A 80s cinematic adventure

„Conan the Destroyer“ from 1984 is the sequel to the successful „Conan the Barbarian“ from 1982. Directed by Richard Fleischer, a veteran filmmaker known for classics such as „20,000 Leagues Under the Sea“, Arnold Schwarzenegger returns to his iconic role of Conan. The film, based on the stories by Robert E. Howard, once again takes the audience into a world of magic, monsters and epic battles. It epitomizes the fantasy adventure film genre that was particularly popular in the 1980s and further cemented Schwarzenegger’s status as an action star.

Plot

The movie begins with Conan mourning the loss of the love of his life, Valeria. Queen Taramis, a powerful and devious ruler, commissions him to accompany her niece Jehnna on a dangerous mission. Taramis promises Conan that she will bring Valeria back to life if he successfully completes the mission. Driven by his desire, Conan reluctantly agrees.

Jehnna, a young and innocent girl, is destined to find a magical horn that will awaken the sleeping god Dagoth. Conan is accompanied on his journey by a motley crew: Malak, a cunning thief; Akiro, a wise wizard; and Zula, a fierce warrior. Together they cross dangerous landscapes, fight wild creatures and overcome magical obstacles.

One of the most important opponents is the wizard Toth-Amon, who guards the horn. In a dramatic battle, Conan defeats Toth-Amon and takes the horn. After numerous adventures, they return to the kingdom of Taramis. There it soon becomes clear that the queen has evil intentions: she plans to use the horn to control the mighty Dagoth and expand her power.

In the thrilling finale, Dagoth awakens, but Conan recognizes the danger and faces him in battle. After a fierce duel, Conan manages to defeat the monstrous god and avert the impending destruction. In the end, Conan rejects the offer to marry Jehnna and become king, as he wishes to continue pursuing his own destiny as a free adventurer.

Trivia

• Originally, John Milius, the director of the first film, was also slated to direct the sequel, but decided against it in order to pursue other projects. Instead, Richard Fleischer took over as director, giving the movie a different tone and style.
• Wilt Chamberlain, an NBA legend and famous basketball player, makes his acting debut in this movie as Bombaata, Jehnna’s bodyguard. His imposing stature and presence added depth to the role and made him a memorable character.
• Grace Jones, a well-known singer and actress, plays the fierce warrior Zula. Her charismatic presence and physical strength made her an unforgettable part of the movie. The role required intensive training and stunt work, which Jones mastered with flying colors.
• The movie was shot in Mexico, with stunning landscapes and ancient ruins serving as the backdrop. These authentic locations contributed to the epic atmosphere of the film and lent the scenes a tangible authenticity.
• Originally intended to be darker and more brutal, studio intervention softened the film’s tone to appeal to a wider audience. This resulted in a mix of action and humor that didn’t appeal to all fans.

Critics at the time

The reviews for „Conan the Destroyer“ were mixed. Some critics praised the action-packed scenes and the charismatic return of Schwarzenegger. The fight choreography and spectacular effects were particularly praised. Roger Ebert, a renowned film critic, noted in his review that although the film was entertaining, it did not achieve the same epic quality as its predecessor. Other critics criticized the simplified plot and the lack of depth compared to the first film. The lighter and sometimes humorous tone of the film contrasted with the darker atmosphere of the first part, which disappointed some fans. Despite this, the movie resonated with a wide audience and was appreciated as an entertaining adventure.

Reputation today

Nowadays, „Conan the Destroyer“ is often viewed nostalgically and appreciated as a typical example of the fantasy action films of the 80s. Schwarzenegger’s performance as Conan remains iconic, and the movie has retained a loyal fan base. In particular, the handmade effects, elaborate costumes and memorable characters contribute to the movie’s enduring charm. In an era dominated by CGI effects, many viewers appreciate the physical presence of the actors and the tangible, practical effects. The movie offers a glimpse into a time when action adventures were staged with a mix of fantasy and practical effects.

Summary

„Conan the Destroyer“ is an entertaining and action-packed movie that doesn’t quite reach the depth and seriousness of its predecessor, but still offers an exciting continuation of Conan’s adventures. With impressive performances, epic battles and a dash of 80s nostalgia, the movie remains an important part of fantasy film history and a must-see for fans of the genre. Despite its flaws in plot and tone, the movie offers pure entertainment and remains a significant chapter in the saga of the legendary warrior Conan. It embodies the essence of 80s fantasy adventures and remains a cult classic that has delighted generations of fans.