If you are a regular here at DIMP, and happen to have perused the forums, then you’ve probably seen a quote that is semi-famous around these parts.  It’s in reference to one person’s reluctance to watch some movies recommended to him.  The quote is, “These movies just seem too ‘Noto’ for me.” 

This cryptic statement is actually referring to the tastes of DIMP staff writer Shawn "Noto" McLoughlin.  When I first started looking around the forums I saw this statement and then went back to look at the films McLaughlin had reviewed.  I found some very interesting stuff in there and determined that I should check some of it out.  What I found was that generally, even if I couldn’t share his enthusiasm for a particular title, there was always something there that made me glad I’d seen it.   

The Devil’s Sword is a very “Noto” film.  In fact, he sent it to me to review as his schedule filled up.  That said, it’s something that has a specific audience, and many people are never going to want to check this out.  However, anyone familiar with Mondo Macabro will instantly know what they’re in for from the outset. 

Filmed in 1984, The Devil’s Sword is a Malaysian film that strives to be that country’s answer to Conan The Barbarian, Krull and similar films.  It follows one man’s struggle to safeguard a sacred sword forged from a fallen meteorite before an evil queen can get her hands on it.  Whoever possesses the sword has the ability to rule the world.  What makes the film special (and I mean that in both the “different from others” and the “mentally deficient” usages of the word) is that it borrows from mythologies native to the Pacific Islands and incorporates martial arts into the mix.  Our hero isn’t just a big, buff, sword-wielding barbarian.  He’s also trained to fight like Bruce Lee.  

As Mandala (our hero) works his way to the mountain to retrieve the sword, he’s confronted with Crocodile Men, a woman looking to save her husband from the clutches of the Crocodile Queen and a band of evil warriors looking for the sword themselves.  The effects on this film are noteworthy because, at the very least, these guys were trying.  I mean, we're talking beheadings, blood spurting, bodies flying and even lasersflying from warrior’s hands.  Still, this is some seriously shaky work.  In one scene where Mandala and a rogue warrior shoot beams out of their palms, the “aim” of the beams is completely off.  It’s like these guys are pointing their hands at each other and then shooting lasers 90 degrees to the right every time. 

Another fun thing to watch is the editing.  Perhaps they were trying to be MTV with the cut, but there are some flash cuts here that literally hurt my eyes when trying to follow.   

One final thing of note, though: there is one quick scene of man on crocodile sex.  That’s really all you need to know to determine whether you want to check it out.   

Presentation 
It’s been completely remastered, and you can really tell if you compare it to other titles from the same era.  It looks good and sounds good for what it is, but the dubbed dialogue is atrocious.  I would like to give this film the benefit of the doubt and say that some things were lost in translation. However, deep in my heart I don’t believe that to be the truth. 

Extras 
Lots of extras on here.  First there is the original theatrical trailer.  There are three mainly textual features that are actually worthwhile in helping you understand where the film comes from: About The Film, Barry Prima Bio and Heavenly Swords: A History Of The Sword.   

The best thing on here, though, is an impromptu interview with reclusive star Barry Prima.  The interviewers found him in a hotel lobby and got him to sit down with them for a reasonably lengthy talk.  He is a strange man with a good sense of humor who still believes that magic is real.  ‘Nuff said. 

Otherwise, you get a gaggle of Mondo Macabro previews. 

The Bottom Line 
Not everyone is going to like this film.  It is indeed relatively “Noto”, but it is a fun way to kill 101 minutes if you’re up for it.  The effects are shaky.  The story is laughable.  The fighting choreography is mediocre at best, and the acting... well we need not speak anymore about the acting.  Still I found myself enjoying it on a level many will not.  I can’t completely recommend everyone see it, but I can say if you put it in your Netflix queue, you won’t have lost anything but a couple of hours if you hate it.