Ator and his brother are separated as children by the evil witch Phoedra. 18 years later, she takes over the kingdom with the help of a masked warrior. Ator rescues the rightful heir princes... Read allAtor and his brother are separated as children by the evil witch Phoedra. 18 years later, she takes over the kingdom with the help of a masked warrior. Ator rescues the rightful heir princess Janna, and they struggle to topple the witch.Ator and his brother are separated as children by the evil witch Phoedra. 18 years later, she takes over the kingdom with the help of a masked warrior. Ator rescues the rightful heir princess Janna, and they struggle to topple the witch.
Featured reviews
Director Alfonso Brescia ambitious Iron Warrior is a low budget mix of Excalibur, Clash of the Titans, with a touch of Alejandro Jodorowsky wackiness and Duran Duran music video prowess to name a few. Opening with Carlo Maria Cordio's endless credit title music (oddly reminiscent of Star Trek The Next Generation), we're then sold the aesthetically pleasing locations of the Mediterranean's Malta and Gozo. However, the sunny visuals take away from Iron Warrior some much needed atmosphere. Nevertheless, Brescia's Italian production doesn't shy away from brief nudity, some Lucio Fulci inspired make up and shock moments.
Brescia while disregarding Ator's established character origins (in Ator Flight of the Eagle (1982) and Ator 2 - L'invincibile Orion, released in America as The Blade Master 1984)) at best offers stylised 80's bold geometric shape makeup, and fan blown hair with vibrant costumes, reds, greens and flowing material passing the camera. There's a handful of beautiful women thrown including Iris Peynado, notable is the stunning Princess Jana, actress Sabina Gersak. Offering a poor mans Conan swordplay. There's Superman (1978) Krypton-like prison rings trapping a witch, with Ator played again by Miles OKeeffe, a chiseled lean He-Man, along with nemesis Trogar (Franco Daddi) a Skeletor meets with Action Force's Destro type sword wielding nemesis. He employs slow-motion, sped up film, wide shots and old Bewitched/Randall and Hopkirk vanishing editing tricks. The avant-garde mix of student-like experimental film elements is endless.
If theatrical, over the top, choppy Italian sorcery fantasy salami is your thing, Iron Warrior is a must see.
Directed by Alfonso Brescia (The Conqueror of Atlantis), the film stars Miles O'Keeffe (The Blade Master), Elisabeth Kaza (Rosebud), Savina Gersak (The Lone Runner), and Iris Peynado (Warriors of the Wasteland).
Iron Warrior is undeniably low-budget, and it shows. The costumes, props, wigs, and sets all appear cheap, giving the film a made-for-television feel. It embodies the essence of the 80s with its characters and premise. The acting and dialogue leave much to be desired, and the random poses by characters come across as awkward. However, it's worth noting that the Italian damsels are gorgeous, and there is occasional splashes of nudity. The soundtrack, reminiscent of 80s arcade video game background music, and stands out as a positive aspect.
In conclusion, Iron Warrior is a mediocre addition to the fantasy genre that may only appeal to diehard fans. I would rate it 4/10.
Did you know
- TriviaThe 1980 Popeye movie village set was used during filming.
- GoofsDuring cliff-side sword fight scene, the camera pans left to reveal trucks, a pop-up tent, and what looks like a u-haul in the background.
- Quotes
Princess Janna: But what if they kill you?
Ator: Then I'd be dead. But they won't.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Lock the Door (2019)
- How long is Iron Warrior?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Echos of Wizardry
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $11,385
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $11,385
- Jan 11, 1987
- Gross worldwide
- $11,385
- Runtime
- 1h 27m(87 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1