SPECIAL NOTICE
Malicious code was found on the site, which has been removed, but would have been able to access files and the database, revealing email addresses, posts, and encoded passwords (which would need to be decoded). However, there is no direct evidence that any such activity occurred. REGARDLESS, BE SURE TO CHANGE YOUR PASSWORDS. And as is good practice, remember to never use the same password on more than one site. While performing housekeeping, we also decided to upgrade the forums.
This is a site for discussing roleplaying games. Have fun doing so, but there is one major rule: do not discuss political issues that aren't directly and uniquely related to the subject of the thread and about gaming. While this site is dedicated to free speech, the following will not be tolerated: devolving a thread into unrelated political discussion, sockpuppeting (using multiple and/or bogus accounts), disrupting topics without contributing to them, and posting images that could get someone fired in the workplace (an external link is OK, but clearly mark it as Not Safe For Work, or NSFW). If you receive a warning, please take it seriously and either move on to another topic or steer the discussion back to its original RPG-related theme.

Sword and Sorcery or Fantasy Films that Don't Suck?

Started by Voros, August 14, 2017, 02:37:41 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

Shemek hiTankolel

Quote from: Voros;987068Love those films. TCM shows them often on weekend mornings.

Me too. :) If anyone ever wants to see one of the primary inspirations for Tekumel just take a look at these films, especially the 1924 version. According to Chirine, MAR Barker loved this film as a child. Much of the aesthetic of Tsolyanu is right there, if you know where to look.

Shemek
Don\'t part with your illusions. When they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live.
Mark Twain

Voros

Good call, that makes a lot of sense. I'd probably give the edge to the 1924 version over the 1940 but they're both excellent.

Dumarest

Quote from: Shemek hiTankolel;987018I'm not sure if you would consider this S&S, but how about the Thief of Baghdad (both versions)?

"Both"? I can think of at least four (1924, 1940, 1961, and 1978) and there are probably lots more I haven't heard of...which two do you mean?

Shemek hiTankolel

Quote from: Dumarest;987255"Both"? I can think of at least four (1924, 1940, 1961, and 1978) and there are probably lots more I haven't heard of...which two do you mean?

The 1924, and 1940 versions.
Don\'t part with your illusions. When they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live.
Mark Twain

Dumarest

Quote from: Shemek hiTankolel;987312The 1924, and 1940 versions.

Good stuff, but didn't the 1940 version take one character and turn it into two, or was it the other way around?

Shemek hiTankolel

Quote from: Dumarest;987346Good stuff, but didn't the 1940 version take one character and turn it into two, or was it the other way around?

Yes, the other way around. In the 1924 version Douglas Fairbanks played Ahmed, the Thief of Baghdad, who ultimately became a prince, and in the 1940 version the Thief and the prince (actually the Sultan in disguise) were two separate characters. Also, in the 1924 version Abu was Ahmed's partner in crime, and an old man not a young boy like in the 1940 version, and Ahmed was not a Sultan but a career criminal.
I like the special effects of the 1940 version, but prefer the 1924 story. BTW, Douglas Fairbanks was 48 when he shot the film, not only did all of his own stunts, but was the writer and producer of the film as well. Absolutely amazing!  I might have to watch this again before I run my next game. :D
Don\'t part with your illusions. When they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live.
Mark Twain

JeremyR

While I'm not sure I would call it good, I really like a Japanese fantasy movie called Orochi the Eight-Headed Dragon. Like 2/3 of it's a D&D fantasy movie then at the end it turns into a kaiju movie ( it's from Toho)

Also a couple movies called Onmyoji (or something like that, which I know is a real help) which are period pieces about a cleric or exorcist

Omega

Quote from: JeremyR;987548While I'm not sure I would call it good, I really like a Japanese fantasy movie called Orochi the Eight-Headed Dragon. Like 2/3 of it's a D&D fantasy movie then at the end it turns into a kaiju movie ( it's from Toho)

Also a couple movies called Onmyoji (or something like that, which I know is a real help) which are period pieces about a cleric or exorcist

I mentioned that movie up above. Yamato Takeru. And yeah it plays out like a D&D adventure and then... Hydra vs Giant robot.

Another great one from way back is the first Dai Majin movie. Mostly political intrigue and rebellion movie and then all hell breaks loose.

ArrozConLeche

I've got a weird candidate for you guys: Ninja Scrolls anime

Warboss Squee

Quote from: ArrozConLeche;987916I've got a weird candidate for you guys: Ninja Scrolls anime

The series or the movie? Because the movie is very fucked up.


Omega

Quote from: Warboss Squee;988538The series or the movie? Because the movie is very fucked up.

I think you have that mixed up.

The movie was ok. Violent but what do you expect with a cast of all assassins and killers?

The thing called Ninja Scrolls anime series/ova is garbage.

ArrozConLeche

Quote from: Omega;988761I think you have that mixed up.

The movie was ok. Violent but what do you expect with a cast of all assassins and killers?

The thing called Ninja Scrolls anime series/ova is garbage.

The original one has some stuff that maybe would trigger a lot of people today, but the OVA besides being garbage, also wants to copy Urotsukidoji.

HMWHC

Quote from: Omega;983231Hawk the Slayer - 1980: which has a strong D&D feel to it and isnt as bad as some make it out to be. Its just... odd... really odd.

This one is a real guilty pleasure, and it really isn't that bad in the end. Though I'd say it's not Sword & Sorcery, more D&D'ish knock off Fantasy. But Man the Elf who was basically Nimoy's Spock with a Bow, I loved it. That portayal of Elves has influenced me ever since I was the flick way back when. Perfect Alouf Semi-Arrogant, Super competent portrayal of an Elder race. And the Rapid Fire Bow effect blow my mind as a kid lol.

Also the idea for the Sword the Protagonist uses I love it. A Hand as the pommel and when the magic gem is placed in it the hand closes! Frickin Genius. Totally ripped that off for use in D&D.
"YOU KNOW WHO ELSE CLOSED THREADS THAT "BORED" HIM?!? HITLER!!!"
~ -E.

HMWHC

Quote from: BedrockBrendan;983340I think Conan is an exceptional benchmark because it was a rare combination of the right composer, the right director, writer, actor and producer, as well as the right moment. It is just a good movie and good movies are rare, let alone good movies from a very narrow genre. So most of the films on my list below, in my mind, don't quite rise to that level.

Fire and Ice (VERY GOOD): I really enjoyed this as a kid. It is a lot like the Lord of the Rings animated film, and made by the same guy with that same rotoscoping technique. But I think this looks a bit better than the LotR movie.

Next to the "Conan the Barbarian" movie I think that "Fire & Ice" is probably the best Sword & Sorcery movie ever made. It hits all the "beats" of the genre imo.
"YOU KNOW WHO ELSE CLOSED THREADS THAT "BORED" HIM?!? HITLER!!!"
~ -E.