This movie is terrible, but almost so bad it's good. I've seen a lot of bad movies like this but this one at least knew to be silly. Most of these sword and sandal pictures take themselves too seriously. This movie is just plain silly. If you like the ones that are so bad that they end up becoming cult movies, then you might like this one.
60 Reviews
A Barbaric good time.
tarbosh2200022 October 2014
Warning: Spoilers
In a mystical faraway land of swords and sorcery, two twin brothers are orphaned and adopted by a traveling caravan of weirdos. When the nefarious warlord Kadar (Lynch), in a quest for more power, attacks the traveling troupe and imprisons Queen Canary (Bryant) and enslaves the brothers in a work camp, at least some good comes out of it: a lifetime of lifting rocks has turned the two brothers into massively muscular "Barbarian Brothers". Kutchek (Peter Paul) and Gore (David Paul) want to free their beloved Queen, so, along with another newly-freed victim of the wrath of Kadar, a girl named Kara (La Rue), they go forward on their quest. Along the way they meet all kinds of crazy characters and people, not the least of which are Dirtmaster (Berryman) and Jacko (Eastman). Will they slay the dragon? Will they find the magical ruby that fits into the bellybutton of the future queen? Will they argue and make weird, animalistic noises? Find out today! Connecticut's own The Barbarian Brothers truly come out to shine (literally - they glisten) in their first major, starring role. It truly was an amazing time for the film industry and the world of video stores alike - the fact that projects like this could be made and distributed around the world would not happen today. That Cannon would put Ruggero Deodato in the director's chair, and - of all people - The Barbarian Brothers front and center is nothing short of a miracle. The result is a fairly freewheeling journey into a magical land filled with wacky costumes, crazy makeup, and oiled-up meatheads.
It was the 80's, after all, and things like Dungeons and Dragons, He-Man, and the Conan The Barbarian series (he's only ONE barbarian. Here you get two for the price of one) were huge. Not to mention video games like Iron Sword (remember the Fabio cover?), Gauntlet and later Golden Axe. Even the breastplate that one of the brothers wears later in the movie is very He-Man esque. And seeing as how Lucio Fulci directed Conquest (1983), Cannon probably figured, 'okay, this sword-and-sorcery stuff is huge right now, let's get another Italian director known for his horror/gore work and have him run the show'. Deodato provides a weird/wacky vibe, and the whole thing is well-shot in typical Italian style. While Dolph Lundgren was ideal casting for Masters of the Universe (1987) - could you imagine He-Man x2? Well, imagine no longer.
Fan favorite Richard Lynch was good casting as the baddie, and it's probably the only time we've ever seen him with dreadlocks. He must have impressed Deodato after working with him on Cut and Run (1985). Same goes for Michael Berryman, who also appeared in that movie two years earlier for Deodato. Berryman is always cool to see, and he makes some great faces, and has some impressive headgear. Same thing for George Eastman, we always enjoy when he pops up when you're not expecting him to, which happens fairly often. Eva La Rue makes a cute companion to the Barbarians on their quest, and there are some lesser characters with notable features such as a guy who can only be described as "Pee Wee Amidala" (you'll know him when you see him) and a baddie who looks a lot like Bane. Interestingly, in this "origin story" for the Barbarian Brothers, they actually take the time to explain WHY they're so huge, which you don't often see for other meatheads. The brothers themselves have a silly kind of chemistry which has helped earn them a fan following.
The movie fluctuates between childish fun and more adult themes, so it's hard to tell exactly who this was aimed for. Perhaps the ideal audience is immature young men like us. Featuring an uncredited song with the lyrics "Your ruby dreams taste so sweet", The Barbarians remains a lightweight 80's Barbaric good time.
It was the 80's, after all, and things like Dungeons and Dragons, He-Man, and the Conan The Barbarian series (he's only ONE barbarian. Here you get two for the price of one) were huge. Not to mention video games like Iron Sword (remember the Fabio cover?), Gauntlet and later Golden Axe. Even the breastplate that one of the brothers wears later in the movie is very He-Man esque. And seeing as how Lucio Fulci directed Conquest (1983), Cannon probably figured, 'okay, this sword-and-sorcery stuff is huge right now, let's get another Italian director known for his horror/gore work and have him run the show'. Deodato provides a weird/wacky vibe, and the whole thing is well-shot in typical Italian style. While Dolph Lundgren was ideal casting for Masters of the Universe (1987) - could you imagine He-Man x2? Well, imagine no longer.
Fan favorite Richard Lynch was good casting as the baddie, and it's probably the only time we've ever seen him with dreadlocks. He must have impressed Deodato after working with him on Cut and Run (1985). Same goes for Michael Berryman, who also appeared in that movie two years earlier for Deodato. Berryman is always cool to see, and he makes some great faces, and has some impressive headgear. Same thing for George Eastman, we always enjoy when he pops up when you're not expecting him to, which happens fairly often. Eva La Rue makes a cute companion to the Barbarians on their quest, and there are some lesser characters with notable features such as a guy who can only be described as "Pee Wee Amidala" (you'll know him when you see him) and a baddie who looks a lot like Bane. Interestingly, in this "origin story" for the Barbarian Brothers, they actually take the time to explain WHY they're so huge, which you don't often see for other meatheads. The brothers themselves have a silly kind of chemistry which has helped earn them a fan following.
The movie fluctuates between childish fun and more adult themes, so it's hard to tell exactly who this was aimed for. Perhaps the ideal audience is immature young men like us. Featuring an uncredited song with the lyrics "Your ruby dreams taste so sweet", The Barbarians remains a lightweight 80's Barbaric good time.
fun stuff
Dudleytown23 September 2004
Fun film. The two brothers are complete baffoons, but they manage to save the land. Go figure. Eva La Rue is beautiful. Rent it with a few beers and you'll have some good laughs. I don't quite understand the whole "grunting" thing... you'll understand after you see the film. It sounds identical to the sound made by Jim Carrey in Dumb and Dumber, when he says "wanna hear the most annoying sound in the world?" Surprisingly, there is some blood, and good deaths, but the best part is when Kadar gets his finger bitten off by a kid. Classic.
