Time Bandits, 1981.
Directed by Terry Gilliam.
Starring Sean Connery, John Cleese, Shelley Duvall, Ralph Richardson, Katherine Helmond, Ian Holm, Michael Palin, David Warner, Kenny Baker and Craig Warnock.
SYNOPSIS:
A young boy accidentally joins a band of dwarves as they jump from time-period to time-period looking for treasure to steal.
The 80’s were a great era for classic family films. There were a host of fantastic fantasy films which at best entertained everyone in the family. Some merely entertained the younger ones, lacking perhaps the underlay of masked mature gags. Time Bandits, directed by Terry Gilliam and written by fellow former Python Michael Palin was, and still remains a delight for young and old.
As you’d expect from a Gilliam film it is a wonderfully imaginative story magnificently realised. Young boy Kevin finds himself being dragged around time by a gang of thieving Dwarves who have themselves a map of the Universe and all its time portals. He’s whisked around from the middle ages, to the Napoleonic times and through to the time of legends. History, mythology, literature and fantasy all mix to make the film a fast paced delight.
There is often a debate as to whether some films in the modern era could have been as effectively made were they produced in the pre-CGI days. Lord of the Rings for example. Granted the CGI was essential in many of the films sequences, but an enjoyable take could certainly have been made in the 80’s with Gilliam at the helm. Alongside Bandits, and Baron Von Munchausen (and the more adult fantasy, Brazil) Gilliam produced a number of visually resplendent films which were loaded with great effects shots which still hold up today. Thinking outside the box, building full sets, creative brilliance all combined to bring the image of dreams and nightmares to life in this period. Gilliam’s films throughout the 80’s were brilliantly realised and in the case of Time Bandits, on a low budget. Great in camera effects which hold up over decades will always appeal to me more than a CGI money shot.
The cast are fantastic. Craig Warnock as the young hero of the piece genuinely seemed swept up in the whole adventure, as his character also was. The bandits, including Kenny (R2D2) Baker are all great, particularly David Rappaport as their leader. There’s also a host of memorable cameos from Sean Connery, Jim Broadbent, Shelley Duvall, Ralph Richardson, Ian Holm (as Napoleon), Michael Palin and also John Cleese with probably the greatest ever depiction of Robin Hood ever. As the villain of the piece, David Warner also excels, attacking his role with great relish.
Arrow Video continue their fine form at giving old cult favourites a loving restoration and enjoyable features. The film has never looked better. There are a host of insightful interviews with Gilliam, Palin, David Warner and some of the key crew members. Gilliam talks with great fondness about the film. Often when an acclaimed director takes a retrospective look back at an early film, especially when it’s a kids’ film, there’s a sense of embarrassment. Gilliam is however, rightfully very proud of Time Bandits, which also remains one of his most successful box office films.
Die-hard fans of the film, and even potential new fans will find plenty to enjoy from this release, not least the fantastic film itself. It still holds up brilliantly. It’s delightfully funny, engaging, delirious and exciting. You’ll look back on this wishing Gilliam could hit these sort of notes again in a fantasy film. It also probably remains his most universally accessible film.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Tom Jolliffe
Originally published September 7, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
