I think Conan the barbarian (the first one of course) was his best movie. A perfect fit for Arnold and wonderful cinematography. I watch it every year.
If copyright didn't exist my dream film would start with Arnold as an old man sitting in front of a fire. "You could say I had an interesting life..." It would begin as it attempted to draw a single timeline from every one of his films as if he was playing the same character in all of them.
Yes. I think it is a really imaginative and well-made piece. At the time, with all the violence and sex around, it was quite frowned upon where I lived, but in fact I think it was made in perfect style.
What I like about Conan is to see how the character evolves through the movie. In the beginning through his upbringing he believes in violence as a means to solve all problems, however he slowly realizes that power lies elsewhere - Thulsa Doom reveals to him that strength is not about one's abilities, but about the ability to control and influence others. And there's the whole myth about the father and its role in one's life (and ultimately Conan's father's sword is broken at the end of one fight, while his father told him right at the beginning "you cannot trust men or beasts... but this (steel), you can trust".)
Most people see Conan the Barbarian as a barbaric movie with blood and sex but it goes much, much deeper than that. There are multiple interpretations and ongoing symbolism everywhere in this flick.
And the music... the music! It's almost like an opera.