For fans of camp, this is a gem
phouka-210 July 2004
I have to admit that I loved this movie -- it's completely campy, it doesn't take itself seriously for a moment, and it has few redeeming qualities. The actors -- which is a loose description of what they are doing on screen -- look like they are having a ball filming this over-the-top sword-and-sorcery outing, and it's hard not to share in the fun. The heroes are musclebound, the damsel-in-distress is pretty and spunky, the bad guy is a caricature of bad-guys. What more can you wish for?
Frankly, any movie that includes a girl in a cage commenting on the arrival of her two rescuers with "And look at the size of you two! This is Ismina's lucky day!" gets a pass from me. It's fun.
Frankly, any movie that includes a girl in a cage commenting on the arrival of her two rescuers with "And look at the size of you two! This is Ismina's lucky day!" gets a pass from me. It's fun.
Looking back at filming The Barbarians twenty years later...
ilovelehuaandcricri15 August 2007
I was China in this film. I choose the screen name Sheeba Alahani because I was modeling at the time in Italy and they couldn't pronounce my real name correctly, so I choose Sheeba and then added Alahani since it was similar to Alohalani.
I had never acted before (and it shows), but it was so much fun to film. They gave me "acting lessons" each morning (which obviously were not useful). They dubbed my voice (thank goodness).
David and Peter were a blast on the set, full of good humor and jokes. This film was never meant to be taken seriously, it was a tax write off according to inside information.
I give it a 1 because I have a sense of humor, but a 10 for the fun I had "acting" in it.
I had never acted before (and it shows), but it was so much fun to film. They gave me "acting lessons" each morning (which obviously were not useful). They dubbed my voice (thank goodness).
David and Peter were a blast on the set, full of good humor and jokes. This film was never meant to be taken seriously, it was a tax write off according to inside information.
I give it a 1 because I have a sense of humor, but a 10 for the fun I had "acting" in it.
Buy stock in body oil!
michael-320410 August 2016
I love low-budget genre films that begin "Once upon a time,..." because inevitably those films will show viewers a lot more about the times the films were made than the ostensible times the films are set. Of course, to certain extent this is true of bigger budget films of any genre, but those tend either to work harder to disguise the attitudes and biases than inform them or to explore them in a more pointed manner, while low-budget films just let it all hang out.
In the case of "The Barbarians", we can glean much more about mid- 1980s cultural attitudes, biases and styles than we do about the non-specific mythological past the film purports to depict, especially in comparison to similar genre films from the 1960s. "The Barbarians" came out at the tail end of the 1980s Peplum mini- revival, which was sparked by the success of "Conan the Barbarian" starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, just as the 1960s Peplum golden age had been propelled by the success "Hercules" starring Steve Reeves. "The Barbarians" preserves most of the conventions of the genre -- battles with fierce mythological creatures, good-natured boys-will- be-boys tavern brawls, sorcery, feats of superhuman strength, slave girls (but no dancing girls), bodybuilder heroes -- but the hair is more feathered than lacquered, the costumes (for both men and women) are more revealing and some female toplessness is featured, the music is synth-driven rather than orchestral, and the camp sensibility is more obvious and knowing. Most of the actors seem to want us to know that they aren't taking any of this too seriously and neither should we.
Part of that comes from the stars, bodybuilder twins David and Peter Paul (billed as "The Barbarian Brothers"), who made a handful of movies in which they play perpetually bickering meatheads. They were supposed to be funny -- more two-of-three stooges on human growth hormone than Abbott & Costello -- but they never caught on big because of their very limited range, though they do have a low-key jovial screen presence and they certainly look the part of muscular heroes. To overcome their limitations, the film offers high camp from b-movie stalwart Richard Lynch, Eva La Rue and veteran character actor Michael Berryman, each competing with the other to chew more scenery, as well as a host of other mostly Italian character actors some of whom will be recognizable to horror and action film fans. There's not a lot of wit in the screenplay (the best bit, from a reluctant would-be queen: "I'm not a virgin!" to which the sort-of priest who's trying to conscript her responds "We don't have time for such subtleties!"), nor a lot of style to the direction by Ruggero Deodato, better known for "Cannibal Holocaust," but it only drags occasionally despite a rather slow pace. And it looks half-way decent, which is more than you can generally say for a several of the movies from this period. It seems like most of the money spent on this ended up on screen, whether in the set design or in body oil for the stars.
And that copious body oil highlights a key difference between this and the golden age of Peplum cinema. While attitudes about masculinity and femininity haven't change all that much (though the expression of those attitudes has advanced some), you can tell how much more informed this film is by the mainstreaming of gym culture than the films of the early 1960s, when going to the gym and, especially, bodybuilding were sub-cultural phenomena. The Paul brothers make jokes about their size and shape that few would have understood in the earlier era. Their whole shtick was only made possible by the evolution of ideas about fitness that progressed from Charles Atlas to Joe Weider to 24 Hour Fitness, from Reeves to Schwarzenegger and beyond. This isn't a very good film, but it's at least interesting for what it reveals about those shifts.
In the case of "The Barbarians", we can glean much more about mid- 1980s cultural attitudes, biases and styles than we do about the non-specific mythological past the film purports to depict, especially in comparison to similar genre films from the 1960s. "The Barbarians" came out at the tail end of the 1980s Peplum mini- revival, which was sparked by the success of "Conan the Barbarian" starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, just as the 1960s Peplum golden age had been propelled by the success "Hercules" starring Steve Reeves. "The Barbarians" preserves most of the conventions of the genre -- battles with fierce mythological creatures, good-natured boys-will- be-boys tavern brawls, sorcery, feats of superhuman strength, slave girls (but no dancing girls), bodybuilder heroes -- but the hair is more feathered than lacquered, the costumes (for both men and women) are more revealing and some female toplessness is featured, the music is synth-driven rather than orchestral, and the camp sensibility is more obvious and knowing. Most of the actors seem to want us to know that they aren't taking any of this too seriously and neither should we.
