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Heavy Metal (1981) is a Canadian-American animated science fiction anthology film. Directed by Gerald Potterton and produced by Ivan Reitman, this movie is based on the graphic magazine of the same name, showcasing a series of unique, imaginative stories. The movie starts with a young girl, who finds a glowing green orb that summons the spirit of a warrior telling her stories of the past, present, and future. The first tale titled "Soft Landing" centers around astronaut John, who crashes his spaceship outside a bar in the remote mountains after having an affair with a sexy woman on board. This part of the movie features a stunning visual mix of eroticism and sci-fi elements.

One of the most popular segments from the movie is titled "Den," where a young nerdy teenager called Dan Potter discovers a green crystal, sending him to a fantasy world where he transforms into a muscle-bound warrior fighting for love and justice. This thrilling story filled with rock and roll music and surrealistic visuals perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Heavy Metal magazine.

The third story named "Harry Canyon" follows the life of a New York City taxi driver Harry, who ends up saving a beautiful girl in a futuristic city, leading him to unexpected discoveries. This story explores adult themes such as violence, sex, and betrayal, all presented in a gritty and graphic way.

"Captain Sternn," the fourth story, introduces us to a corrupt space captain pursued by a vengeful gang of female warriors, eager to bring him to justice. This segment showcases a humorous and satirical tone, packed with witty dialogue and memorable characters.

The movie's fifth story "B-17" is an incredible blend of music and animation. It features the crew of a bomber coming face to face with a horde of zombies on a mission during World War II. This story uses music from Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick, and Donald Fagen, to entrench a classic heavy metal feel and style.

"Taarna," the final story in the film, follows the journey of a silent, statuesque warrior-goddess, summoned to defeat an evil force threatening a peaceful civilization. This tale is arguably the most captivating, with its impressive animation capturing the action and intensity of the fight sequences.

The movie's animations were produced by various studios such as A-1 Productions, Atkinson Film-Arts, and Nelvana. Still, the film's sole vision combines various animation and artistic styles put together by director Gerald Potterton. The film's soundtrack equally features an all-star cast with classic rock music from Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Devo, and Sammy Hagar, making Heavy Metal an essential time capsule for the era it was produced.

In summary, Heavy Metal is an iconic science fiction animated film that blends rock and roll music with fantasy and science fiction elements. Its presentation of risqué themes and visually stunning animation makes this movie a must-see for lovers of the genre.