There are many films that, although they seem cheesy now, are still considered cult classics of their time. One of these is 1982’s “Conan the Barbarian,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. It was followed up by a less-popular sequel, “Conan the Destroyer,” in 1984.
Lionsgate is releasing a new interpretation of the Conan mythology and they are starting at the beginning. This is a much more raw and gritty take on the title character featuring more emphasis on his childhood and then the rise of the warrior. The same basic story is that after his father is murdered and village destroyed, young Conan (Leo Howard), ventures into a brutal, unforgiving world where he has to learn to survive as a thief and eventually trains to become a warrior.
On his way to glory, he comes upon the man responsible for the death of his family and friends, Khalar Zym (Stephen Lang). As Conan begins his hunt to find and kill this tyrant, he will have to travel across Hyboria and face many perils — including mythical creatures, a powerful witch named Marique (Rose McGowan) and an army of Khalar’s henchmen. His willpower and determination make him an unyielding force on his way to get revenge and he will stop at nothing to achieve this goal.
We have our very first clip from the film, which shows us a young Conan taking part in a ritualistic task that must be performed by all young Cimmerian men to prove their worthiness of becoming a warrior in the tribe. When the group of teenagers are sent into the woods by the tribe leader Corin (Ron Perlman), they encounter brutal savages during the trial and while most turn back in fear, Conan doesn’t. He stands his ground and not only defends himself, but kills them all.
Take a look:
The clip’s title, “Thirst for Blood,” is very fitting as there is a lot of bloodshed in it. It has been quite a while since I have seen the original movies, but I don’t recall that level of violence in them. I’m sure there was a lot of blood spilling, but maybe it is just the advance of technology that makes the action and killing in this film feel so real and graphic.
I think that the actor Leo Howard does great in it; I am hoping the next clip we see will have the film’s star, Jason Momoa, in it, though, to give us a taste of how he handles the lead role.
What did you think of the clip? Was it a good teaser of what is to come?
“Conan the Barbarian” — which also stars Rachel Nichols, Bob Sapp, Steven O’Donnell, Nonso Anozie and Saïd Taghmaoui — is being released in 3D to bring the action closer to its audience than ever before. It will slash its way into theaters Aug. 19 in the U.S.
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