Part of that comes from the stars, bodybuilder twins David and Peter Paul (billed as "The Barbarian Brothers"), who made a handful of movies in which they play perpetually bickering meatheads. They were supposed to be funny -- more two-of-three stooges on human growth hormone than Abbott & Costello -- but they never caught on big because of their very limited range, though they do have a low-key jovial screen presence and they certainly look the part of muscular heroes. To overcome their limitations, the film offers high camp from b-movie stalwart Richard Lynch, Eva La Rue and veteran character actor Michael Berryman, each competing with the other to chew more scenery, as well as a host of other mostly Italian character actors some of whom will be recognizable to horror and action film fans. There's not a lot of wit in the screenplay (the best bit, from a reluctant would-be queen: "I'm not a virgin!" to which the sort-of priest who's trying to conscript her responds "We don't have time for such subtleties!"), nor a lot of style to the direction by Ruggero Deodato, better known for "Cannibal Holocaust," but it only drags occasionally despite a rather slow pace. And it looks half-way decent, which is more than you can generally say for a several of the movies from this period. It seems like most of the money spent on this ended up on screen, whether in the set design or in body oil for the stars.
And that copious body oil highlights a key difference between this and the golden age of Peplum cinema. While attitudes about masculinity and femininity haven't change all that much (though the expression of those attitudes has advanced some), you can tell how much more informed this film is by the mainstreaming of gym culture than the films of the early 1960s, when going to the gym and, especially, bodybuilding were sub-cultural phenomena. The Paul brothers make jokes about their size and shape that few would have understood in the earlier era. Their whole shtick was only made possible by the evolution of ideas about fitness that progressed from Charles Atlas to Joe Weider to 24 Hour Fitness, from Reeves to Schwarzenegger and beyond. This isn't a very good film, but it's at least interesting for what it reveals about those shifts.
Highly enjoyable, tongue in cheek sword & sorcery
HaemovoreRex12 October 2005
This was directed by Ruggero Deodato, a true icon to many horror film fans after he directed the seminal and notorious Cannibal Holocaust. However, don't expect to find any such notoriety in the film reviewed here as it proves to be incredibly tame in comparison and plays more like a Conan inspired outing for a young audience.
Such a description may instantly put off most fans of the whole Conan inspired Sword & Sorcery genre but before you turn your nose up at this, it has to be said, this movie is just so much fun!
It's mostly played for laughs and features two HUGE and highly likable heroes in the form of David and Peter Paul aka. the Barbarian Brothers who both seem to be having a ball with their characters.
B-Movie favourite Richard Lynch turns up as the main villain in the piece and it's also great to see roles for Big George Eastman and Michael Berryman.
Added to this, the ladies are stunning to behold and suitably scantily attired throughout the films duration (a staple and much welcomed ingredient in the genre!)
What can I say, - this simply is a really fun and lighthearted take on the genre and I recommend it wholeheartedly!
Such a description may instantly put off most fans of the whole Conan inspired Sword & Sorcery genre but before you turn your nose up at this, it has to be said, this movie is just so much fun!
It's mostly played for laughs and features two HUGE and highly likable heroes in the form of David and Peter Paul aka. the Barbarian Brothers who both seem to be having a ball with their characters.
B-Movie favourite Richard Lynch turns up as the main villain in the piece and it's also great to see roles for Big George Eastman and Michael Berryman.
Added to this, the ladies are stunning to behold and suitably scantily attired throughout the films duration (a staple and much welcomed ingredient in the genre!)
What can I say, - this simply is a really fun and lighthearted take on the genre and I recommend it wholeheartedly!
bad, but lots to enjoy anyway
JamieWJackson26 November 2013
Yep, it's a bad movie. What makes it watchable anyway is that it has a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor and takes many scenes over the top on purpose.
The Bros. are hilarious, as nothing can stop them! Not trickery, not villains, not monsters, and certainly not an utter lack of any acting ability! Richard Lynch will forever be missed. Crazy hair or no, he was about as good at being bad as anybody ever was.
As for Eva La Rue, this was -- per IMDb, anyway -- her first role. Her voice was totally unconvincing dramatically, but boy was she ever cute!! Still is, too. Someone said they thought she must wish this would disappear, but I wouldn't think so. If youth and cuteness don't entitle you to have some campy fun, what good are they?
4/10, but add at least 2 more stars if you're into cheese.
The Bros. are hilarious, as nothing can stop them! Not trickery, not villains, not monsters, and certainly not an utter lack of any acting ability! Richard Lynch will forever be missed. Crazy hair or no, he was about as good at being bad as anybody ever was.
As for Eva La Rue, this was -- per IMDb, anyway -- her first role. Her voice was totally unconvincing dramatically, but boy was she ever cute!! Still is, too. Someone said they thought she must wish this would disappear, but I wouldn't think so. If youth and cuteness don't entitle you to have some campy fun, what good are they?
4/10, but add at least 2 more stars if you're into cheese.
This movie is every little boys dream...
Bobske_20 March 2006
Yes, I loved this movie when I was a kid. When I was growing up I saw this movie so many times that my dad had to buy another VHS copy because the old copy had worn out.
My family received a VHS copy of this movie when we purchased a new VHS system. At first, my mom wasn't sure that this was an appropriate movie for a 10 year old but because we had just bought a new VHS system she let me watch it.
Like I said, this movie is every little boys dream The movie contains a terrific setting, big muscled barbarians, beautiful topless women, big bad monsters and jokes you'll only get when you get older. So, a couple of days ago I inserted the video and watched the movie again after a long time. At first, I was bored, then started thinking about how much I loved this movie when I was kid, and continued watching. Yeah, the experience wasn't as great as I remembered The acting is pretty bad, the storyline is pretty bad, the jokes weren't funny anymore, but the women were still pretty. Yes, I've grown up. Even though the movie experience has changed for me, I still think it's worth 7 stars. For the good old times you know
My family received a VHS copy of this movie when we purchased a new VHS system. At first, my mom wasn't sure that this was an appropriate movie for a 10 year old but because we had just bought a new VHS system she let me watch it.
