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The
Sword and the Sorcerer (Collector’s Edition)
Talon, a warrior rogue driven by justice, armed with a powerful
tri-sword and with the promise of a night of passion with the beautiful
Princess Alana, sets out to avenge his family’s deaths at the hands of
an evil tyrant King Cromwell who has usurped his kingdom. Forced into
exile Talon returns to reclaim his royal birthright but must defeat not
only Cromwell but also a powerful sorcerer demon name Xusia who has
plans to make this land his own.
Evil
and ambitious King Titus Cromwell, played brilliantly by actor Richard
Lynch, journeys to Tomb Isle where he raises a powerful demon sorcerer
named Xusia to aid him in his struggle against the prosperous Kingdom of
Eh-Dan. The demon tips the scales in Cromwell’s
favour
and he conquers all before him, slaying the reigning King Richard and
his Queen before the eyes of their son Talon. Talon flees for his life
with only his father’s tri-sword, a three bladed weapon that shoots
forth two blades from a distance, to protect him. Cromwell is
treacherous towards his demon ally and stabs him, fearing Xusia with
become more powerful and likely threaten in the future. The sorcerer is
seen falling from a cliff in an attempt to escape. Eleven years later
Talon returns with a bunch of mercenaries, he is hired by a beautiful
princess named Alana (Kathleen
Beller),
to rescue her brother who is leading a rebellion from the tyrannical
rule of Cromwell. She promises him one night of passion if successful.
Using his wits and powerful fighting skills Talon returns her brother
safely but is captured himself and crucified. Alana is also captured
and set to marry Cromwell against her will. Meanwhile Cromwell is
increasingly paranoid fearing Xusia’s survival; it is a fear that is
well founded.
Xusia has taken human form in the guise of Machelli; Cromwell’s must
trusted advisor and is manipulating events to seek vengeance on his
hated former ally.
Talon’s fame exceeds him and he is supported by a popular uprising
against Cromwell, he manages to slay Xusia and Cromwell with the aid of
his trusty tri-sword and bed the beautiful Alana.
Well
received by critics upon its initial release this movie has attained a
cult like following. It is an excellently paced action adventure with
moments of
humour
and a great villain in Titus Cromwell. Talon (Lee Horsley) is a likable
hero who gets the amount of comedy and action perfect with his
character, we actually care about him. He has a great scene where he
gatecrashers into a harem of lovely scantily clad concubines who help
his escape, only to be knocked out a window when he views the naked
Alana which
mesmerizes
him for a second. The scenery and props are all well done with a great
dungeon housing a sadistic torturer who meets a
grisly
end on a grindstone.
The character of Xusia/Machelli is great as a foil to both Talon and
Cromwell; he is truly a terrifying personification of malevolence.
Released in 1982 picture quality is reasonable but is set in darkness
for most of the situations. It is shot in 16X9 widescreen aspect ratio
and has Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Running time is approximately
96 minutes. Extras include an audio commentary with director Albert
Pyun
and
film critic Chris Gore exclusive to the Australian release, 2 theatrical
trailers and a TV spot
Easily one of the best sword and sorcery movies to come out of this
genre I highly recommend it to all who like an exciting well made
adventure.
Rumour
has it that the sequel is in preproduction called Tales of the Ancient
Empire some 27 years later, should be interesting to revisit this
universe. Great movie, some very funny moments and a terrific cast who
do a fine job entertaining. A definite classic to own that appeals to
everyone. If only you could still buy those plastic toy tri-swords that
came out during the movie’s heyday. |
