Eight Fantasy Films You Probably Haven’t Heard Of
by Faith McKay
The 13th Warrior - In the year 922 a man named Ahmad Ibn Fadlan travels with a group of vikings in a quest to destory The Wendol-a group of creatures who are known for destroying everything in their path. This film was released in August of 1999; stars of this film include Antonio Banderas and Vladimir Kulich.
Dark Kingdom – The Dragon King This film was released in the UK in November of 2004, and was released in the USA March, 2006. Stars include Alicia Witt, Kristanna Loken, and Benno Fürmann. Robert Pattinson has been gaining a lot of attention lately-he is in this film, he doesn’t have a lot of dialogue, but he’s present. You can check out the film’s website at www.ring-of-the-nibelungs.com
Dragonslayer – To protect the rest of his kingdom, a king makes a deal with a dragon where he will sacrifice virgins to the dragon as long as the dragon leaves his kingdom alone. Eventually, his own daughter becomes the next one in line, and a wizard with his apprentice are sent to kill the dragon and save the king’s daughter. This is a film from June, 1981.
Snow White: A Tale of Terror - Taking place during the crusades, this film explores the darker original aspects of the Grimm Brothers’ tale of Snow White, a young woman hated by her stepmother. A lot of the Disney film’s aspects are still there, but the tale is obviously much darker. This film eventually appeared on television in the USA in August, 1997. Stars in this film include Sigourney Weaver, Monica Keena, and Sam Neill.
Westender – Asbrey was at one time a great knight who mysteriously lost this title. After losing his ring in a drunken bet he begins a journey to get his ring back, and in the process he has to face his past. This indie fantasy film was released in 2003 on DVD
Red Sonja – This film was released in the USA in July of 1985, and was a prequel to the more well known film Conan the Barbarian. Red Sonja, who becomes a master of the sword, sets out to destroy the tyrant queen Gedren. Stars of this film include Brigitte Nielsen, Sandahl Bergman, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Return to Oz - Six months after Dorothy returns to Kansas Aunt Em feels she has no choice but to take Dorothy to a doctor because she keeps talking about imaginary people and places. Dorothy quickly escapes the mental hospital and wakes up again in Oz. This film was released in the US in June, 1985.
The Beast master – The son of a king, Dar is hunted after his birth and is consequentially raised in another family. As an adult his adopted father is murdered. Dar-who can speak with animals-quickly sets out for revenge. This film was released in the US August, 1982.
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