Conan The Barbarian is the creation of writer Robert E. Howard and has seen three film adaptions of which I know. I have little care for Conan: The Destroyer however of the two Conan: The Barbarian I do care.
Conan The Barbarian of 1982 stars the now infamous Arnold Schwarzenegger, it is a film of adventure and the hunt for revenge. Conan having seen his parents murdered at an early age becomes a slave but after winning many fights in the pits he is taken and made into a warrior finally being freed by his captor. Once leaving he discovers an ancient tomb and taking up a sword he finds there begins his quest to find those who massacred his tribe. Along the way he meets three companions, a thief, a woman and a wizard. They are asked with saving a princess who has been kidnapped by the sorcerer Conana seeks. The finale part sees both victories and loses for Conan.
This original film has many strong points to it in that it is an untarnished adventure, there is implications of a rich history and a fantasy world and moments of great humour. There is action as well as a love interest and some amazing quotes. On the other hand it is at times cheesey and the effects are far from great. It is a good fun film, uncomplicated, nothing great nothing terrible
Conan the Barbarian that I saw today starring Jason Momoa starts and follows a different but all together similar story to the first. In this visions of Conan he is born on the battle field, cut from his mothers womb who dies there. As he grows he becomes a promising warrior but again his people are massacred and he watches his father die. So off on adventures goes Conana though forever in search of the man who murdered his father and people, as well as his generals. There is a love interest as well who is introduced as being central to the antagonists maniacal plans who Conan saves. In truth there is little more to story or film than that.
This film much like the original is an out and out adventure movie. There is almost unrelenting action with buckets of blood and even a sex scene thrown in. the story is uncomplicated and no great issues are tackled, for this I am greatful. I do not want a conan film to be deep and meaningful, I want violence and honour. At times there were unnecessary scenes or length to scenes and the overall film was to long for my liking.
If I am honest I find it difficult to say if one film is better than the other but find it more appropriate to say they are different but the same.