Like I said, this movie is every little boys dream The movie contains a terrific setting, big muscled barbarians, beautiful topless women, big bad monsters and jokes you'll only get when you get older. So, a couple of days ago I inserted the video and watched the movie again after a long time. At first, I was bored, then started thinking about how much I loved this movie when I was kid, and continued watching. Yeah, the experience wasn't as great as I remembered The acting is pretty bad, the storyline is pretty bad, the jokes weren't funny anymore, but the women were still pretty. Yes, I've grown up. Even though the movie experience has changed for me, I still think it's worth 7 stars. For the good old times you know
Cheese & Sorcery
Tweetienator23 December 2021
One of those wonders of my younger years. The Barbarians makes both Conan movies starring Mr. Schwarzenegger look like Citizen Cane or Seven Samurai, but, and this is the real wonder, it's still fun to watch - to a certain degree and if you can stomach and enjoy a cheesy, big on the trash side movie. Verdict: good enough to waste a rainy Sunday afternoon, if you got any interest in the sword and sorcery genre.
couple of knuckleheads
movieman_kev26 May 2005
Kutchek and Gore are two orphans who got abducted by an evil warlord who makes a promise not to kill them. They go up into the Barbarian Brothers (the brothers if you don't know are freaking' HUGE) who after learning that the warlord is less than altruistic in his intentions, decide to break free and restore the balance. The two are stupid fools but they're big enough that no one cares. This movie is one of those films that's so bad it's good and is definitely tongue-in-cheek. Many highly quotable lines and I enjoyed it immensely.
My Grade: B-
Eye Candy: a few breasts are bared
My Grade: B-
Eye Candy: a few breasts are bared
refreshingly different look at barbarians
Harold-152 September 2000
Deodato brings us some mildly shocking moments and a movie that doesn't take itself too seriously. Absolutely a classic in it's own particular kind of way. This movie provides a refreshingly different look at barbarians. If you get a chance to see this movie do so. You'll definitely have a smile on your face most of the time. Not because it's funny or anything mundane like that but because it's so bad it goes out the other way and becomes good, though maybe not clean, fun.
Wonderful looks can't save a movie so barbarically bad!
emm7 May 1999
Cannon pulled off a real visual beauty of a medieval epic that appears fascinating (except for the dragon prop). Now just how did the long-gone studio known for Chuck Norris movies ever come up with a complete lack of knowledge in the first place? Case in point: the amateurish acting and horrible plot is a sign that reviving the medieval legend is no cure for some lousy execution. They actually went on and made another cheap exploitationer featuring hundreds of lusty bimbos, just to make this look even better. For the two "Barbarian Brothers", they sure know how to make weird noises than becoming brave warriors so strong and bold enough to save their native land. This is the single greatest waste of potential I've seen from an "expensive" low-budget movie, and worse enough to let an axe strike through the gorgeous print without mercy. All of this followed an advertising campaign that sold T-shirts based on THE BARBARIANS! The movie alone makes a great souvenir!
A movie that is fun to watch
pattimorey30 March 2017
This movie, the Barbarians, is a joy to watch. Just a fun easygoing movie with a great plot, great looking characters, and i just so enjoyed the good humor of the 2 brothers! i am going to purchase this movie. it is in the same type of genre as the Last StarFighter, Willow, etc. - excellent enjoyment, a lot of fun!
Bad. Just bad.
TPK12 April 1999
This movie really deserves the MST3K treatment. A pseudo-ancient fantasy hack-n-slash tale featuring twin barbarian brothers with a collective IQ of hot water, character names that seem to have been derived from a Mad Libs book, and such classic lines as "Hold her still and uncover her belly!", The Barbarians crosses over into the "so bad, it's good" territory.
Purely entertaining, but not real high quality
pmcolt453 January 2007
I have to agree that this isn't a movie you should watch expecting to see Conan or something. This totally belongs in Mystery Science Theater 3000, and should be forever immortalized as the timeless piece that it is. It has always been one that I've enjoyed and gotten many laughs from. The storyline is ridiculous and the acting is atrocious, but it all lends itself to the humor. I think that at the time the idea that weight lifters could act had some appeal. Look at Arnold, he did well for himself, but I'm not so sure if these two ever returned to the movie business. So take this movie with a grain of salt, and then maybe a shot chased by a lemon wedge, because it is excellent entertainment and very funny if you keep in mind just how silly it is.
THE BARBARIANS aka THE BARBARIANS & CO. (Ruggero Deodato, 1987) **
Bunuel19765 April 2011
Coming at the tail-end of the sword-and-sorcery cycle spun off by CONAN THE BARBARIAN (1982), I really did not expect much from this one and, frankly, only acquired it on account of director Deodato (whom I personally met in Venice)'s involvement. Noted for his unremittingly grim and stomach-churning cannibal movies, this at least exudes a sense of fun amid the intermittent savagery and inherently bleak setting (these were, after all, The Dark Ages). The end result, therefore, proves mildly enjoyable – if decidedly forgettable and still marred by Pino Donaggio's incongruous electronic score.
Typically, the nonsensical plot centers around the good-vs.-evil contention over some magical artifact, whose secret is guarded by a princess who has taken refuge with a band of itinerant artists; among the latter are a trio of kids – two male twins and a female. The film starts off with the circus falling prey to an ambush by the chief villain (Richard Lynch)'s army of grotesques; they fight valiantly but still lose the monarch and children to them though not before one of the boys has bitten off two of Lynch's fingers! Gradually, the latter is besotted with the caged noblewoman (despite having a harem of girls at his disposal!) and, while the enslaved boys are separately beaten and shaped into fighting machines, the little girl manages to escape their clutches.
