Watch Flash Gordon

In 1980, the science fiction action-adventure movie Flash Gordon was released, directed by Mike Hodges and produced by Dino De Laurentiis. The movie starred Sam J. Jones as the titular character, Melody Anderson as Dale Arden, and Max von Sydow as the villainous Ming the Merciless. The film was based on the comic strip created by Alex Raymond in the 1930s, which had previously been adapted into various TV shows and movies.

The plot of the movie follows Flash Gordon, a football player and all-American hero, as he and his travel companions Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov (played by Topol) are transported from Earth to the planet Mongo. There they encounter a range of strange and fascinating creatures, races and civilizations all controlled by the nefarious Ming the Merciless, who has seized power and rules over the planet with an iron fist.

Flash and his team must work together to defeat Ming and his army of imperial soldiers, as well as resist the various traps and obstacles that they encounter in their quest. Along the way they must face challenges such as strange creatures, treacherous allies, and even falling into the deadly Swamp of the Despair. There are also plenty of action sequences, including a memorable scene where Flash battles Ming's warriors in a deadly gladiatorial arena.

The movie is notable for its striking visuals and colorful costumes, with Flash and his companions dressed in bright, retro-futuristic outfits that are reminiscent of 1930s-style pulp sci-fi. The special effects, while somewhat dated by contemporary standards, are still impressive and the film has a distinct aesthetic that has remained popular with fans of the genre.

Flash Gordon also features an iconic soundtrack by the rock band Queen, who recorded songs specifically for the movie. The main theme, "Flash!", is one of the most recognizable movie themes of all time and has since become synonymous with the character and the movie as a whole.

Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its initial release, Flash Gordon has since become a cult classic, beloved by many fans for its over-the-top action, memorable characters, and sense of fun. The movie has inspired numerous homages and parodies in popular culture, and remains a beloved piece of sci-fi cinema history.

In conclusion, Flash Gordon is a thrilling, visually-stunning adventure that has stood the test of time and become a beloved classic. With its iconic soundtrack, colorful visuals, and memorable characters, it is a must-see for fans of science fiction and action movies alike.

Flash Gordon is a 1980 science fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 58.