Watch Colossus and the Amazon Queen

Colossus and the Amazon Queen, originally released in 1960 under the Italian title "La regina delle Amazzoni," is an interesting blend of peplum (or sword-and-sandal) adventure and comedy. Directed by Vittorio Sala, the film stands out within its genre for incorporating a humorous twist to the usually more serious and action-packed narratives that typify these ancient-set adventures.

Set in a lavishly imagined ancient world full of legendary heroes and mythological creatures, the plot follows two protagonists, Pirro (played by Rod Taylor) and Glauco (played by Ed Fury). Pirro is a wily, humorous rogue, while Glauco is often depicted as an embodiment of the physical ideal, a muscular and heroic figure—a trope popular in peplum cinema. The story begins after the Trojan War, with our heroes setting out to find new adventures and fortunes. They begin their journey as comrades aboard a small vessel, hoping to leave behind the horrors of war and find a more peaceful existence.

Developments quickly lead them to face a tribe of women known as the Amazons, who are portrayed as powerful warriors reigning over a secret, prosperous island. The queen of this imposing tribe of women is Queen Antiope, portrayed by Gianna Maria Canale, who is both fierce and beautiful. Dorian Gray provides additional intrigue as the alluring and cunning Amazon warrior Melitta, whose interactions with the male protagonists add depth to the story.

The Amazon kingdom is presented as a female-dominated society where men are viewed with suspicion and often treated as inferior. It is in this matriarchal world that the movie finds its comedic edge. While one might expect a standard adventure packed with battles and monster-slaying, the film, more often than not, puts its leading men in situations that prompt more laughter than awe. This reversal of roles, with men encountering hostile women rather than typical male adversaries, delivers a mix of slapstick and situation comedy.

Throughout the movie, the men must navigate this complex and foreign society of warrior women, grappling with the Amazons' unfamiliar customs and trying to maintain their dignity and courage in the face of their often less than heroic treatment. The film addresses themes of gender, power, and societal expectations through this humorous lens.

Comedy aside, "Colossus and the Amazon Queen" does not shy away from delivering the action and adventure that fans of the genre anticipate. Scenes feature athletic contests, brawls, and challenges that showcase physical prowess. The lush, scenic backdrops, typical of the period, provide a grand and colorful canvas for the story, with elaborate sets and costumes that help to immerse viewers in this imagined ancient past.

The cultural aspect of the time is also evident in the casting choices. Italian and international actors blend together in a product that was commonplace for European cinema production during the era, often leading to films being recorded without sound and then post-synched in multiple languages, catering to various international markets. Although this process might be seen as a technical limitation from a modern viewpoint, it stands as a testament to the international appeal and ambitions of European cinema of the time.

Given the period in which this film was made, some contemporary viewers might find some attitudes and depictions to be outdated or not aligning with modern sensibilities, particularly regarding gender stereotypes and roles. However, these elements can also be viewed as reflections of the cultural norms and cinematic traditions of the late 1950s and early 1960s, providing insights into the historical context from which the film emerged.

The humor woven throughout the film sets "Colossus and the Amazon Queen" apart from its peplum peers. It represents a unique cinematic experiment designed to entertain and amuse audiences with a mix of tongue-in-cheek humor, spectacle, and mythic storytelling. The performances of Taylor, Fury, Canale, and Gray add charm and charisma to a film that, while it may not be remembered as a classic of the genre, offers a delightful and lighthearted take on the sword-and-sandal narrative.

Overall, "Colossus and the Amazon Queen" serves up a playful tale of adventure and gender dynamics, wrapped in the cloak of an ancient world. It may not deliver the intense heroism or epic storytelling of more well-known films in its genre, but it entertains with a jaunty spirit that promises an enjoyable viewing experience for fans of vintage cinema and historical comedies alike.

Colossus and the Amazon Queen is a 2003 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.7.