Post by xerxez on Nov 3, 2012 8:50:11 GMT -6
Came across a memorable old Italian film on Netflix. It had some cheese but the story was good, interesting conflict. It could be classified as a fantasy film if only because it includes a sooth saying Norse witch who uses magic and whose prophecy of doom is the thread running through the entire film. I rolled my eyes more than once but all in all I enjoyed it and thought I'd pass it on. The review below was well written so I included it, it gave the movie 3 stars out of 5 which I thought about right. Except the Shane reference...
This largely forgotten Mario Bava film is a curious blend of American Western and European Sword & Sandal film. Don't be fooled by the cheesy cover; this was actually a professionally produced movie, and it has more than enough polish to escape any moments of unintentional comedy. As such, it wasn't really my cup of tea, but fans of both the Western genre and the Italian Sword & Sandal genre should find elements here to appreciate. I see a reviewer here (Flashbulb) describing the film as "Shane versus the Vikings," and I couldn't agree more....The story involves a princess who is forced into hiding after her kingdom is ravaged by the hands of an evil warlord. While the prince is at sea, the warlord murders the king, and seeks to capture the princess for his own bride. Soon enters a mysterious stranger, however, who vows to set things right. After learning the princess' true identity, the stranger discovers that his past indiscretions have created a unique opportunity for self-redemption, as well as the possibility of grave danger....As a vintage Italian film, this really is one of the most polished I've seen, and it holds up adequately as a fairly unique entry in the two aforementioned genres. Bava was a talented director, and "Knives of the Avenger" shows the man in agreeable form during the later half of his career. (PS: the English dub is a good one, and a plenty adequate alternative to the original Italian).
This largely forgotten Mario Bava film is a curious blend of American Western and European Sword & Sandal film. Don't be fooled by the cheesy cover; this was actually a professionally produced movie, and it has more than enough polish to escape any moments of unintentional comedy. As such, it wasn't really my cup of tea, but fans of both the Western genre and the Italian Sword & Sandal genre should find elements here to appreciate. I see a reviewer here (Flashbulb) describing the film as "Shane versus the Vikings," and I couldn't agree more....The story involves a princess who is forced into hiding after her kingdom is ravaged by the hands of an evil warlord. While the prince is at sea, the warlord murders the king, and seeks to capture the princess for his own bride. Soon enters a mysterious stranger, however, who vows to set things right. After learning the princess' true identity, the stranger discovers that his past indiscretions have created a unique opportunity for self-redemption, as well as the possibility of grave danger....As a vintage Italian film, this really is one of the most polished I've seen, and it holds up adequately as a fairly unique entry in the two aforementioned genres. Bava was a talented director, and "Knives of the Avenger" shows the man in agreeable form during the later half of his career. (PS: the English dub is a good one, and a plenty adequate alternative to the original Italian).