The New Barbarians

In the aftermath of a worldwide nuclear holocaust, the world as we knew it has been reduced to a barren wasteland. The only surviving inhabitants are the "scavengers", a violent and bloodthirsty group of marauders who will stop at nothing to get what they want. The only force standing in their way is a small group of heroic warriors known as "The Templars".

This is the world of The New Barbarians, a gritty, post-apocalyptic action thriller from 1983. The film, directed by Enzo G. Castellari, stars Giancarlo Prete as Scopio, a member of The Templars who becomes embroiled in a battle to save humanity from the clutches of the scavengers.

The film opens with a blistering car chase through the barren wasteland, as the scavengers pursue a convoy of innocent civilians. The Templars intervene, and a brutal firefight ensues. It is clear from the outset that this is a world where only the strong survive, and the weak are easy prey.

The leader of the scavengers is One (George Eastman), a ruthless and sadistic villain who is determined to rule the new world with an iron fist. One is assisted by his henchman, Shadow (Fred Williamson), an imposing figure who is feared by all who cross his path. The Templars must navigate their way through a series of dangerous obstacles, including booby-trapped roads, deadly ambushes, and treacherous terrain, in order to defeat One and his minions and restore peace to the ravaged world.

The action in The New Barbarians is fast and furious, with plenty of explosively choreographed fight scenes, gun battles, and car chases to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The film shakes off the notion of a civilized society and gives us a harsh glimpse of a world where morality has been replaced by survival instinct. In this landscape, the humanity and goodness of the characters juxtapose with their ruthless tactics and brutal methods to defend the weak and the innocent.

Giancarlo Prete is an inspired choice to play Scopio. He brings a stoicism to the role, imbuing his character with a sense of honor and nobility. Similarly, George Eastman is an absolute tour-de-force as One, imbuing the character with a sense of menace and malevolence.

The world of The New Barbarians is also notable for its aesthetic. The film's cinematography is a mix of gritty, post-apocalyptic realism and neon-drenched disco chic, forming a unique blend of genres that make the movie more alluring. The costumes are equally creative, with The Templars decked out in leather and carrying high-tech weaponry, while the scavengers sport a more haphazard and grungy look that fits their savage demeanor.

In conclusion, The New Barbarians is a classic example of the "Italian genre" of post-apocalyptic films. It offers a brutal and uncompromising vision of a world where violence reigns and the strong survive. While the movie certainly has its flaws, including some wooden acting and intermittently cheesy special effects, it more than makes up for them with its pulse-pounding action scenes and undeniable cool factor. There's a reason why films like The New Barbarians have become cult classics over the years, with dedicated fanbases who continue to sing their praises long after the credits have rolled. It's a movie that's not to be missed by anyone looking for a trip into a dystopian wasteland filled with action and adventure.