Kill a Dragon (1967)
Synopsis
A growing cult classic, Kill a Dragon… features a rather unique antagonist: a fictional Nicomedes Patrai – unregulated and terribly stubborn warmonger – whose purpose is to build an empire throughout Southeast Asia. The plot unfolds around a tranquil island in the middle of the South China Sea, inhabited by a peaceful farming community. And, naturally, there needs to be a warrior who will save this community and its people from utter chaos. Luckily, Rick Masters exists. Rather predictable and quite an enjoyable movie with a good pace and nice flow – and some rather terrible acting on the part of the soldier and his girlfriend who for some reason had some “spooky” moments that we can only assume were meant to creepy. Why this film is receiving a revival is probably indicative of regional trends in preference or audience’s character – the leads definitely made it above average, however, it is worth wondering who would spend time watching a movie like Develop your Style. Just look at this movie as an example of the times that provided us with some insane gems, therefore now there is merit in watching this flick. Rick Masters is portrayed by Jack Palance.
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Awards & Wins
The primary theme of the plot will be much appreciated by a fraction of the audience and even in such a case is already moot in today’s world, I cannot imagine many people yelling out “Long Live the Republic of Nico Patrai”. So, in terms of development and direction, this film hits all the right notes, if a bit basic considering modern trends, therefore that makes the viewer’s experience tenfold better.
Cast & Crew
- Director: Michael D. Moore
- Cast:
- Rick Masters a tough mercenary with a heart as a main character. He is played by Jack Palance.
- Fernando Lamas is casted as Nico Patrai who is a ruthless terrorist.
- Aldo Ray takes the role of Rick’s genuine friend too but doesn’t bow down from combat as Vigo.
- Aliza Gur features Tisa, one of the villagers who falls for Rick and is portrayed as one of the authoritative figures in the community.
- Don Knight plays Wintrop who is, in reality, a scheming businessman trying to use the conflict to his advantage.
IMDb Ratings
An average of 5.1/10 is what the reviewers of the Movie Database provided, based on their estimates. The reviews are mixed. While some revel in the action, battles and the displays, other people find the piece to be obsolete, monotone and formulaic.
Personal Insights
As one would expect from the film’s title ‘Kill a Dragon’, this late 1960s action-adventure is fairly captivating and the main actor Jack Palance manages to impress as the rustic brute. The film is fascinating due to its breathtaking locations and sprinkling of martial arts and dramatic action sequences with a plot, which might feel too linear today in terms of pace and order.
The beauty of the film however is its ordinariness and obviously the main act, Jack’s performance and the rest of the cast forceful presence on screen. The treacherous Fernando Lamas as the villain of the story was able to add a very ‘over the top’ portion of himself which made the hero versus villain relationship intriguing.
Cultural Significance
Kill a Dragon captures the cultural preoccupation with large-scale adventure films with virtually unexploited characters ‘billet–chain PVC pipe’ making a geosynclinal debut in the Sixties. *With the share of action movies whose signboards speak through vivid plastics and colorful characters’.