The 1981 fantasy movie Time Bandits has director Terry Gilliam’s Monty-Python wacky and imaginative sensibilities stamped all over it.
The film’s off-kilter humor, creative world-building, and memorable characters mean it has aged well. Made for kids—but somewhat dark in places, especially its ending—it’s still appreciated by those who first watched it decades ago.
Time Bandits was a passion project for Gilliam, a member of the iconic British comedy troupe. The film had a budget of $5 million, considered low for a fantasy film, with extensive special effects and some big cast names such as post-Bond Sean Connery and classically trained Shakespearean actor Ian Holm.
No matter if you have or have not seen the film, you’ll enjoy the above 20-minute JoBlo Originals video revisits it. Press the top left play button on the above feature image so the video can pop up for you to watch.
Time Bandits is a story about a young boy named Kevin (pictured above)—played by Craig Warnock, then only 11—who goes on a wild adventure through time and space with a group of rogue dwarfs.
The six dwarfs—Randall (David Rappaport), who is the bossy-headstrong leader; Strutter (Malcolm Dixon); Fidgit (Kenny Baker); Og (Mike Edmonds); Vermin (Tiny Ross); and Wally (Jack Purvis)—have stolen a map that shows the locations of portals through time which they use it to travel to different eras and plunder treasure from historical figures such as Napoleon (Holm), Robin Hood (John Cleese), and King Agamemnon (Connery).
Along the way, Kevin and the dwarfs encounter various strange and surreal creatures, including the bad guy of the film—the sorcerer named Evil (David Warner).
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its sense of humor, which is both irreverent and absurdist. Gilliam, who co-wrote the script with Michael Palin, has a knack for finding humor in the unexpected and the bizarre. Whether it’s a group of dwarfs stealing treasure from Napoleon or a giant with a detachable head arguing with his wife, the film is full of silly and clever moments.
Unique Visual Style
Another standout element of Time Bandits is its visual style, and Gilliam is known for his distinctive and inventive visual sensibility.
The film is filled with surreal and dreamlike imagery, from the twisted, labyrinthine corridors of the Fortress of Ultimate Darkness (see below) to the eerie, glowing portals that the dwarfs use to travel through time.
The film’s visual effects were created by a team of talented artists, including Jim Aupperle, who went on to work on Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
One of the film’s themes is the danger of chasing after wealth and power at the expense of personal relationships and human connection. This is exemplified by Evil, who is obsessed with gaining control over the universe but is ultimately defeated by the power of love and friendship.
Produced by HandMade Films, founded by former Beatle George Harrison, Time Bandits proved a commercial success—upon its release, it grossed over $42 million worldwide.
It also helped to establish Gilliam as a major force in Hollywood, paving the way for his future projects, including Brazil and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen.
