The New Barbarians

Set in the post-apocalyptic world of 2019, following a devastating nuclear war, the Italian film The New Barbarians (also known as "I nuovi barbari", "Warriors of the Wasteland" and in some markets, "Metropolis 2000") explores a society in chaos and a desperate fight for survival in a chilling vision of a bleak future. Directed by Enzo G. Castellari and starring Giancarlo Prete, Fred Williamson, and George Eastman, the film is an enthralling mixture of action, sci-fi, and drama.

In the aftermath of nuclear annihilation, the movie introduces us to Scorpion, played by Giancarlo Prete. Scorpion, a former race car driver, now roams the desolate landscapes of this bleak future as a loner and mercenary, having evolved into an embodiment of a hard-bitten survivor. In the ruins of civilization, powerful gangs have risen to assert dominance over the wastelands, the most fearsome of which is the Templars, a group of self-proclaimed upholders of a brutal new order.

The movie gets its pace as Scorpion finds himself in conflict with the barbaric Templars. Reckless and ruthless, the Templars, led by the maniacal One (George Eastman), view themselves as purifiers of the world, bent on exterminating the last vestiges of humanity in order to rebuild a purified society from scratch. Scorpion, on the other hand, isn't one to bow down to their authoritarian rule, making him a formidable opponent to their terrifying vision.

The narrative thickens when Scorpion reluctantly forms an allegiance with Nadir, played by the iconic Fred Williamson. Nadir, an archer and formidable warrior, brings his own brand of charisma and torch-bearing bravura to the tale, providing us with memorable action sequences. This unlikely pair complements each other's fighting styles, showcasing a level of camaraderie that enhances the plot.

Their collective mission is to protect and escort a group of survivors to a rumored safe zone, away from the threat of the Templars. Alongside this journey across the wasteland, the characters grapple with their own pasts, their fears, and their hopes for a better future.

'80s Italian exploitation cinema is well known for its "anything goes" attitude and for good reason, the New Barbarians is no exception. The film is filled with explosive car chases, hand-to-hand combat, and shoot-outs, all set against the stark and grim backdrop of a fallen civilization. The stylized violence is over-the-top yet reflects the harsh realities of a world gripped by chaos.

The movie has a unique visual style, with its set design and costuming reflecting the aesthetics of a devastated world. Elements of punk and futuristic fashion blend with armored vehicles and makeshift weaponry, creating a visually impactful landscape straight out of a dystopian nightmare.

Given its time of release, the movie reflects Cold War anxieties of nuclear warfare and societal collapse, making its premise chillingly reflective of that era's concerns. The stark metaphor of a world brought to ruins by arrogance and absolute power resonates throughout the film, evoking thought-provoking themes about the human condition and the struggle for survival.

Performances from Prete, Williamson, and Eastman add layers of depth to their respective characters. Prete's prowess as Scorpion conveys a sense of despair and defiance in equal measures. Williamson's Nadir brings a much-needed touch of humor and resilience to the film, while Eastman's portrayal of One offers a complex and menacing characterization of a villain.

Featuring an atmospheric score by Claudio Simonetti, the movie delivers an immersive, albeit bleak, sonic experience that underscores the desolation of a post-apocalyptic, lawless world.

The New Barbarians is much more than just a post-apocalyptic action film. It's a portrayal of a dystopian future where mankind retreats into barbarism yet clings on to threads of humanity, a compelling journey that unfolds in a desolate world and leaves its viewers with much to ponder.

In short, if you’re a fan of genre cinema, or post-apocalyptic movies, The New Barbarians examines the human spirit’s resilience in a stark, chilling vision of a desolated future. It’s one of the 1980s’ more distinctive cinematic explorations of a post-apocalyptic world, balancing elements of action, survival, and allegory under the expertise of director Castellari. Devotees of Italian exploitation or B-movie enthusiasts should especially find this hard-hitting, high-octane adventure worth a watch.