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Zardoz

  • 1974
  • Tous publics
  • 1h 45m
IMDb RATING
5.8/10
26K
YOUR RATING
Zardoz (1974)
Watch Trailer
Play trailer3:00
1 Video
99+ Photos
Dystopian Sci-FiAdventureFantasySci-Fi

In the late 23rd century, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements.In the late 23rd century, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements.In the late 23rd century, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements.

  • Director
    • John Boorman
  • Writer
    • John Boorman
  • Stars
    • Sean Connery
    • Charlotte Rampling
    • Sara Kestelman
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    5.8/10
    26K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • John Boorman
    • Writer
      • John Boorman
    • Stars
      • Sean Connery
      • Charlotte Rampling
      • Sara Kestelman
    • 258User reviews
    • 111Critic reviews
    • 46Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
      • 2 nominations total

    Videos1

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    Trailer 3:00
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    Photos111

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    Top cast16

    Edit
    Sean Connery
    Sean Connery
    • Zed
    Charlotte Rampling
    Charlotte Rampling
    • Consuella
    Sara Kestelman
    Sara Kestelman
    • May
    John Alderton
    John Alderton
    • Friend
    Sally Anne Newton
    • Avalow
    Niall Buggy
    • Arthur Frayn…
    Bosco Hogan
    Bosco Hogan
    • George Saden
    Jessica Swift
    • Apathetic
    Bairbre Dowling
    • Star
    Christopher Casson
    • Old Scientist
    Reginald Jarman
    • Death
    • (voice)
    Daisy Boorman
    • Young Eternal (Flashback Scene)
    • (uncredited)
    John Boorman
    John Boorman
    • Farming Brutal Shot by Zed
    • (uncredited)
    • …
    Katrine Boorman
    Katrine Boorman
    • Young Eternal (Flashback Scene)
    • (uncredited)
    Telsche Boorman
    • Young Eternal (Flashback Scene)
    • (uncredited)
    David de Keyser
    David de Keyser
    • Tabernacle
    • (voice)
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • John Boorman
    • Writer
      • John Boorman
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews258

    5.826.2K
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    Featured reviews

    rollo88

    a fine example of a single vision

    I read that Boorman woke from a dream with the entire film whole in his head, as opposed to, say, Terminator, which started out as one scene(rising from the flames and advancing once again) and was written in both directions. Zardoz was a last gasp of the 60's and had flaws, but it is so unique a vision that it still stands out artistically. Most sci-fi film is marred by the same problem: avid older readers have seen these ideas since the 30's and not much can improve on a good idea, so all that's left is to pile on more special effects. The only film I still use as a benchmark is Forbidden Planet. But Boorman had James Bond in a diaper, the incredible Charlotte Rampling, minimal effects, nudity and attitude to bring this solid-sender to you. 7/10
    9Jonathan-May

    Everything but the kitchen sink!

    This movie is truly awful, but at the same time it's got to be one of the BEST SCI-FI MOVIES I'VE EVER SEEN!

    There are so many concepts to digest: Civilization's end, immortality, genetic manipulation, artificial intelligence, time control, psychic power, space travel, and on and on and on. If you're the least bit interested in science-fiction, there's more for you in this one movie than you'll find in a year's worth of Star Trek conventions!

    Then why do I say it's awful? Well, within this movie's running time are some of the most cheesy moments ever captured on celluloid!

    From the opening shots of the hairy-backed, leather-thonged, gun-toting Sean Connery (who at least manages to wear more than most of the rest of the cast), to the catch-cry of the Giant Hovering Stone Head ("The gun is good! The penis is bad!"), as it spews out a torrent of weapons and ammo from its mouth. What about the Eternal's predilection for studying erectile tissue function, by flashing up images of naked mud-wrestling? Or that crazy "wobbling-hands" thing that they do when in some sort of telepathic communion? Completely laughable!

    Despite these moments of "cheesy-ness", Zardoz tells an utterly engaging and compelling story. The moment of revelation of the meaning of "Zardoz" took me completely by surprise, even though all the clues had been under my nose right from the beginning! (The Magritte painting "La chateau des Pyrenees", hanging in Frank's house, reminiscent of the hovering stone head, for example.)

    If you like hard-core science fiction, and can put up with a few minor flaws, then I think you'll really enjoy Zardoz! It's weird, it's brilliant, it's unique! (Just make sure you watch it while you're wide awake, though, or you may drift off from time to time!)

    9 out of 10!

    jon :-)
    5utgard14

    "You have penetrated me. There is no escape."

