret in the slightest--I even watched it with a plate of spaghetti and glass of red wine at hand to further exemplify the Italian experience.
Apr 11, 2016
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Science Fiction/Action/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The New Barbarians distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Enzo G. Castellari 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 The New Barbarians took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 229 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1983, 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 The New Barbarians shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Terminator Salvation, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The New Barbarians offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like La Jetée and Double Dragon explore similar territory, The New Barbarians stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 10, 1983
- Runtime: 1h 31m
Where to Watch
