Conan the Barbarian

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Conan the Barbarian ★★★ 1982 (R)

A fine sword and sorcery tale featuring brutality, excellent production values, and a rousing score. Conan's (Arnie, who else) parents are killed and he's enslaved. But hardship makes him strong, so when he is set free he can avenge their murder and retrieve the sword bequeathed him by his father. Sandahl Bergman is great as The Queen of Thieves, and Schwarzenegger maintains an admirable sense of humor throughout. Jones is dandy, as always, this time as bad guy Thulsa Doom. Based on the character created by Robert E. Howard. Sequel: “Conan the Destroyer.” 115m/C VHS, DVD . Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Max von Sydow, Sandahl Bergman, Mako, Ben Davidson, Valerie Quennessen, Cassandra Gaviola, William (Bill) Smith; D: John Milius; W: John Milius, Oliver Stone; C: Duke Callaghan, John Cabrera; M: Basil Poledouris.