    John Boorman's stylish sci-fi silliness about a bizarre future where a flying head named Zardoz is worshipped as a god, and people are divided into two factions, immortals and mortals. Sean Connery stars as Zed, a ponytailed mortal "exterminator" who runs around in a skimpy red outfit that has to be seen to be believed. He kills the man behind Zardoz (the wiZARD of OZ - that's cute) and finds himself transported to the place where the immortals hang out.

    Lots of trippy ideas and visuals, which is the main selling point of this movie for many. But it's hard to take any of it seriously and the whole thing is dripping with pretentiousness. Connery does fine attempting to take his absurd role seriously but the best part of the cast is Charlotte Rampling, who actually made me forget I was watching nonsense for a bit. It's worth watching at least once, for the interesting imagery and the unintended laughs. There aren't any other movies quite like it and seeing Sean Connery in that outfit is enough to give anyone a case of the giggles.
    jchorak7441

    Astounding Retrospect: Revisiting the Movie, Zardoz (1974)

    The supremely visionary gifts of imagination of director/writer John Boorman rival those of legendary Arthur C. Clarke in this production, one even more amazing today than it was nearly thirty-seven years ago. Almost a template of what social engineering has wrought as a model for our future, depopulation and protected environment exclusively for the elite (with even a presumption of immortality thrown in) Zardoz is about manipulation through myth and where any ultimate conclusion to inherently confined and opportunistic "unnatural selection", as opposed to that natural selection of evolution, leads. This leap in inevitability is thus an utter inspiration inspired by profound wisdom in the acknowledgment of the complex that makes humankind unique in their adaptability. The very thing social engineering most frequently overlooks, in its mindless service to the elite.

    The performances of Sean Connery as, Zed and that of Charlotte Rampling as, Consuella are among this film's many gifts, not the least of which is its beautiful setting, choreography, special effects, and scene changes. Be all this as it may, however, the value of this movie in expressing a potential for the future wholly untenable for most to at once conceive at the time it was made....now, which is becoming more and more apparent, at least in intent, is worthy of utmost praise. JCH
    7gridoon

    Unquestionably the strangest movie ever made.

    "Zardoz" is either a brilliant visionary masterpiece, or the biggest blunder Sean Connery ever appeared in. I still haven't decided which (must watch it again first!). It has beautiful visuals and a surprisingly multi-layered script (the revelation of the title's meaning is a stunning moment), yet it also has parts so embarrassing (the "scientific examination of the male erection" scene comes to mind) that make you wonder how the participants managed to keep a straight face through them (the filming of this movie must have been great fun!). Ultimately, it's a film that defies ratings, but I'll try my best......*** out of 4.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The opening sequence is an introduction added by Sir John Boorman, at the request of Twentieth Century Fox executives, to help the audience understand this movie.
    • 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.
    • Quotes

      [the gigantic Stone Head hovers before the worshipful horde of Exterminators]

      Zardoz: Zardoz speaks to you, His chosen ones.

      Exterminators: We are the chosen ones!

      Zardoz: You have been raised up from Brutality, to kill the Brutals who multiply, and are legion. To this end, Zardoz your God gave you the gift of the Gun. The Gun is good!

      Exterminators: The Gun is good!

      Zardoz: The Penis is evil! The Penis shoots Seeds, and makes new Life to poison the Earth with a plague of men, as once it was. But the Gun shoots Death and purifies the Earth of the filth of Brutals. Go forth, and kill! Zardoz has spoken.

    • Alternate versions
      The pre-credits sequence featuring Arthur Frayn's disembodied head was added by director John Boorman after the movie was released, as an attempt to explain the plot to audiences that found it hard to understand. Boorman would later declare that the scene didn't work as he wanted it to.
      • The Spanish (Spain) released version cut part of the "boner" scene (the breasts-rugging and mud wrestlers on-screen). Later prints and current DVD and video releases are uncut.
    • Connections
      Featured in Hollywood Aliens & Monsters (1997)
    • Soundtracks
      Symphony No. 7 Op. 92 II. Allegretto
      Written by Ludwig van Beethoven (as Beethoven)

      Played by the Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest (as Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra)

      Conducted by Eugen Jochum

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    FAQ18

    • How long is Zardoz?Powered by Alexa
    • Where does the Zardoz head get all the guns it provides to the Exterminators from?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 13, 1974 (France)
    • Countries of origin
      • Ireland
      • United States
    • Languages
      • English
      • Italian
      • Swedish
      • Latin
      • German
      • French
      • Irish Gaelic
    • Also known as
      • Zardos
    • Filming locations
      • Brennanstown Riding School, Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland(The Vortex)
    • Production companies
      • John Boorman Productions
      • Twentieth Century Fox
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Budget
      • $1,570,000 (estimated)
    • Gross worldwide
      • $7,227
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 45m(105 min)
    • Sound mix
      • 4-Track Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

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