The years pass and the twins have unaccountably grown into muscle-men (though their behavior is bafflingly, and irritatingly, asinine!): each believing the other had been killed, they are surprised to find themselves engaged in a duel to the death (amusingly decked-out in an iron mask like the one worn by their individual tormentor!) in Lynch's arena – presided over by THE HILLS HAVE EYES (1977)'s Micheal Berryman (who had actually already collaborated with Deodato on one of his cannibal epics i.e. CUT AND RUN [1985]). Anyway, the two escape and seek to rejoin the circus: along the way, they also meet up with a spirited female captive who is eventually revealed to be their childhood companion (though she is now known by another name). The barbarian brothers (actually, an alternate moniker for the film – incidentally, the opening credits supply not one but 3 consecutive titles!) go in search of weapons so as to re-enter Lynch's fortress and liberate the princess: to get them, however, they have first to win an arm-wrestling match with "Euro-Cult" stalwart George Eastman where the loser is also prone to a bite from the latter's own snake!
To cut a long story short, the all-important jewel had been hidden away in a swamp to begin with and, before long, the parties involved converge on that location only to be (predictably) met with a variety of monsters! In the end, the princess dies (Lynch himself expires when single-handedly taking on the twins at once) and, after the young girl's true identity has been established and the fabled diamond fits exactly into her belly-button(!), she is made her successor.
Typically, the nonsensical plot centers around the good-vs.-evil contention over some magical artifact, whose secret is guarded by a princess who has taken refuge with a band of itinerant artists; among the latter are a trio of kids – two male twins and a female. The film starts off with the circus falling prey to an ambush by the chief villain (Richard Lynch)'s army of grotesques; they fight valiantly but still lose the monarch and children to them though not before one of the boys has bitten off two of Lynch's fingers! Gradually, the latter is besotted with the caged noblewoman (despite having a harem of girls at his disposal!) and, while the enslaved boys are separately beaten and shaped into fighting machines, the little girl manages to escape their clutches.
The years pass and the twins have unaccountably grown into muscle-men (though their behavior is bafflingly, and irritatingly, asinine!): each believing the other had been killed, they are surprised to find themselves engaged in a duel to the death (amusingly decked-out in an iron mask like the one worn by their individual tormentor!) in Lynch's arena – presided over by THE HILLS HAVE EYES (1977)'s Micheal Berryman (who had actually already collaborated with Deodato on one of his cannibal epics i.e. CUT AND RUN [1985]). Anyway, the two escape and seek to rejoin the circus: along the way, they also meet up with a spirited female captive who is eventually revealed to be their childhood companion (though she is now known by another name). The barbarian brothers (actually, an alternate moniker for the film – incidentally, the opening credits supply not one but 3 consecutive titles!) go in search of weapons so as to re-enter Lynch's fortress and liberate the princess: to get them, however, they have first to win an arm-wrestling match with "Euro-Cult" stalwart George Eastman where the loser is also prone to a bite from the latter's own snake!
To cut a long story short, the all-important jewel had been hidden away in a swamp to begin with and, before long, the parties involved converge on that location only to be (predictably) met with a variety of monsters! In the end, the princess dies (Lynch himself expires when single-handedly taking on the twins at once) and, after the young girl's true identity has been established and the fabled diamond fits exactly into her belly-button(!), she is made her successor.
Good Dumb Fun!
pierelamont6 May 2001
This movie maybe really bad, but it is alot of fun. The bad acting and poor direction enhance the film's hystericalness. The twins are very funny in their Conanesque roles. If you go into this film expecting the first Conan or Excalibur, than you will hate it. If you watch it while in a good mood and accept it as good, dumb fun you will have a good time. Watch for the scene where they try to hang the brothers, its funniest scene in the film. I wish Mystery Science Theatre 3000 would have done this!!
Awesomeness!
cwbellor15 July 2012
What makes The Barbarians awesome? I don't know where to begin. Perhaps one need look no further than the cast list. Look at those names! Gore! Canary! Dirtmaster! Fat Woman! Ghedo - Strongman! If those names alone don't make you want to see this movie, then you should just stick a finger down your throat in the hopes that you can purge yourself of whatever vile substance it is that prevents you from being awesome. This movie is frankly so soaking wet with kickassery, that I want to describe every bit of it. Instead I'll give a summary of the opening action sequence. An utterly synthtastic soundtrack chimes and this is where the film dares you not to conjure the image of a hair metal band on horseback with each master wearing neon spandex and brandishing swords of steel. The narrator tells us that this is an age in which man, woman and child are ruled by the sword! He says that this is a world of savage splendor. One imagines a time when upon delivering a newborn baby, the doctor would cut the umbilical chord with a battle ax. We see just how savage this world is when a traveling band of entertainers are set upon by jealous brutes, intent on expressing their intolerance for fruity circus folk. But these barbaric bullies are in for a rude awakening. It turns out that this is a time when theater geeks fight back. One after the other, the fiendish foes go down as they learn they are no match for the likes of the fire-breather and some Pee-Wee-Herman-looking guy who throws an explosive crystal ball. They even pull out an awesome crossbow that fires some kind of horse-tripper. And it does just that. I could go on, but I'm about to have a glorious orgasm simply from recalling the awesomeness. Anyway, you can watch the whole thing on youtube.
One of my Guilty Pleasure, highly underrated !!!
elo-equipamentos31 July 2019
Barbarians Brother had a terrific success in Brazil, firstly on rental video, after on TV, one of my kind of movie, probable on mid ages, due the picture just suggest that it happen on a far away lost era of the time, a sort of Conan's cute, a land surround of mysticism and witchcraft, a twin brothers make part of a entertainment caravan with all sort of people, midges, acrobats and so on, they are as leader a beauty Princess, who knows the hideout of a powerful amulet, a big red ruby, they are caught by the evil Kadar, who wants the love the gorgeous princess, the twin are separated for good, working as slaves, then already adults they are to fight each other, fabulous trash picture directed by Deodato and produced by Goran-Globus, amusing adventure, they try out to takes the magic ruby on Dragon's cave, a large and incredible set was built to this remarkable final scene, no graphic computer at all, the Barbarian Brothers are dumb but enough funny, gorgeous women spreading all around and the weird characters as Michael Berryman as Dirtmaster, one of my guilty pleasure, this picture hook me forever!!
