The Barbarians

The Barbarians

Year: 1987

Runtime: 87 mins

Language: English

Director: Ruggero Deodato

FantasyActionAdventureEpic heroesFantasy adventure heroism and swordplay

Warriors. Conquerors. Heroes. Orphaned brothers Kutchek and Gore are taken in by a tribe led by Canary, keeper of a powerful jewel. The evil Kadar desires the jewel and kidnaps Canary, but the stone slips away. Sold as gladiators, the brothers grow into mighty fighters, escape and set out to retrieve the jewel and free Canary.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Barbarians yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Barbarians (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Barbarians (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Ragnicks' nomadic camp, Kadar's fortress and palace, Forbidden Land, arena, dragon's lair, trading post, tomb

The story unfolds across a roaming tribe of performers—the Ragnicks—whose camp serves as a base of operations and a symbol of freedom. It also moves into Kadar's fortress and palace, a menacing stronghold where slaves are kept and brutal trials take place. The journey leads to the Forbidden Land guarded by a dragon, with stops at the trading post, tombs, and the performers’ arena where fights decide fates.

🏰 Fantasy 🗺️ Adventure ⚔️ Action

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:23

Main Characters – The Barbarians (1987)

Meet the key characters of The Barbarians (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Kutchek (Peter Paul)

One of the twin brothers who grows from a captive slave into a fearless, skilled fighter. He leads the charge against Kadar, driven by loyalty to his brother and the tribe. His courage is matched by a strong sense of duty and a stubborn resilience.

🗡️ Warrior 🤝 Brother 🧭 Leader

Gore (David Paul)

Kutchek's brother who awakens to immense physical strength and a protective instinct. His bond with Kutchek fuels their quest for vengeance and justice. He remains relentlessly loyal, even under brutal oppression.

🗡️ Warrior 🧭 Loyal 🏃‍♂️ Strong

Canary (Virginia Bryant)

The queen of the Ragnicks who hides the ruby and endures captivity to protect her people. Her fate drives the brothers' mission, and she embodies resilience amid political intrigue and personal sacrifice.

👑 Queen 🛡️ Protector 💔 Captive

Ismene / Kara (Eva LaRue)

A thief-turned ally who joins Kutchek and Gore on their quest. Ismene's past as a member of the Ragnicks and her true identity as Kara shape the tribe's future leadership, uniting old loyalties with new beginnings.

🧭 Rebel 🧡 Survivor 👑 Leader

Kadar (Richard Lynch)

The tyrant who seizes power by capturing the queen and seeking the ruby to fortify his rule. He embodies ruthless ambition, cruelty, and a willingness to destroy anything standing in his path to control.

👑 Tyrant ⚔️ Power 🔥 Cruelty

China (Sheeba Alahani)

Kadar's sorceress who schemes to seize the ruby for herself. Her manipulation leads to dangerous confrontations with the dragon and the heroes, highlighting the peril of magical politics.

🧪 Sorceress 🗺️ Schemer 🗡️ Intrigue

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:23

Major Themes – The Barbarians (1987)

Explore the central themes of The Barbarians (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Family Bonds

Kutchek and Gore are twins whose childhood separation scars them but also fuels their united resolve. Their kinship drives revenge against Kadar and motivates them to rescue Canary and reclaim their tribe's future. The emergence of Ismene and Canary's fate further tests their loyalty and redefines family beyond blood.

👑 Tyranny & Power

Kadar's rule uses fear, captivity, and magical artifacts to consolidate control over the realm. The ruby's power represents the tempting source of authority that Kadar seeks to bolster his throne. The brothers' quest culminates in a direct confrontation that exposes the flaws of despotism and the cost of tyranny.

🧭 Identity & Destiny

Ismene's true identity as Kara reshapes the tribe's leadership and the meaning of belonging. Canary's sacrifice and the ruby's magic force the Ragnicks to redefine who can rule. The story culminates with Ismene assuming leadership and the ruby choosing a new queen, signaling a rebirth of the tribe.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:23

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Barbarians

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Barbarians in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Barbarians is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Barbarians Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Barbarians, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Barbarians Summary

The Barbarians Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Barbarians with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Barbarians Timeline

More About The Barbarians

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Barbarians: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Barbarians