Watch Wizards

"Wizards" is a 1977 American animated post-apocalyptic science fiction and fantasy film directed by celebrated animator Ralph Bakshi. Set in the distant future, in a world devastated by nuclear war, the movie tells the story of two sibling wizards, Avatar and Blackwolf, who are born to a fairy mother and struggle to come to terms with their vastly different personalities and destinies.

Avatar is a benevolent wizard who lives in peace with nature, using his magical powers to create a utopian world in which the beings that survived the apocalypse can thrive. He is charming, kind-hearted, and a firm believer in the power of love and compassion, and his ultimate goal is to unite all the surviving creatures for the greater good.

In contrast, Blackwolf is his darker and more aggressive counterpart, who becomes corrupted by the power of technology and seeks to dominate the world by any means necessary. He gathers an army of monstrous mutants, cyborgs, and other creatures that he controls through propaganda, fear, and intimidation, and tries to crush Avatar's vision of a peaceful coexistence.

The story unfolds as the conflict between the two brothers escalates, leading to a final showdown that will determine the fate of the planet. Along the way, Avatar and his allies encounter a variety of colorful characters, including mutants, elves, dwarves, and even a robot named Peace.

One of the most remarkable aspects of "Wizards" is its stunning visual style. Bakshi's use of rotoscoping (a technique in which live-action footage is traced over to create realistic movement) and his combination of traditional hand-drawn animation with trippy psychedelic effects and vibrant colors create a unique and immersive world that is both beautiful and eerie.

Another notable feature of the film is the use of sound and music. The soundtrack is a mix of innovative electronic music by composer Andrew Belling and classic rock and roll tracks by artists like Black Sabbath and Steely Dan. The combination of animation, music, and sound effects creates a sensory overload that draws viewers deeper into the world of the film.

Despite its dark and violent themes, "Wizards" has a quirky sense of humor that lightens the mood at times. There are plenty of absurd and whimsical moments, like the giant mutant frog that loves to sing show tunes or the psychedelic party sequence that takes place in a glowing mushroom forest.

At its core, "Wizards" is a story about the dual nature of humanity and the choices we make about how to use our power. It explores the tension between technology and nature, and the importance of preserving the beauty and wonder of the natural world in the face of technological progress. It also touches on themes of family, identity, and the struggle to find one's place in the world.

Overall, "Wizards" is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that combines sci-fi, fantasy, and action in a way that is both entertaining and engaging. Its timeless themes and bold artistic style have made it a cult classic that continues to inspire new generations of fans.

Wizards is a 1977 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.