Warlords of the 21st Century Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

After the end of the world, a lone motorcycle dude has to save a runaway from her dad, who happens to command a very, very large and angry truck that’s obsessed with diesel fuel.

🍿 Warlords of the 21st Century: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A World Without Oil

In a post-World War III future, petroleum reserves have been depleted, plunging society into a lawless age. Survival depends on rationing the last vestiges of gasoline, fiercely contested by mercenaries and warlords. Amidst this chaos, a former government official named Straker leads a formidable group, including his daughter Corlie, in a heavily armored ‘battletruck’ armed with machine guns and a howitzer.

Corlie’s Defiance and Hunter’s Aid

Straker’s group discovers a vast diesel supply in a compound. However, Corlie refuses to execute the previous owners and flees their base camp. She is later rescued by Hunter, a solitary wanderer traversing the desolate landscape on a high-tech motorcycle. Hunter initially takes Corlie to his secluded farm.

Clearwater Under Attack

Hunter eventually escorts Corlie to Clearwater Farm, a walled community operating under a strict democracy, where she is warmly accepted. However, her presence is soon detected by her father, Colonel Straker, who launches a brutal assault on Clearwater with his battletruck. During the ensuing chaos, Corlie manages to escape back to Hunter’s hidden refuge, while Straker’s forces terrorize the commune, seizing supplies and taking women.

A Desperate Betrayal

A treacherous resident of Clearwater betrays Rusty, the community’s mechanic, revealing Hunter’s secret hideout. Straker’s men torture Rusty for the information before attacking Hunter’s base to recapture Corlie. Hunter and Corlie escape on his bike, leaving Straker to vent his rage by demolishing Hunter’s property with the battletruck.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hunter (Michael Beck): The enigmatic loner motorcyclist who becomes the reluctant hero protecting Corlie and the Clearwater community from Colonel Straker’s tyranny.
• Corlie Straker (Annie McEnroe): Colonel Straker’s daughter who flees her father’s brutal regime and seeks refuge, becoming a catalyst for Hunter’s involvement.
• Col. Jacob Straker (James Wainwright): The ruthless former government official and warlord who commands a formidable armored ‘battletruck’ while plundering scarce resources and terrorizing communities.
• Rusty (John Ratzenberger): The resourceful mechanic and fabricator of the Clearwater community who assists Hunter in building a vehicle to combat Straker’s battletruck.
• Judd (Randy Powell): A treacherous resident of Clearwater who repeatedly betrays his community and allies for personal gain, leading to dire consequences.
• Driver (Marshall Napier): The skilled but increasingly strained driver of Straker’s formidable battletruck, whose loyalty wavers under the Colonel’s reckless command during the climax.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Radio Announcer: “The world’s total reserves of petroleum have dropped even lower, making gasoline all but unattainable.” – Heard during the film’s opening sequence, setting the grim, resource-scarce post-World War III backdrop.
• Colonel Straker: “We rule the wasteland now!” – Straker, the ruthless warlord, declares his absolute power and control over the desolate landscape and its inhabitants.
• Rusty: “This is the only way we stand a chance.” – Said by the mechanic Rusty with determination, as he helps Hunter construct a formidable armored vehicle to combat Straker’s battletruck.
• Hunter: “I’ll be back… sometime.” – Hunter’s iconic final words to Corlie, cementing his character as a solitary wanderer who, despite aiding others, remains bound to the open road.

💰Box Office

• Budget: NZ$1,000,000
• Domestic Gross: Unknown
• Worldwide Gross: Unknown

💥 Warlords of the 21st Century Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘Warlords of the 21st Century’ – or ‘Battletruck’ as I’ve always known it – just hits different for me. I first saw this as a kid, and that menacing Battletruck haunted my imagination! It’s not Mad Max, sure, but it has this raw, low-budget charm that’s just irresistible. I love Michael Beck as Hunter; he’s got that quiet intensity that just works. And honestly, the New Zealand scenery is just gorgeous, even when it’s supposed to be a wasteland. The final showdown is just so satisfying, especially seeing that truck finally go down. It’s a total blast of 80s sci-fi action, and I always have a huge smile watching it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of post-apocalyptic action films, especially those from the 1980s”
  • “Viewers who enjoy cult classic B-movies”
  • “Mad Max enthusiasts looking for similar themes”
  • “Anyone interested in early New Zealand cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and combat sequences”
  • “Thematic elements of lawlessness and survival”
  • “Some strong language”
  • “Implied torture”

Professional Reviews

• Cult Cinema Chronicle: “Harley Cokeliss’ ‘Battletruck’ might wear its Mad Max influences on its sleeve, but it carves out its own gritty niche. This New Zealand-shot actioner delivers exactly what the title promises: a menacing, heavily armored truck that dominates the screen. While plot depth takes a backseat, the film excels in its vehicular combat and impressive practical effects for its budget. It’s a solid entry in the post-apocalyptic canon, proving that a modest budget can still deliver impactful thrills and stunning landscapes. A cult classic in the making for its sheer B-movie energy.
• B-Movie Beat: “‘Warlords of the 21st Century,’ or ‘Battletruck’ as it’s perhaps better known, is a quintessential 80s post-apocalyptic romp. While Michael Beck brings stoic charm as Hunter, and the titular truck is undeniably cool, the film struggles with pacing and character development beyond the basics. It’s an amusing, if sometimes clunky, ride through a desolated New Zealand, perfect for a nostalgic deep dive into the era’s action cinema. Don’t expect high art, but do expect a whole lot of roaring engines and a surprisingly durable VW Beetle.

