Red Sonja (1985)

Directed by: Richard Fleischer | 89 minutes | action, adventure | Actors: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Brigitte Nielsen, Sandahl Bergman, Paul L. Smith, Ernie Reyes Jr., Ronald Lacey, Pat Roach, Terry Richards, Janet Agren, Donna Osterbuhr, Lara Lamberti, Hans Meyer, Francesca Romana Coluzzi, Stefano Maria Mioni

Before Brigitte Nielsen was best known as an elderly mother (in 2018 she gave birth to a daughter at the age of 55) and as a full-time alcoholic on reality show ‘Celebrity Rehab’, she had an acting career. The Danish debuted in 1985 with ‘Red Sonja’ alongside none other than Arnold ‘Arnie’ Schwarzenegger, who gained world fame with his role as Conan. Richard Fleischer who previously directed the film ‘Conan the Destroyer’ decided to can this spin-off which featured a female counterpart to the barbarian. The hoped-for success did not come…

In ‘Red Sonja’, the eponymous warrior decides to end the rule of the evil Queen Gedren. For that, she drums up an army of accomplices.

Not surprisingly, ‘Red Sonja’ is a cheaply made pulp film in the vein of the aforementioned ‘Conan The Destroyer’. In the 1980s, the swords & sorcery genre to which this film belongs was very popular. In 2018, this movement has become quite rare, which has given this film a cult status. Instead of the charismatic Schwarzenegger, this time the rather colorless Nielsen has to lead the way. The acting is not too good and the supporting role of Arnie doesn’t change that much.

Nielsen doesn’t have the dubious honor of walking off as a bad actor. That dubious entry is for Ernie Reyes Jr. who portrays a very annoying character in the form of a spoiled prince. The cast’s play is hampered. The campy atmosphere and the soundtrack keep the attention there. None other than Ennio Morricone was responsible for the music. His contribution is one of the highlights of this film.

‘Red Sonja’ is a typical eighties flick: over the top, kitschy and brimming with machismo. For nostalgic reasons, it is nice to watch this now quite dated film. If you did not grow up with this genre, it is advisable to check the trailer first.