Time Bandits

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"…they didn’t make history, they stole it!"
  • PG
  • 1981
  • 1 hr 56 min
  • 6.9  (67,191)
  • 79

In the 1981 movie Time Bandits, a young boy named Kevin (played by Craig Warnock) discovers that his boring life is about to change when a band of time-traveling dwarves appears in his bedroom. Led by the adventurous Randall (played by David Rappaport), the dwarves are on a quest to steal treasures from different historical periods, while avoiding the evil "Supreme Being" who created the universe.

At first, Kevin is hesitant to join the time-traveling group, but his curiosity gets the best of him, and he soon finds himself traveling through time and space with the dwarves. Along the way, the group visits ancient Greece, the Middle Ages, Napoleon's era, and more. However, things take a dark turn when they encounter the sinister "Evil Genius," who wants to use the dwarves' time-traveling map for his own purposes.

The movie is directed by Terry Gilliam, known for his work with Monty Python's Flying Circus and films such as Brazil and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The director's unique style is evident throughout the movie, with its blend of humor, adventure, and surrealism.

The cast is filled with notable actors, including Sean Connery, who plays King Agamemnon in the ancient Greece segment; Shelley Duvall, who plays a princess in the Napoleon era; and John Cleese, who plays Robin Hood. Other big names include Ian Holm, Ralph Richardson, and David Warner.

One of the key themes of the movie is the struggle between good and evil. The dwarves represent a sort of chaotic, amoral force, with Randall often stealing not only objects but also people's identities and lives. The Supreme Being, on the other hand, represents a more ordered, benevolent force, but is often absent or apathetic to the plight of mortals. The Evil Genius is a manifestation of pure evil, seeking to control the universe for his own power.

As Kevin travels through time with the dwarves, he learns about the consequences of actions, as well as the importance of making the most of one's time on Earth. He also learns that life isn't always fair, and that even the most noble of causes can have unintended consequences.

The movie's special effects were groundbreaking for the time, and still hold up relatively well today. From the giant armored knight in the Middle Ages to the terrifying "Time of Legends" that serves as a sort of otherworldly purgatory, the movie creates a sense of wonder and amazement. And, of course, the dwarves themselves are a sight to behold, with their outlandish costumes and colorful personalities.

Time Bandits is definitely not a traditional adventure movie. It's filled with humor, satire, and philosophical musings, which makes it a unique and memorable cinematic experience. Whether you're a fan of Terry Gilliam's work or just looking for an offbeat adventure, Time Bandits is definitely worth a watch.

Time Bandits is a 1981 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 79.

Time Bandits
Description
Where to Watch Time Bandits
Time Bandits is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, Max, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Time Bandits for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1981
  • MPAA Rating
    PG
  • Runtime
    1 hr 56 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.9  (67,191)
  • Metascore
    79