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Zardoz (1974)

18  -  Drama | Fantasy | Sci-Fi  -  6 February 1974 (USA)
5.8
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Ratings: 5.8/10 from 12,650 users  
Reviews: 189 user | 83 critic

In the distant future, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements.

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Title: Zardoz (1974)

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Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 1 nomination. See more awards »
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Cast

Complete credited cast:
...
Zed
...
Sara Kestelman ...
May
...
Sally Anne Newton ...
Avalow
Niall Buggy ...
Arthur Frayn / Zardoz
...
George Saden
Jessica Swift ...
Apathetic
Bairbre Dowling ...
Star
Christopher Casson ...
Old Scientist
Reginald Jarman ...
Death (voice)
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Storyline

In the distant future Earth is divided into two camps, the barely civilized group and the overly civilized one with mental powers. A plague is attacking the second group, after which its members cease to have any interest in life and become nearly catatonic. When Zed, one of the barbarians, crosses over, the tenuous balance in their world is threatened. Written by John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

immortal | future | stone | library | head | See All (184) »

Taglines:

Into a world of eternal life, he brought the gift of death See more »

Genres:

Drama | Fantasy | Sci-Fi

Certificate:

18 | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

| | | | | |

Release Date:

6 February 1974 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Tas tanri Zardoz  »

Box Office

Budget:

$1,570,000 (estimated)
 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

John Boorman:  the slave forced into farming and shot by Sean Connery. Although Boorman was shot with a blank, he actually ended up with wadding embedded in his forehead, which took days to come out. See more »

Goofs

Early in the film, when the weapons are spewed out of the floating head's mouth, several crew-members' arms and a face, can be seen throwing them. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Arthur Frayn: I am Arthur Frayn, and I am Zardoz. I have lived three hundred years, and I long to die. But death is no longer possible. I am immortal. I present now my story, full of mystery and intrigue - rich in irony, and most satirical. It is set deep in a possible future, so none of these events have yet occurred, but they *may.* Be warned, lest you end as I. In this tale, I am a fake god by occupation - and a magician, by inclination. Merlin is *my* hero! I am the puppet master. I ...
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Brows Held High: Melancholia (2012) See more »

Soundtracks

Symphony No. 7 in A, op. 92, 2nd movement
Music by Ludwig van Beethoven (as Beethoven)
Played by the Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest (as Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra)
Conducted by Eugen Jochum
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
I kind of liked it
25 August 2004 | by (Novi, MI USA) – See all my reviews

This movie came out when I graduated from high school and I first viewed it with the awe and admiration of a young man seeking intriguing concepts of what the future might be like. Zardoz did not disappoint me. The question of what would happen to mankind if all our physical needs were met and we were thereby allowed to expand intellectually is fascinating. We are constantly striving to make life easier, better and to live longer. Do we really need a struggle to exist or is it merely a leftover animalistic aspect of our evolution? Personally I like living in a climate controlled surrounding versus a cave where I have to kill something with my bare hands in order to eat. For what it's worth, I saw it again as a middle aged adult and I am still impressed with some of the concepts of the movie. My 13 year old daughter was not so much impressed. I'd still give it a good review and wouldn't mind owning it for my personal collection. I guess it takes a sci-fi geek to not be so bored with it and, of course, a bare breast thrown in gets my attention just as it did back in 1974.


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