The Sisterhood

Another Filipino post-apocalyptic epic from prolific low-budget director/producer Cirio H. Santiago. Featuring an all no-name cast, with the exception of Lynn-Holly Johnson ("Ice Castles" "For Your Eyes Only") the story takes place in the distant year 2021 following a nuclear holocaust. A group of fierce sword wielding female warriors, known as The Sisterhood, seek to right the sexist wrongs of the wasteland. Although I was a fan of Santiago's post-apocalyptic "Wheels of Fire" this one is dud. It felt more Conan than Mad Max and to my taste, that's not a warriors of the wasteland story. Even taking the film on the level of a Conan or Red Sonja ripoff, it's not all the good either.

The Sisterhood (1988) is a movie that I recently watched on Amazon Prime. The storyline takes place in a world trying to survive after a nuclear holocaust. Men have enslaved women to do their bidding in most civilizations. However, in the outlands women have formed a tribe of sorts that survive on their own. The only hope for women in civilizations may be for this tribe to rescue them and set them free from their oppressors.

This movie is directed by Cirio H. Santiago (Firecracker) and stars Rebecca Holden (Knight Rider), Chuck Wagner (America 3000), Lynn-Holly Johnson (For Your Eyes Only), Robert Dryer (Savage Streets) and Barbara Patrick (Lord of the Illusions).

This movie had some promise but doesn't live up to its potential. The attire, settings and props were all perfect for the storyline. This also has the classic 80s nudity you'd expect. Unfortunately the writing, especially the dialogue, was a bit stale and Wagner's acting was very mediocre and holds the film back. I did like the "goddess" depiction and introduction towards the end. The conclusion was very mediocre and a bit disappointing.

Overall, this is a below average addition to the apocalyptic genre that I would score a 4/10 but still recommend seeing once.

Cirio H. Santiago is a director who has made quite a few "girls-with-guns" (or, in this case, "girls-with-swords-and-later-guns") films; he could perhaps be described as another Andy Sidaris, but with less sleaze and an even lower budget. "The Sisterhood", a cheesy post-apocalyptic flick complete with laser beams and "talking" hawks, must not be one of his best moments: most of the action sequences are rather flat, and there is too much wandering around in the desert. But the two female leads are physically well-cast, and as for the third....let's just say that if you ever wanted to see Lynn-Holly Johnson, of "For Your Eyes Only" fame, kicking some serious butt (though it is never quite explained how her character is able to do that), this may be your only chance! (**)

Quite a few folks have belly-aching to me about why these so-called "femme fatale" flicks don't stack up to sheer greatness. Well, this is one of those movies, and it sure comes darn close at being good! Some cool costumes, a futuristic setting, and an original idea were the bright spots, making this one to drool over. But now, the screaming starts. What we have here is a movie based on a horribly bad scripting job, causing everything else lacking throughout the entire program. The end result is another cheesy exploitation movie that tries too hard to pump enough blood. Acting, plot, and everything else that breathes vitality! Is this why they're called "B" movies? I think so. I'll keep trying to search for more of these films, but you and I may be better off disappointed than satisfied with them! Don't lose your mind over seductive artwork on tape boxes!

Cirio H. Santiago managed to churn out one B-flick I actually enjoyed, 1981's Firecracker with martial artist who wasn't afraid to go nude, Jillian Kesner. She knew EXACTLY what kind of film she was in and committed to it, not to mention she could act as well as fight.

Were it only The Sisterhood even 1/10th as good. Poor acting, directing and dialogue requires at least some sort of offset such as convincing action, dazzling pyro, generous nudity/sex or some actual drama. Nearly everything felt so contrived or phoned-in that it had no impact.