This edition of SFCO is dedicated to the memory of Patrick Swayze.
Those of you following the regular Cinema Obscura posts (all 3 of you) will have no doubt noticed that I skipped last week. There was really no reason for it as I was not busy doing anything else, so I suppose you could say I ‘slacked off.’ I am slacker! So bad.. This week, in honor of the late and definitely great Patrick Swayze we will take a gander at Steel Dawn (1987), not to be confused with Red Dawn also starring Swayze.
The Basics
A lone swordsman named Nomad (now that’s creative) wonders the desert remains of earth after the Third World War in search for revenge. He soon happens upon a fledgling settlement, and falls for a girl and saves the settlers from a bunch of bad people. Yes, very typical post-ap scenario.
The Review
Ah, but there’s a twist see. Nomad’s weapon of choice isn’t a gun, or harpoon. It’s a sword! Okay, still a little derivative but the movie as a whole is none the less enjoyable and benefits from the sincere portrayal by Swayze and much of the supporting cast. Of course, the story line and some of the dialogue often goes far beyond the cheese border and to oblivion but that is true of most action and/or sci-fi films of the 80s. The fight scenes are the real reason to see this movie because if you thought Mad Max 2 had some crazy stuff in it then you’re in for a bit of a surprise. I won’t say any more about it except ‘jousting on wheels’. Chew on that. Of course the presence of Swayze gives the whole production a sense of credibility due to his convincing performance and this certainly helps to ground the audiences and keep them invested in the characters despite the unappealing setting. It is quite violent though so keep the kiddies away, but overall a great piece of throwaway entertainment and a fun watch.
The Trailer