Resume:
First watch: 1988 / How many: 4 / Source: TV-DVD-R / Rating: 7
Resume:
First watch: 1988 / How many: 4 / Source: TV-DVD-R / Rating: 7
Kinda sorta ... maybe it grows on you?
skinnybert14 December 2021
Clearly they had some fun making this, but there isn't much to recommend it. Case in point: you can watch a lot of this at 4x speed and not miss much. Dialog tends to lowest-common-denominator type statements, and the comedy between the brothers does likewise. Plotwise, almost nothing makes sense except in the vaguest of terms: a bad guy captures some people, wants a gem; along the way, time passes and stuff happens. Almost none of it stands the faintest amount of thought, from how people are dressed to what they do to why they say what they say -- and it doesn't matter if you think it's fun. Will you? Maybe; it's pretty much stoner-level humor, with too many scenes of loudly-braying-like-a-goat for my taste.
Best aspects: the brothers are convincing as bickering brothers. It's not very interesting bickering, but it is convincing. The monsters are fairly well done. Good variety of settings.
Lesser aspects: the lighting tends to be not very good, especially early on. Plot premise has a hole so big you could drive a wagon through it (which they do), but then that's true of the entire story. Don't be surprised if RiffTrax or MST3K get hold of this.
And yes: I realize this isn't Citizen Kane. But neither is it Deathstalker or Conan. However, if you like the Barbarian Brothers and their dopey kinda sibling rivalry, then this might be a delight for you.
Note on nudity: despite the rating and imdb categorizing, there are no bare breasts in this film -- unless you count the brothers themselves. The closest is some sheer material in the harem which could be mistaken for it, but isn't. There is also no swearing or graphic violence -- as if intentionally made so as not to offend their own grandma. Amazingly, this is rated R when Excalibur is rated PG; it should be the other way around.
Best aspects: the brothers are convincing as bickering brothers. It's not very interesting bickering, but it is convincing. The monsters are fairly well done. Good variety of settings.
Lesser aspects: the lighting tends to be not very good, especially early on. Plot premise has a hole so big you could drive a wagon through it (which they do), but then that's true of the entire story. Don't be surprised if RiffTrax or MST3K get hold of this.
And yes: I realize this isn't Citizen Kane. But neither is it Deathstalker or Conan. However, if you like the Barbarian Brothers and their dopey kinda sibling rivalry, then this might be a delight for you.
Note on nudity: despite the rating and imdb categorizing, there are no bare breasts in this film -- unless you count the brothers themselves. The closest is some sheer material in the harem which could be mistaken for it, but isn't. There is also no swearing or graphic violence -- as if intentionally made so as not to offend their own grandma. Amazingly, this is rated R when Excalibur is rated PG; it should be the other way around.
A fun, comical 80's Italian sword and sorcery exploitation film in the vein of Conan the Barbarian. A 2012 review...
bcbell7913 March 2012
Where do I start about this film. I love it! As a child, the Conan movies and Clash of the Titans were my favorites. I watched everything and anything that had a warrior, sorcerer, dragon, knight, etc., on it's VHS cover. Back when video stores rained supreme and there was no internet to watch trailers, no movie review sites, and no IMDb (the horror!), the cover of the VHS was what made you pick it up and read the 2 or 3 paragraph synopsis of the film (and look at a picture or 3 if you were lucky), or just walk right by it and keep browsing until something caught your eye. The "Sword and Sandal" genre was my favorite (along with sci-fi) but was also probably the most plagued with awesome cover art that mislead you on the often crappy, low quality movies (which I still loved). And one day, I picked up the movie The Barbarians...
The Barbarians is directed by Italian director Ruggero Deodato (most famous for his 1980 cult horror Cannibal Holocaust), and he makes an adventure comedy that is one of the "best worst movies" ever made. The film opens in a serious tone, complete with narration explaining who the Ragneks are, essentially free spirited traveling entertainers. As we see the caravan of colorfully clad Ragneks traversing a lush landscape (the film is filled with beautiful scenic landscapes and locations), a band of horsemen is suddenly upon them and starts killing off the peaceful entertainers. After a long, entertaining chase scene (with a decent amount of blood and death!), we meet our film's main villain, Kadar (Richard Lynch, The Sword and the Sorcerer). He wants a magical gem the Ragneks are known to have, and the Ragnek Queen Canary (the stunning Virginia Bryant in one of her 6 film roles) as his companion. During this scene, which is 15 minutes into the movie at this point, we meet two young twin boys and a young girl (who become our heroes later). After more killing, Queen Canary promises to go with Kadar (Lynch) if he and his men promise to never hurt the 3 children...
Now fast forward 17 years, we finally meet the title characters, twins Gore and Kutchek, aka the Barbarian Brothers. For better or worse, these two muscle bound knuckle heads turn an otherwise serious movie into an all out fantasy comedy. The brothers, kept separated and told the other was killed, have been tortured and trained as gladiators, each tormented by a man in a mask (one brother by an iron mask, the other brother a brass mask). The brother's, each now the size of Arnold in Conan, are made to wear the other brothers' tormentor's mask (still with me?) and put in a cage to fight each other to the death! Of course the masks come off after a few swift blows and the brother's realize they have been lied to and decide they have to team up to break out. Now free, they decide they must rescue Queen Canary and kill the evil Kadar who killed their people and imprisoned them all those years. They soon team up with young, lovely Kara (Eva La Rue, CSI Miami), who just so happened to be that young girl from the beginning! The trio ventures forth in search of weapons and the aforementioned magical jewel, getting into bar fights (there is a great scene with Italian cult actor George Eastman), battling a werewolf creature, zombies and even a giant dragon (which is one of the most laughably mechanical dragons ever put on film!).
The Barbarians is a bad movie no doubt about it, but it knows exactly what it is and goes for it. It is one of those films that is so bad that it is great. The Paul brothers are so over the top, they are clearly not actor's (one of them has the worst over the top laugh ever heard on film). They obviously are not even trying to act and instead use their charisma and charm (if you can call it that) to make an entertaining, fun, fantasy adventure comedy. The movie is full of brawn, babes, swords, sorcerers, monsters, action and laughs. If you like bad movies, sword and sandal flicks, or Italian exploitation films, then The Barbarians is definitely for you and could quit possibly be a new favorite! I just hope that this film get's a DVD/blu ray release soon, because unless you want to spend $50 - $100 on an old VHS on eBay, the only way you can currently (2012) see this fantastic piece of trash cinema is on YouTube, cut up in 10 minute increments, in low resolution. This cult classic is remembered by a select few, but most that remember it, remember it fondly. And some, like myself, will treasure this movie for decades to come...
