Conquest, directed by Lucio Fulci in 1982, is a film that tries to ride the coattails of the success of Conan the Barbarian. While it aims to deliver an epic fantasy experience, it falls short in many areas. This review explores the film’s plot, characters, and overall execution, revealing why it has become a cult classic for all the wrong reasons.
Plot
The story of Conquest is almost non-existent. It follows two characters in a savage, caveman-like world filled with bizarre creatures. The main characters are:
- Ilias: A skinny, wimpy guy who is the son of a god. He wields a magical crossbow.
- Mace: A muscular barbarian who uses a mace and speaks in monosyllables.
Conflict
An evil sorceress named Zora has a vision of Ilias threatening her reign. She sends her minions to stop him. The film is filled with clichés and borrowed elements from better fantasy films, making it feel like a cheap imitation.
Imitation Game
Conquest borrows heavily from other films, including:
- Beastmaster: Mace can communicate with animals, similar to the main character in Beastmaster.
- Conan the Barbarian: The film features a revenge plot and an evil queen reminiscent of Thulsa Doom.
- Clash of the Titans: Ilias is a son of a god, much like Perseus.
Lack of Originality
The film’s lack of originality is its biggest flaw. Fulci combines elements from various films but fails to create something unique. Instead, it feels like a jumbled mess of ideas that don’t quite fit together.
Visual Effects and Makeup
One of the most significant issues with Conquest is its low budget. The makeup and visual effects are subpar, leading to a lack of immersion in the fantasy world. The monsters are simply men in cheap costumes, which detracts from the overall experience.
Key Visual Issues:
- Cheap Monster Suits: The creatures lack creativity and realism.
- Boring Fight Scenes: The battles are repetitive and uninspired.
Gore Factor
As a Fulci film, Conquest includes more gore than typical fantasy movies. The opening scene features a werewolf clan tearing apart a victim, which is graphic and shocking. However, this level of excitement does not last throughout the film.
Gore Highlights:
- Graphic Opening: Sets a high expectation that the film fails to maintain.
- Inconsistent Quality: The gore is not enough to save the film from its dull moments.
Pacing Problems
The pacing of Conquest is another major issue. Scenes drag on, and the film often feels like it’s stalling. For example, there’s a lengthy sequence where Mace is crucified and falls into the ocean. He remains underwater for an unrealistic amount of time, which tests the viewer’s patience.
Notable Pacing Issues:
- Long, Boring Scenes: Many moments feel unnecessarily stretched.
- Lack of Action: The film fails to keep the audience engaged.
Humor Factor
Despite its flaws, Conquest can be amusing in its absurdity. The ridiculous plot twists and silly dialogue make it a film that can be enjoyed for laughs.
Key Moments of Humor:
- Magical Crossbow: Mace’s crossbow shoots laser-like arrows that can hit multiple targets. The absurdity of this weapon adds to the film’s charm.
- Silly Dialogue: The terrible lines often lead to unintentional humor.
Conclusion: A Cult Classic for the Wrong Reasons
Conquest is not a great film by any means. It suffers from a lack of originality, poor visual effects, and pacing issues. However, it has gained a following for its sheer ridiculousness. If you’re in the mood for a laugh and enjoy bad movies, Conquest might just entertain you.
Rating: 2 out of 5