Review of High Spirits (1988) by Filipeneto — 13 Apr 2018

This is one of the most iconic films of the eighties and has one of the most interesting original soundtracks of the decade (by Queen, with some of their biggest successes, such as "Who wants to live forever"). The main character is the Scottish Connor MacLeod, born in the sixteenth century and expelled from his own clan when it was found that he could not die. Later he met Ramirez, a Spanish courtier who suffered from the same condition and that helped him to understand his purpose in world: defeat other immortals, assimilate their energy until only one remains. Why does this happen? The film never gives an explanation, it seems that the immortals themselves don't know. But the ultimate prize is desirable.

The film makes extensive use of flashbacks to show events in the past, and can not always avoid plot holes. But the quick rhythm of the action and the amount of action scenes help public not to think about it. None of the characters seems to have a sufficiently well- developed personality. Even the villain, the evil Kurgan, never fully shows who he is. The action scenes are based on duels, with large swords. Fencing movements would not be able to bring victory to any serious fencer, but are sufficiently good on screen to deceive the public. The film includes some romance, but it's so basic and uninteresting that ends up having no value for the plot.

The cast is headed by Christopher Lambert (as Connor), Roxanne Hart (as Brenda), Clancy Brown (as Kurgan) and Sean Connery (as Ramirez). Undoubtedly, the cast does a pretty good job and fulfills its role without major errors, but without great brilliance as well. The exception is Sean Connery, who makes a very good performance and helps a lot to the quality of this movie. The scenarios are good, even the historical ones. The special effects, particularly at the end of the film, are quite impressive, considering the time when the film was made.

This film is not at all one of the best I've seen in terms of quality. But it is a film that, despite its weaknesses, works well because its nice to see and entertains the audience very well.