This is an Italian 1961 fantasy adventure film, directed by Mario Bava, and starring Reg Clark, Christopher Lee and George Ardisson.
The Greek myth hero named Hercules has to save the life of his beloved Princess Deianira of Icaria. She's caught under a spell of darkness that is fatal and weakening her. In order to help her get well, Hercules has to go on a very dangerous journey to the Underworld and find a healing crystal. He embarks on this mission with two friends, Theseus and Telemachus. Both Theseus and Telemachus are individual characters, as Theseus is a lovesick younger man, while Telemachus is funny and provides comic relief in this very serious film.
An epic swords and sandals fantasy, with magic, zombies, bleeding vines, ghosts, evil sorcerer, a stone monster, and a very dark setting despite being in ancient Greece, which is supposed to be sunshine. The character goddess Persephone is the daughter of Pluto, god of the Underworld in this film, but in ancient Greek myth that isn't so. Just mentioning that in case anyone is confused. Apart from artistic license changes and some awkward moments, with Theseus and his selfish flitting from one woman to another, it's a brilliant film and ahead of its time.
Trivial info: The powerfully built actor who plays Hercules, is named Reg Clark, who has been playing Hercules in other films. He also trained a young Arnold Schwarzenegger into becoming a muscled body builder.
I rate this magnificent beautiful film a 10/10.
Blood Strawberry
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