The Barbarians is directed by Italian director Ruggero Deodato (most famous for his 1980 cult horror Cannibal Holocaust), and he makes an adventure comedy that is one of the "best worst movies" ever made. The film opens in a serious tone, complete with narration explaining who the Ragneks are, essentially free spirited traveling entertainers. As we see the caravan of colorfully clad Ragneks traversing a lush landscape (the film is filled with beautiful scenic landscapes and locations), a band of horsemen is suddenly upon them and starts killing off the peaceful entertainers. After a long, entertaining chase scene (with a decent amount of blood and death!), we meet our film's main villain, Kadar (Richard Lynch, The Sword and the Sorcerer). He wants a magical gem the Ragneks are known to have, and the Ragnek Queen Canary (the stunning Virginia Bryant in one of her 6 film roles) as his companion. During this scene, which is 15 minutes into the movie at this point, we meet two young twin boys and a young girl (who become our heroes later). After more killing, Queen Canary promises to go with Kadar (Lynch) if he and his men promise to never hurt the 3 children...
Now fast forward 17 years, we finally meet the title characters, twins Gore and Kutchek, aka the Barbarian Brothers. For better or worse, these two muscle bound knuckle heads turn an otherwise serious movie into an all out fantasy comedy. The brothers, kept separated and told the other was killed, have been tortured and trained as gladiators, each tormented by a man in a mask (one brother by an iron mask, the other brother a brass mask). The brother's, each now the size of Arnold in Conan, are made to wear the other brothers' tormentor's mask (still with me?) and put in a cage to fight each other to the death! Of course the masks come off after a few swift blows and the brother's realize they have been lied to and decide they have to team up to break out. Now free, they decide they must rescue Queen Canary and kill the evil Kadar who killed their people and imprisoned them all those years. They soon team up with young, lovely Kara (Eva La Rue, CSI Miami), who just so happened to be that young girl from the beginning! The trio ventures forth in search of weapons and the aforementioned magical jewel, getting into bar fights (there is a great scene with Italian cult actor George Eastman), battling a werewolf creature, zombies and even a giant dragon (which is one of the most laughably mechanical dragons ever put on film!).
The Barbarians is a bad movie no doubt about it, but it knows exactly what it is and goes for it. It is one of those films that is so bad that it is great. The Paul brothers are so over the top, they are clearly not actor's (one of them has the worst over the top laugh ever heard on film). They obviously are not even trying to act and instead use their charisma and charm (if you can call it that) to make an entertaining, fun, fantasy adventure comedy. The movie is full of brawn, babes, swords, sorcerers, monsters, action and laughs. If you like bad movies, sword and sandal flicks, or Italian exploitation films, then The Barbarians is definitely for you and could quit possibly be a new favorite! I just hope that this film get's a DVD/blu ray release soon, because unless you want to spend $50 - $100 on an old VHS on eBay, the only way you can currently (2012) see this fantastic piece of trash cinema is on YouTube, cut up in 10 minute increments, in low resolution. This cult classic is remembered by a select few, but most that remember it, remember it fondly. And some, like myself, will treasure this movie for decades to come...
OK boys, that's a wrap. Now please try to take an extra gay pose for the cover image!
Coventry28 November 2007
As shallow as it may sound, I actually delayed my viewing of "The Barbarians" several times just because the VHS cover (as well as the picture image displayed here on the website) looks so incredibly gay! By now I wish I had watched it earlier because the movie isn't so much gay
. just trashy, cheesy, campy and enormously fun! It's almost unbelievable that Ruggero Deodato, director of "Cannibal Holocaust" of all people, was the man responsible for this comical cash-in on the contemporary popular Sword & Sandal fantasy flicks, particularly Schwarzenegger's Conan movies. The film opens with a terrific 'once-upon-a-time' type of off-screen narrator, introducing us to the Ragneks. Their founder once traded an entire mountain of pure gold for just one magically powerful ruby that would allow them to travel in freedom and access every country as entertainers. In other words, the Ragneks are a bunch of traveling circus freaks! Their happiness abruptly comes to end when the greedy Kadar kidnaps the Ragneks' beautiful queen Canary and continuously attempts to discover the whereabouts of the ruby. Meanwhile, and as some sort of amusing waste of time, the two orphan twin-brothers Gore and Kutchek are trained to become muscled warriors and they're unwarily prepared to fight each other to the death. Instead of that, however, they escape and develop a plan to free their queen. Actually, the plot isn't half as bad as I initially feared, but still the most fun is provided by the beefcake brothers' on screen chemistry, the crazily inept dialogs and of course the utterly cheesy fantasy-monsters, like a dragon with adorably cute eyes, some kind of werewolf creature and zombies that randomly appear to pop out of the swamp. The soundtrack and make-up effects are great and our almighty director Deodato maintains a terrifically fast pace. The Barbarian Brother's acting capacities are much better than I anticipated, apart from the fact that one of them constantly produces gross belching sounds. The supportive cast is splendid as well. Eva La Rue never looked more beautiful as the witty savage girl Cara, Virginia Bryant is indeed bewitching like Richard Lynch states on several occasions and the lovely Sheeba Alahani makes her first and only appearance on film as a vicious sorceress with a donut-shaped hair style (I kid you not!). Last but not least, "The Barbarians" stars everybody's favorite Eyes in the Hills creep Michael Berryman as the appropriately named Dirtmaster. I know the displayed picture looks gayer than a promotional campaign for the musical version about the rise and fall of the Village People, but "The Barbarians" really is a must-see Italian exploitation highlight.
From Europe; It's the FINAL PEPLUM?
Aylmer19 December 2019
Few remember that the very first feature-length film CABIRIA was actually a Sword and Sandal "Peplum" film featuring strong man Machiste. How sad for the long and proud Italian tradition to fizzle out with this ho-hum fantasy tale featuring two of the more grating stars of the 1980's.
