The Beastmaster Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A beefy Tarzan teams up with an eagle, a black panther, and two thieving ferrets to overthrow an evil priest who stole him from his mom’s womb…while she was in a cow.

🍿 The Beastmaster: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Prophecy and Dar’s Birth

Maax, a power-hungry priest, learns of a prophecy foretelling his demise at the hands of King Zed’s unborn son. He attempts to circumvent fate by having the child stolen and sacrificed. However, the infant is rescued by a kind traveler who raises him in a remote village.

The Destruction of Emir and Dar’s Quest

Years later, Maax’s forces, the Jun, raid and destroy Dar’s village, killing his adoptive father and many others. Driven by vengeance, Dar embarks on a quest for retribution, guided by a mysterious mark on his hand and his ability to communicate with animals. He gains animal allies including an eagle, two ferrets, and a black tiger.

Aruk and the Temple of Ar

Dar arrives at Aruk, a city under Maax’s tyrannical rule, enforced through fear and child sacrifice. He encounters Kiri, a slave, and they form an alliance. Dar’s actions draw Maax’s attention, who recognizes him as the prophesied threat. They work together to rescue King Zed, along the way encountering Death Guards, creatures created from men subjected to torturous mutilation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dar (Marc Singer): A skilled warrior with the ability to communicate with animals, seeking revenge for the destruction of his village.
• Maax (Rip Torn): The power-hungry high priest and main antagonist who seeks to maintain control through child sacrifice and oppression.
• Kiri (Tanya Roberts): A resourceful slave girl and skilled Trov warrior who joins Dar in his fight against Maax.
• Seth (John Amos): A loyal former captain of the guard who becomes a key ally to Dar in the fight against Maax.
• Tal (Joshua Milrad): The young son of King Zed who later becomes king after learning about compassion and working towards peace.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dar: “I have my eyes…” – Dar refers to his eagle, Sherak, highlighting its ability to see and scout for him.
• Dar: “I have my cunning…” – Dar acknowledges the cleverness and resourcefulness provided by his ferrets, Kodo and Podo.
• Dar: “and I have my strength.” – Dar acknowledges the physical power and protection offered by his tiger, Ruh.
• Seth: “To face a beast on its own terms, man finds he is not so strong.” – Seth wisely comments on the limitations of human strength when confronting the natural power of animals.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $14,056,528
• Worldwide Gross: $14,056,528

💥 The Beastmaster Reviews

Personal Review

I loved ‘The Beastmaster’ as a kid, and it still holds a special place in my heart. The connection Dar has with his animal friends is so cool, and seeing him kick butt while protecting them is awesome. The ferrets are hilarious, and Ruh the tiger is majestic. Plus, Tanya Roberts is great as Kiri! I would recommend this to any fan of sword and sorcery.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of sword and sorcery films”
  • “Viewers seeking nostalgic 1980s fantasy”
  • “Animal lovers and those interested in films featuring strong animal companions”
  • “Those who enjoy cult films with B-movie aesthetics”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence, including sword fights and depictions of battles”
  • “Some scenes may be intense for younger viewers”
  • “Thematic elements involving child sacrifice and tyrannical rule”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Slash Film: “While it doesn’t boast the same budget or star power as ‘Conan,’ ‘The Beastmaster’ delivers an infectious energy and humor, elevated by Dar’s animal companions, making it a must-see for sword and sorcery fans seeking a fun and imaginative adventure.
• Bloody Disgusting: “If you’re in the mood for some sword and sorcery, this film is right up your alley. Don Coscarelli brings his unique brand of horror into the world of fantasy. The practical effects are so good that, even today, they hold up pretty well.

Audience Reactions

Viewers cherish the nostalgia and campy fun of the 80s fantasy aesthetic.: The film’s animal companions and blend of action and humor makes it a timeless cult classic.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Beastmaster’ is a beloved B-movie gem known for its unique blend of fantasy, action, and camp, making it a nostalgic favorite for many.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “According to director Don Coscarelli, the original camera negative for this film is lost. It was stored in a private house which was sold, and its current whereabouts are unknown.”
• “The tiger ‘Ruh’ was painted black for the movie, which unfortunately led to skin problems and its death two years later.”
• “The film was inspired by Andre Norton’s novel of the same name, but the plot and setting were significantly altered for the film adaptation.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Beastmaster?

The Beastmaster can be streamed or purchased on various platforms. Check services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for availability. Some platforms may offer rental or purchase options depending on your region. Availability may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Beastmaster, you might like these similar films:

• Conan the Barbarian (1982): Both are sword-and-sorcery films from the early 80s featuring muscular heroes battling evil forces.
• Krull (1983): Shares the fantasy adventure elements, quest-driven narrative, and a similar aesthetic.
• Legend (1985): Presents a visually stunning fantasy world with a hero facing dark forces and magical creatures.
• The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001): Features a fellowship of heroes on a quest, battling evil, with strong themes of courage and friendship.
• Hawk the Slayer (1980): A low-budget sword and sorcery film with a cult following due to its campy and imaginative elements.

🛒 The Beastmaster Related Products

• The Beastmaster: Collector’s Edition [Blu-ray]: Features restored picture and sound, plus behind-the-scenes features for a definitive viewing experience.
• Beastmaster Movie Poster: High-quality reprint of the iconic theatrical poster, perfect for decorating a fan cave or home theater.
• The Beastmaster (PC Game): An immersive RPG where you play as Dar, communicating with animals and battling enemies across a vast, open world.
• Beastmaster Throwing Blade Replica: A high-quality, officially licensed replica of Dar’s signature weapon, perfect for cosplay or display.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Main Title” – performed by Lee Holdridge
• “Child Sacrifice” – performed by Lee Holdridge
• “Kiri” – performed by Lee Holdridge
• “The Juns” – performed by Lee Holdridge

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

WTF Happened to The Beastmaster?

Ever wonder what it took to bring *The Beastmaster* to life? This video spills all the tea on the movie’s troubled production and behind-the-scenes drama. Seriously, you won’t believe some of these stories!

THE BEASTMASTER (1982) + Marc Singer Interview: Fantasizing About Fantasy Films (Tanya Roberts)

Want to hear from the Beastmaster himself? This video not only reviews the movie, but it also features an interview with Marc Singer! He shares some great memories about filming and working with Tanya Roberts, which is pretty cool.

The Beastmaster-Podo/Kodo save the Beastmaster

Remember those awesome ferrets, Podo and Kodo? Check out this hilarious clip where they save the Beastmaster! It’s a short and sweet reminder of why this movie is so much fun.

✨ Rate