Barbarian Queen II: The Empress Strikes Back (1989)

User Rating:

2.2/10   

Director:

Joe Finley

Writers:

Howard R. Cohen (writer)
Lance Smith (screenplay)

Genre:

Action | Adventure | Fantasy

Plot:

In a final and epic battle in the thrilling sequel to the now classic "Barbarian Queen", Althalia, leads...

Plot Keywords:

Barbarian | Female Warrior | Sequel | Warrior Queen | Tortured To Death

Cast

Lana Clarkson	...	Princess Athalia
Greg Wrangler	...	Aurion
Rebecca Wood	...	Zarla
Elizabeth A. Jaeger	...	Noki (as Elizabeth Jaeger)
Roger Cudney	...	Hofrax
Alejandro Bracho	...	Ankaris
Cecilia Tijerina	...	Tamis
Orietta Aguilar	...	Erigena
Carolina Valero	...	Nalax
Monica Steeler	...	Ethbek
Carlos Romano	...	Peasant
Manuel Benítez	...	Captain
Antonio Zubiaga	...	King's Soldier
George Belanger	...	Noble 1
John Sterlini	...	Noble 2

Also Known As:

La reina barbara (Mexico)

Runtime:

80 min | Germany:79 min (cut version)

Country:

USA | Mexico

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

USA:R | UK:18 (cut)

Filming Locations:

Mexico

Company:

Triana Films

Quotes:

Hofrax: It's not pain that breaks them. It's fear. Knowing that they are absolutely helpless.
[tightens the rack, causing the bare-breasted Princess Athalia to writhe and scream in agony]
Hofrax: You are helpless aren't you? I can do anything I please to you. And there's nothing you can do.
[Athalia moans in pain as Hofrax stretches her again]

Movie Connections:

References Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Lana Clarkson II: Back On The Rack

Ok, I'll admit it. I'm a Lana Clarkson fan. Her torture scene in "Barbarian Queen" was one of the best mainstream "B" movie bondage scenes ever. Lana can moan and twitch with the best of them and make it look like fun. "Barbarian Queen II", supposedly the sequel to the first film, really doesn't have anything to do with the original. None of the characters from the first film are back and Lana is the only returning actor, and even her character's name has been changed. Like the first film, you can see most of it in fast-forward mode on your VCR and just hit play whenever you see Lana in a dungeon.

In this film, Lana is a noblewoman whose evil brother usurps the crown and gains rule over the land. Lana escapes into the woods and gains the friendship of a band of woman warriors by defeating their leader in a mud wrestling match (Lana gets topless at the end of it). They attack the castle in an attempt to restore Lana to her rightful rule. Unfortunately, the attack is defeated and Lana is captured. Those who have seen the first film will appreciate these scenes.

Lana is (again) bound to an upright rack, though initially clothed this time. The torturer makes a brief speech before removing her top. Just as he is about to begin the day's activities, a young girl enters the room stands in front of the rack and announces "I will enjoy this part when I am queen." Lana retorts and the torturer starts his demonstration of the new rack. This time, instead of a silver hand with a needle embedded in the finger pricking Lana's body, the rack itself is lowered onto a bed of sharpened spikes. This shot would've been much better if we could've seen a full-view of Lana tied to the table. Instead we have a profile of Lana's head and the other two actors bending over into the shot. Obviously, Lana is NOT tied to the table but is just leaning over, too. Such a waste of potential.

Anyway, while everyone is away at dinner, Lana manages to free her hands and escape. She's soon recaptured while trying to decide what to do with a magic sceptre (apparantly the source of power) and is sentenced to death by torture. Just as this movie is "Barbarian Queen II", so too we get to see "Lana On The Rack Twice" and I'm glad we do. I have to give Lana credit for these two movies and their torture scenes. She really does do a good job of playing the strong defiant torture victim, though I wish the second rack scene had been a bit longer with more build-up and drama. Same with a later scene where the young girl places a spider on Lana's arm as Lana is on her back on another rack (or perhaps the same rack rotated horizontally). It would've been a better scene if Lana's character had been conscious and could squirm as the spider is placed on her arm and crawls up her shoulder. It could've made the similar James Bond scene look like amateur film.

"Barbarian Queen" and "Barbarian Queen II" were made several years apart and in that time Lana Clarkson became more "womanly". Don't worry - they're real. And they're spectacular. I'm hoping that Lana can be convinced to do a "Barbarian Queen III" and give us 3 long rack scenes, if she's still got the body for it. Lana, if you see this, hit the gym and let's get one more film on that filmography, girl. Do it for your fans. We're counting on you.

Anyway, Lana is eventually freed by a knight and they go on to defeat the evil ruler and liberate the land. You can take her top, but you can't take her FREEDOM!