Fortunately the Barbarian Brothers (who of course were born to star in this film) get backed up by a talented supporting cast of American and Italian performers including Deodato veterans Michael Berryman and Richard Lynch, George Eastman shockingly sporting his actual voice, and a few recognizable Italian stunt actors including Benito Stefanelli, Angelo Ragusa, Nello Pazzafini, and Giovanni Cianfriglia (some of who had been acting in Peplums since the Steve Reeves era of the early 1960's, which arguably kick-started the Italian genre film explosion in the first place). Also Pino Donaggio provides a soaring period score to bring some epic life into the opening wagon chase.
Unfortunately, while this nice-looking film features a few moments of hilarity and oddly gory moments, it fails to keep its high energy going after the first act. Nothing really happens in the last half of the film and it unfortunately fails to deliver a rousing action climax or satisfying setpiece involving the elaborate animatronic dragon they built for the film. THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER made much better use of a villainous Lynch foolishly antagonizing musclemen in a fantasy setting and fed us a much more gripping narrative. Deodato, much like Lucio Fulci, handles some particular scenes extraordinarily well, but the overall experience of watching the film becomes listless due to too many cliches and an extremely predictable story with all the spectacle and action weighted toward the beginning.
Do yourself a favor and purchase the soundtrack though. It's truly one of the best of the genre!
Fortunately the Barbarian Brothers (who of course were born to star in this film) get backed up by a talented supporting cast of American and Italian performers including Deodato veterans Michael Berryman and Richard Lynch, George Eastman shockingly sporting his actual voice, and a few recognizable Italian stunt actors including Benito Stefanelli, Angelo Ragusa, Nello Pazzafini, and Giovanni Cianfriglia (some of who had been acting in Peplums since the Steve Reeves era of the early 1960's, which arguably kick-started the Italian genre film explosion in the first place). Also Pino Donaggio provides a soaring period score to bring some epic life into the opening wagon chase.
Unfortunately, while this nice-looking film features a few moments of hilarity and oddly gory moments, it fails to keep its high energy going after the first act. Nothing really happens in the last half of the film and it unfortunately fails to deliver a rousing action climax or satisfying setpiece involving the elaborate animatronic dragon they built for the film. THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER made much better use of a villainous Lynch foolishly antagonizing musclemen in a fantasy setting and fed us a much more gripping narrative. Deodato, much like Lucio Fulci, handles some particular scenes extraordinarily well, but the overall experience of watching the film becomes listless due to too many cliches and an extremely predictable story with all the spectacle and action weighted toward the beginning.
Do yourself a favor and purchase the soundtrack though. It's truly one of the best of the genre!
Ruggero Deodato! Barbarians! Yes!
BandSAboutMovies30 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Ruggero Deodato brings together Richard Lynch, twin muscleheads called the Barbarian Brothers, George Eastman and Michael Berryman and the results are everything you dreamed that they would be. Within the first ten minutes of this film, I had already screamed from my couch in pure glee, so happy to be alive and watching an Italian barbarian movie - times two! - that was unashamed to be this stupid.
The Ragnicks are a tribe of peaceful traveling entertainers. Think sideshow - as they journey on horseback, one of them is even throwing knives to practice. They've recently adopted twins - Kutchek and Gore - and are protecting the magic ruby of their tribe. But soon, Kadar (Lynch) takes Queen Canary hostage. The young twins attack, biting off his fingers. However, he promises that if he takes Canary as one of his concubines, that he and his men will never kill the twins.
Kadar is a dude with a plan. A fifteen-year plan, really. He raises each of them separately, telling them their brother is dead, and has them routinely beaten by a masked man - either silver or gold depending on the brother. Then, when they have gone through all the whippings and strength trials ala Conan, they will fight and kill one another. That way, he can keep his promise and keep getting some of that sweet freakshow loving from the queen of the sideshow.
The brothers knock off their helmets - forgot that part of the plan - and escape into the woods where they find their old people who now live in misery. They also find Ismena, a thief who is imprisoned by their old tribe. The Ragnicks believe that this is magic and try to hang the twins, but their necks are just too big to lynch and they win over their old friends.
Hijinks ensue - like arm wrestling George Eastman and battling a dragon in the Forbidden Land. It gets a little long at the end, but the ride there is pretty decent, with the Forbidden Land itself looking like where most of the budget went.
If you're a fan of the Barbarian Brothers - David and Peter Paul - they also show up in D.C. Cab. It's kind of amazing to me that they were born in Harford, Connecticut and never ended up in the WWE.
The Ragnicks are a tribe of peaceful traveling entertainers. Think sideshow - as they journey on horseback, one of them is even throwing knives to practice. They've recently adopted twins - Kutchek and Gore - and are protecting the magic ruby of their tribe. But soon, Kadar (Lynch) takes Queen Canary hostage. The young twins attack, biting off his fingers. However, he promises that if he takes Canary as one of his concubines, that he and his men will never kill the twins.
Kadar is a dude with a plan. A fifteen-year plan, really. He raises each of them separately, telling them their brother is dead, and has them routinely beaten by a masked man - either silver or gold depending on the brother. Then, when they have gone through all the whippings and strength trials ala Conan, they will fight and kill one another. That way, he can keep his promise and keep getting some of that sweet freakshow loving from the queen of the sideshow.
The brothers knock off their helmets - forgot that part of the plan - and escape into the woods where they find their old people who now live in misery. They also find Ismena, a thief who is imprisoned by their old tribe. The Ragnicks believe that this is magic and try to hang the twins, but their necks are just too big to lynch and they win over their old friends.
Hijinks ensue - like arm wrestling George Eastman and battling a dragon in the Forbidden Land. It gets a little long at the end, but the ride there is pretty decent, with the Forbidden Land itself looking like where most of the budget went.
If you're a fan of the Barbarian Brothers - David and Peter Paul - they also show up in D.C. Cab. It's kind of amazing to me that they were born in Harford, Connecticut and never ended up in the WWE.
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