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"She," a 1984 post-apocalyptic fantasy film starring Sandahl Bergman, David Goss, and Quin Kessler, is a cinematic adaptation of H. Rider Haggard's 1887 novel of the same name, though it takes considerable liberties with the source material. Directed by Avi Nesher, the movie blends elements of adventure, science fiction, and fantasy to create a uniquely stylized vision of a dystopian future.

Set in a barbaric world that emerged from the ashes of a global thermonuclear war, "She" tells the story of a young woman named She (played by Sandahl Bergman), who, in this incarnation, is the enigmatic and formidable ruler of one of the few surviving civilizations. This society, guided by She's supernatural powers and an ancient goddess-worshiping religious order, is a bizarre matriarchal enclave isolated from the dangerous anarchy that reigns beyond its borders.

The story follows Tom (portrayed by David Goss), a brave and resourceful adventurer who, along with his companions Dick (Harrison Muller Jr.) and Harriet (Elena Wiedermann), embarks on a perilous journey through the treacherous wastelands. His quest begins when his sister is kidnapped by a vicious cult, leading Tom to seek out the fabled She in hopes that she might assist in rescuing his sister. Accompanied by Dick and Harriet, Tom's journey is fraught with, among other challenges, encounters with mutant creatures, rival tribes, and bizarre, often satirical, remnants of 20th-century culture that survived the apocalypse in twisted forms.

As the trio traverse the perilous terrain, they encounter Quin Kessler's character, Shanda, who becomes a pivotal figure in their quest. Alongside savage warriors, they confront enemies including god-kings, cannibals, and supernatural beings, all the while being challenged by the changing dynamics within their own group. The film deftly navigates themes of loyalty, bravery, and the quest for power in an uncivilized world.

She emerges as a complex and ambiguous character. Her motivations are shrouded in mystery, and her interactions with Tom and his companions are charged with an enigmatic tension. Bergman's portrayal of She captures the essence of a warrior queen, combining both stoic leadership and haunting vulnerability, which is heightened by her mystical abilities that add an element of awe to her formidable presence.

The visual landscape of "She" is a testament to the creative production design that characterized many 1980s fantasy and sci-fi films. The costumes, makeup, and sets showcase a distinctive fusion of past, present, and speculative future design elements. Featuring a hodgepodge of aesthetic influences ranging from punk to medieval to tribal, the film creates a sense of timelessness that underscores the chaotic aftermath of civilization's downfall.

As Tom and his friends delve deeper into their journey, they witness the unusual societies that have developed in the wake of the apocalypse. These micro-cultures serve as unique set pieces, giving the film an episodic feel as the heroes navigate through one bizarre enclave after another, each with its own set of customs, leaders, and dangers. The interactions between these isolated communities and the protagonists highlight the eccentricities of human nature when left to develop in isolation from the rest of the world.

The action sequences in "She" are emblematic of the era, with a clear focus on practical effects and hand-to-hand combat. Choreographed fights and stunt work bring a sense of dynamism and excitement to the film, often punctuated by elements of camp and over-the-top performances that are indicative of the film’s genre during that period.

Integral to the film’s atmosphere is the soundtrack, which reflects the eclecticism of the movie’s influences. Synthesizer-heavy tracks blend with ambient sounds, capturing the eeriness of the desolate landscapes and the mystical aspects of the world of "She."

Despite its modest budget, "She" is ambitious in scope, showcasing an array of themes ranging from the struggle for survival and power to the search for kinship and understanding in a world turned upside down. Viewers who enjoy the mashup of genres will find that "She" offers an unapologetically bold take on post-apocalyptic storytelling, where the survival of the human spirit is celebrated through an adventure that is both fantastical and perilous.

Sandahl Bergman's portrayal of She, fresh from her success in the Arnold Schwarzenegger-led film "Conan the Barbarian," provides the film with a strong central figure whose mystique drives much of the narrative. For fans of 1980s genre cinema, "She" is a notable addition to the collection, where the charm lies as much in its rough edges and quirks as in its grandiose display of a world reborn from its own ashes.

She is a 1984 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.