THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER
****
Directed by Albert Pyun.
Starring Lee Horsley, Richard Lynch, Kathleen Beller, George Maharis.
Fantasy, US, 99 minutes, Certificate 15.
Released in the UK on 4K UHD via 101 Films on 4th November
The early 1980’s. To paraphrase CONAN THE BARBARIAN, it was a time of high adventure, especially if you were a fan of fantasy epics. In the rush to beat Robert E. Howard’s enduring hero to the screen, and for some time afterwards there was a slew of low-budget fantasy epics featuring many a sword-wielding hero beset by fantastical creatures, evil wizards and scantily clad buxom women. One of the earliest examples of this staple of 80’s genre cinema, beating Conan to cinema screens by a few months, was Albert Pyun’s directorial debut THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER, now re-released on a snazzy 4K edition with ample extras to remind us of this glorious time.
The film tells the tale of Talon, a young prince forced to become a mercenary after his noble family were murdered by the evil Titus Cromwell with the aid of the even more evil demon Xusia. Years later, after Cromwell has betrayed Xusia, Talon, and his nifty triple bladed sword, is roped into a plot devised by Lord Mikah and his beautiful sister Princess Alana to depose the treacherous king. All the while Xusia plans his own sinister revenge on Cromwell.
The film itself remains as enjoyable as ever and serves as a welcome reminder of the care that went into all aspects of B-Movie making, especially compared to today's digital schlock which more often than not comes across as wildly unimaginative and poorly executed. The script rattles along, aided by the then twenty-seven year old Pyun’s punchy direction. Although there is plenty of sword play, the more expensive sorcery aspect is mostly held back until the climax. When it does come into play however it still impresses with its FX and make-up created by the then unknown Chiodo Brothers. The excellent 4K remaster highlights the obvious care and attention that went into the film's more fantastical elements, reminding us further of this golden age of genre filmmaking.
It is a fun romp that never takes itself seriously but manages to avoid the easy route of campy theatrics. Lee Horsley, now a frequent Tarantino bit player, gives a fun performance as Talon while the great Richard Lynch gives one of his most memorable villain roles as Cromwell, while the late Simon MacCorkindale classes up the joint with the films sole British character in this fantasy land. Also worth noting down is the climax, much of which takes place at a wedding that makes you wonder if George RR Martin was taking notes for a certain infamous scene in GAME OF THRONES.
101 Films have gone all out here in presenting this cult favourite on a three disc set. The handsome packaging, booklet, art cards and poster are enticing enough but the generous disc extras are the icing on the cake. The late, and much missed, Pyun provides a detailed and honest commentary aided by Video Watchdog’s John Charles, as well as providing an equally informative interview that runs over 30 minutes. There are a number of other interviews with the likes of the Chiodo Brothers, and another brutally honest chat with lead actress Kathleen Beller and even more that cover a large part of the film's creative talents.
Long out of print, this is an essential upgrade for fans. The 4K remaster is superb, capturing the now vintage look of the early 80’s filming in excellent detail, highlighting the care that went into crafting the film from its sets to the makeup and FX work. Although newcomers to the film may find themselves bemused at what is on offer here, this is an essential purchase for fans of the film as well as those who pine for the vintage days of ambitious fantasy cinema.
Iain MacLeod