Audience Reactions

The menacing and destructive ‘Battletruck’ itself, delivering on its promise of vehicular chaos.: Viewers consistently praise its effectiveness as a low-budget action film and its surprisingly well-executed stunts and explosions for the era.

The classic lone wolf hero vs. tyrannical warlord trope, executed with engaging 80s flair.: Many appreciate its nostalgic value as an enjoyable, unpretentious post-apocalyptic B-movie, despite its ‘Mad Max’ similarities.

Overall Consensus: Warlords of the 21st Century (Battletruck) is generally regarded as a highly enjoyable, if derivative, low-budget 80s post-apocalyptic action film, particularly praised for its iconic vehicle and practical effects.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is widely known by its alternative title, ‘Battletruck,’ which many fans and critics consider a more fitting name.”
• “Despite common comparisons, ‘Warlords of the 21st Century’ was produced and released around the same time as, or even before, George Miller’s ‘Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior,’ meaning it was a parallel development in the post-apocalyptic genre rather than a direct rip-off.”
• “The uncredited opening narration was performed by Randy Powell (who also played Judd in the film) via a ham radio broadcast from Los Angeles, California, to the filmmakers in New Zealand.”
• “The movie was filmed entirely in Otago, New Zealand, with the local landscape standing in for the desolate post-apocalyptic wasteland.”
• “The director, Harley Cokeliss, later went on to direct episodes of popular television series like ‘Hercules: The Legendary Journeys’ and ‘Xena: Warrior Princess,’ as well as feature films like ‘Black Moon Rising’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Warlords of the 21st Century?

Warlords of the 21st Century, also widely known as ‘Battletruck,’ is available for digital purchase or rental on platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV. For collectors and enthusiasts of 80s cult classics, physical media releases on DVD exist, sometimes bundled with other post-apocalyptic films. Check major online retailers like Amazon for current availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Warlords of the 21st Century, you might like these similar films:

• Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981): Often cited as a direct contemporary and genre companion, both films feature lone warriors, vehicular combat, and struggles over precious resources in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
• Duel (1971): This early Steven Spielberg thriller shares a thematic focus on a menacing, relentless truck as the primary antagonist, with a ‘DUELesque’ final chase explicitly noted by reviewers as an inspiration.
• The Warriors (1979): Stars Michael Beck in another cult classic role, featuring a gritty, stylized world of survival against gangs, which would appeal to fans of ‘Warlords’ for its similar tone and themes of struggle.
• Escape from New York (1981): A quintessential 80s dystopian action film with an iconic anti-hero and a desperate struggle for survival in a crumbling, lawless society.
• Mad Max: Fury Road (2015): For a modern take on the high-octane vehicular action and desolate post-apocalyptic world, ‘Fury Road’ offers a stunning evolution of the genre’s core elements.

🛒 Warlords of the 21st Century Related Products

• Warlords of the 21st Century (Battletruck) Collector’s Edition Blu-ray: Experience this cult classic in stunning high-definition, featuring a restored transfer and exclusive bonus features like behind-the-scenes documentaries and interviews with cast and crew. A must-have for 80s action fans.
• Battletruck 1:64 Scale Die-Cast Replica: A highly detailed, limited-edition die-cast model of the formidable Battletruck, complete with its iconic armor plating and weaponry. Perfect for display.
• Warlords of the 21st Century (Battletruck) Original Movie Poster Print: High-quality, vintage-style reproduction of the original theatrical poster, capturing the raw, dystopian aesthetic of the film. Available in various sizes.
• Wasteland Riders: A Battletruck-Inspired Open World Game (Digital Code): Immerse yourself in a vast, post-apocalyptic open world, inspired by the spirit of ‘Battletruck.’ Customize your own armored vehicles and engage in high-octane vehicular combat and exploration.

🎧 Soundtrack

Warlords of the 21st Century features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Battletruck” – performed by Kevin Peek with Eastern Orbit and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Secret of Hitler’s Speech

Ever wonder about the powerful speeches that stirred the masses during WWII? This video dives into Hitler’s public speaking techniques, giving you a deeper sense of the historical backdrop against which the intense drama of ‘Das Boot’ unfolds. It’s pretty fascinating to see how words shaped such a tumultuous era, adding a layer of understanding to the film’s setting.

He Fought During World War II At The Age 6, and Became A General At 15

If you’re gripped by the human stories and realities of conflict in ‘Das Boot’, this video takes you to another incredible, albeit different, corner of WWII. It recounts the astounding tale of a boy who became a soldier at a tender age, offering a unique, poignant perspective on the war’s widespread impact beyond the submarine’s confines. It really makes you think about the varied experiences people had during that time.

Five-Man Crew Battle Against HUNDREDS Of German Troops

For more intense WWII action after ‘Das Boot’, this video recaps a thrilling battle where a small crew faces overwhelming odds against German forces. While it’s a different kind of fight than submarine warfare, it really captures the high stakes, desperate heroism, and the relentless pressure often seen in the war. It’s a great way to keep the adrenaline going!

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