I've got to admit that this is one of my all-time personal favourite fantasy films, but I'll try to give an objective review! The Red Sonja character was created by R.E. Howard, writer of the original Conan books, she followed the big barbarian into comics and then ended up here in this film. I've not been able to get hold of the original stories featuring Sonja so I can't say first hand how well the plot of this movie follows the books, although I have heard from other sources that the two have little in common. Which is fine, I'm reviewing this film on it's own merit not on how well it's been converted from written format.

There are a lot of things that "Red Sonja" has going for it, but it's let down in a few critical areas. Most of the sets are awesome, the temple at the start, ruined Haplok and Gedren's palace are brilliantly designed and stunningly realised. The landscape is a joy to watch whether it be the rolling hills, or the skeleton bridge that leads the way into Burkebane, there's enough eye-candy to help get you into the spirit of the film. The plot itself is fast paced and relies on action all the way through, as you would expect from this sort of film. The dialogue is pretty much straight to the point, which suits the delivery style of most of the actors involved. The fight scenes are well choreographed, with Arnie and Sandahl using the training they received for Conan the Barbarian and Nielsen putting in a competent performance too. The musical score, by the legendary Morricone is nothing short of spectacular, although it is often over looked in his list of credits.

Fortunately most of the bad things about this film are laughably so, like the occasional hokey looking set piece (e.g. the giant stone ox that Kalidor and Varna shelter under). Then there's Brigitte's wooden delivery, on a couple of occasions you could swear she was reading directly from cue cards. I'm not sure about her casting, she has the physical presence to look good fighting against Arnie and Sandahl, and she has a European accent to go with Arnie's. However she was only 19 when she made her big screen debut in this film, so I do wonder about the decision to choose Brigitte over a more established actress. Although Arnie's great in all the action sequences and his being part of the project no doubt allowed a bigger budget he's not really believable as a High Lord, there's still too much of the barbarian in him! But just about everyone agrees that all that pales into insignificance compared to the film's Achilles Heel - Prince Tarn.

The bastard. A more irritating character will be hard to be find in all of the myriad fantasy worlds this site will cover. I don't blame Ernie Reyes Jr. himself, the script must have called for an annoying brat with martial arts skills and he plays the part well - especially the annoying bit. There is no real reason for Tarn's inclusion in the film, he is rescued by Sonja first after his city of Haplok has been destroyed by Gedren then again after he is set upon by bandits and tortured (very amusing). The scene pictured above, where Gedren holds her dagger to his neck is one of the most exciting of the movie, but sadly Gedren doesn't deliver on her promise, and the little sod escapes arse intact. In fact the only good thing I can find to say about him is that he brings Paul Smith (Dune, Popeye) with him in the portly shape of Falkon, who provides some genuine comedy relief.

All considered, it's a decent fantasy romp, nothing challenging for the brain, plenty of stuff for the eyes, some decent acting by the bad guys, some laughable acting by the good guys and a great score to keep the ears happy throughout. It certainly can't compare with more serious films such as Excalibur or even Conan the Barbarian, but it's leagues above the B movies that tried to cash in on the fantasy trend of the time. And as for Sonja, well she was the first major feature film swords and sorcery heroine to have her own movie, and her film, whatever you think of it, is certainly memorable.