Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the 1985 film “Red Sonja,” a lesser-known action movie that has recently gained attention as it marks its 40th anniversary. This film, seen as an off-brand spin-off from the “Conan” franchise, featured a rare female-led narrative during an era when such stories were rare. Though it initially flopped at the box office and received poor reviews, there is a reevaluation of its significance due to the evolving conversation around gender representation in action films.
“Red Sonja” was produced by Dino de Laurentiis, who intended to ride the coattails of Schwarzenegger’s popularity from “Conan The Barbarian.” To circumvent legal issues regarding the character rights held by Universal, Schwarzenegger’s character was renamed “Kalidor” while still maintaining a prominent role in the film, which ultimately positioned him as a supporting character. Despite its initial criticism, the film’s narrative offers insight into female empowerment through its titular character, played by Brigitte Nielsen, who portrays a strong warrior on a quest to avenge her family’s death and combat an evil queen.
The film’s portrayal of trauma, while problematic, showcases Sonja’s resilience as she evolves from a victim into a skilled warrior. Critics often highlighted the film’s campiness and Nielsen’s acting, yet rewatching alongside the original “Conan” films, their collective oddity may contribute to the film’s charm within fantasy narratives.
“Red Sonja” joins other female-led entries from the 1980s, such as “Aliens” and “Supergirl,” highlighting the challenges and improvisations made in the quest for diverse representation in an action genre predominantly focused on male heroes. As audiences continue to explore the history of female action leads, “Red Sonja” stands as a noteworthy example of an early attempt to incorporate a strong female protagonist, which is significant as Hollywood grapples with evolving gender dynamics in film.
This retrospective on “Red Sonja” reminds us that even films that initially seem to falter can have lasting impacts, paving the way for future generations of female action heroes. As society progresses, the narrative around these films can be reexamined, presenting opportunities for discussions about representation and the evolution of female characters in action cinema.