Conan the Barbarian

I’ve noticed that this is my 900th review, and let me tell you what, I could have chosen better. I expected more from a film with such a reputation. Perhaps the only one who fulfilled his role here was the young Arnold, who runs around the set for two hours half naked, displaying his body in detail, which is fine with me, though I would have rather appreciated close-ups of his companion. The film itself is pretty much about nothing, everything takes a long time, the action is scarce and real entertainment even less. Only the music deserves praise, though it didn’t sit me well with me during some passages. What sticks in my mind the most is probably the intent and devilish look of James Earl Jones, who was perfectly cast as the bad guy. 60% (10/02/2012)

The first quarter of an hour is an excellent prologue. But then that prologue never ends and the film turns out to be a two-hour, dull and lifeless, albeit visually impressive music video set to Basil Poledouris’s exceptional soundtrack. A film in which every shot lasts five times longer than was really necessary. (28/05/2002)

A solidly shot, grand-looking fantasy film, with a stunning production design and one of the best musical scores. Basil Poledouris created a captivating epic music that ranks among the highest peaks of his work. The legendary Arnie is fairly bearable as Conan, he looks better in the fight scenes than in the dialogues, but that is nothing new. (11/09/2005)

I spent my teenage years buried in Anglo-Saxon fantasy and RPGs, the latter of which has somehow endured to this day. Conan is a divine Sword & Sorcery fantasy film not lacking in epic scenes, loads of pathos, boobs, a good dose of blood, beautiful exteriors, and Max von Sydow. I’m not left wanting for anything and only the minimum of things are extraneous. The soundtrack is one of the best on the market. Even the giant snakes and demons don't look awkward all the time. A favorite and Arnold's best role. (10/01/2011)

Another overrated movie, in which only the music and lavish production are interesting, and it depends on each individual how willing they are to appreciate these two factors. The plot is shallow and the acting performances are poor even in the case of otherwise quality actors. The direction is also not worth mentioning. Conan the Barbarian looks up to the peaks of the genre, such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy or the older Excalibur, from a great distance. If nothing else, it is a positive thing that the role of Conan did not require any acting skills from Schwarzenegger, so in retrospect it is one of his best roles tailor-made for him. Overall impression: 40%. (14/01/2009)