Conan the Barbarian Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A buff dude gets really mad about snakes and his dead parents, so he chops a bunch of people and a snake head off.

🍿 Conan the Barbarian: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Raid and Slavery

The film opens with a young Conan witnessing the brutal massacre of his village and the murder of his parents by Thulsa Doom, the leader of a snake cult. Conan is enslaved and forced to push the Wheel of Pain, growing into a powerful warrior over many years.

Gladiator and Freedom

As an adult, Conan becomes a gladiator, honing his fighting skills. Eventually, he earns his freedom and sets out on a quest for revenge against Thulsa Doom, driven by the memory of his family’s death and the desire to reclaim his stolen heritage.

Allies and Enemies

Conan teams up with Subotai, a skilled archer, and Valeria, a fierce warrior. Together, they navigate a world of danger, magic, and intrigue, facing various enemies and challenges as they journey towards Thulsa Doom’s fortress.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Conan (Arnold Schwarzenegger): A Cimmerian warrior seeking revenge for the death of his parents and the destruction of his village.
• Thulsa Doom (James Earl Jones): The charismatic and ruthless leader of a snake cult who murdered Conan’s parents and enslaved his people.
• Valeria (Sandahl Bergman): A skilled and fearless warrior, becomes Conan’s lover and ally in his quest for vengeance.
• Subotai (Gerry Lopez): A Hyrkanian thief and archer, befriends Conan and joins him on his adventure.
• King Osric (Max von Sydow): A king who enlists Conan and his companions to rescue his daughter from Thulsa Doom’s cult.
• The Wizard (Mako): An old sage who guides and assists Conan in his journey, narrating his story.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Conan’s Father: “Steel isn’t strong, boy, flesh is stronger! Look around you. There, on the rocks. A beautiful girl. What good is steel compared to the hand that wields it?” – Conan’s father explains the Riddle of Steel, emphasizing the importance of the wielder over the weapon.
• Mongol General: “Conan! What is best in life?” – The Mongol General asks Conan what is best in life.
• Conan: “To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women.” – Conan gives his brutal and iconic answer to what is best in life.
• Thulsa Doom: “My child, there is strength enough in you for what I ask.” – Thulsa Doom says this right before coaxing a woman to jump to her death to show his power.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $39,565,475
• Worldwide Gross: $68,851,475

💥 Conan the Barbarian Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Conan the Barbarian’ as a kid and being totally mesmerized. The battles felt so real and raw, and Arnold was the ultimate badass! I was hooked from the opening scene of the sword being forged. The movie made me want to swing a sword and conquer the world! Years later, it still gives me chills.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of sword and sorcery films”
  • “Arnold Schwarzenegger fans”
  • “Those who enjoy epic fantasy adventures”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Thematic elements of slavery and cults”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Milius infuses ‘Conan’ with a grim grandeur, crafting a brutal yet visually stunning world. Schwarzenegger embodies the stoic barbarian, while Jones delivers a chilling performance as Thulsa Doom. Poledouris’ score elevates the film to epic heights.
• The New York Times: “While Schwarzenegger’s acting may be limited, his physical presence is undeniable. Milius creates a visually arresting experience, and the film’s themes of revenge and survival resonate. The battle scenes are visceral and intense.
• LA Times: “Conan the Barbarian is an action movie that takes itself seriously, and that’s what makes it fun. The movie can be described as adventure-fantasy, however, there is a grim aura of doom pervading the movie that fits the original Howard stories to a T, and I think Robert E Howard would have really liked this movie.

Audience Reactions

The movie’s gritty realism and epic scope captured viewers, making it a memorable cinematic experience.: Audiences praised the film’s atmosphere, battle sequences, and Basil Poledouris’s score, which amplified the movie’s emotional impact.

This movie is so passionate and intense. It all feels so genuine as well.: Audiences agree, it is such a change to see such an un-ironic passionate movie. I can’t see a movie like this being made today. The nudity and violence were great and added realism without ever being flatly gratuitous.

Overall Consensus: A visually striking and brutal sword-and-sorcery epic that, despite criticisms of its pacing and acting, remains a cult classic for its atmosphere, action, and iconic score.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (New Star of the Year – Actress)- 1983

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Arnold Schwarzenegger performed most of his own stunts, including sword fights and falls.”
• “The film’s production design was heavily influenced by the artwork of Frank Frazetta, a renowned fantasy artist.”
• “Basil Poledouris’ score is considered one of the greatest film scores ever composed and is frequently performed in concert halls.”

🖥️ How to Watch Conan the Barbarian?

Conan the Barbarian is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Conan the Barbarian, you might like these similar films:

• Excalibur (1981): Presents a gritty, realistic take on Arthurian legend, similar to Conan’s approach to sword and sorcery.
• The 13th Warrior (1999): Based on Beowulf, this movie combines historical elements with barbarian action, like Conan.
• Gladiator (2000): Features a warrior seeking revenge in a brutal ancient world, resonating with Conan’s themes.
• Beowulf (2007): A modern take on the epic poem, similar to Conan’s epic scale and raw action.

🛒 Conan the Barbarian Related Products

• Conan the Barbarian: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Vol. 1: Relive Conan’s greatest battles in this oversized, deluxe hardcover collecting the classic Marvel comics. Features Roy Thomas’s stunning adaptations and John Buscema’s iconic artwork. The book includes classic stories for the Conan comic enthusiast.
• Conan The Barbarian Atlantean Sword 1/1 Scale Prop Replica: Wield the legendary Atlantean Sword with this meticulously crafted 1/1 scale prop replica. Made of high-quality materials, this is a must-have for any serious ‘Conan’ collector.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Conan The Barbarian – Conan: Add this collectible Funko Pop! figure of Conan to your desk or shelf. The adorable Funko Pop version of the Barbarian.
• Conan: The Board Game: Immerse yourself in the world of Conan with this adventure board game. Battle enemies, explore dungeons, and carve your own legend! Cooperative gameplay with different classes.

🎧 Soundtrack

Conan the Barbarian features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Anvil of Crom” – performed by Basil Poledouris
• “Riders of Doom” – performed by Basil Poledouris
• “The Orgy” – performed by Basil Poledouris
• “The Battle of the Mounds” – performed by Basil Poledouris

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

CONAN THE BARBARIAN Facts You Didn’t Know! #shorts

Did you know that Arnold Schwarzenegger was so ripped while filming ‘Conan the Barbarian’ that he decided to enter the 1980 Mr. Olympia contest? Check out this video to find out more!

Thulsa Doom Origins – Greatest & Terrifying Conan Villain Created By Robert E Howard, Snake Sorcerer

Ever wondered about the origins of Thulsa Doom, the iconic villain from ‘Conan the Barbarian’? This in-depth video explores his backstory and significance in Robert E. Howard’s world of fantasy, offering a deeper understanding of the film’s narrative.

Why The Conan The Barbarian Remake Was Always Destined To Fail

Curious about why the ‘Conan the Barbarian’ remake fell short of expectations? This video analyzes the missteps, offering a thought-provoking perspective on the challenges of adapting classic films.

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