Brigitte Nielsen (the ex-Mrs Sylvester Stallone) stars here in the biggest role of her career to date as Red Sonja - a leather-bikini-clad warrior who aims to avenge the death of her family by confronting wicked queen Sandahl Bergman. But it is Arnold Schwarzenegger who is the real star here, showing off his bulging biceps and trying to retain his dignity in a loincloth as the grunting hero who helps her. Based on a story by Robert E Howard (who also wrote the Conan tales), this is a sword-and-sorcery adventure for those who like their action fast and furious, their dialogue ropey and their acting filled with more ham than a butcher's shop.

The tyrant Gedren seeks the total power in a world of barbarism. She raids the city Hablac and kills the keeper of a talisman that gives her great power. Red Sonja, sister of the keeper, sets out with her magic sword to overthrow Gedren.