Overview

Wizards is a 1977 American animated science fiction–fantasy film directed by Ralph Bakshi and released by 20th Century Fox. The picture mixes fairy‑tale tropes with post‑apocalyptic and wartime imagery, presenting a struggle between two wizard brothers in a ruined future where magic and technology collide. The voice cast includes Bob Holt, Jesse Welles, Richard Romanus, David Proval, Steve Gravers and a young Mark Hamill.

Production and visual style

Bakshi employed a hybrid visual approach that was striking for its time. Traditional hand‑drawn animation is combined with rotoscoping and the incorporation of archival live‑action footage, notably newsreel and wartime film, which Bakshi repurposed into animated battle sequences. This deliberate collage of techniques gives the film an uneven but provocative aesthetic meant to blur the lines between mythic fantasy and modern catastrophe.

Plot elements and characters

Set after a global conflict that devastated civilization, the story centers on opposing forces led by two magical figures who embody differing philosophies: one who embraces a more humane use of power and one who seeks domination by harnessing technology and propaganda. Alongside them are diverse inhabitants of the new world—mutants, elves and remnants of human society—whose fates reflect the film’s concerns about memory, myths and the manipulation of history.

Themes, reception and significance

Wizards touches on themes of propaganda, the legacy of war, and the tension between tradition and modernity. At release it received mixed reviews: some critics praised its imagination and boldness, others criticized its tone and narrative coherence. Over time it has been reassessed by many viewers and scholars as an influential example of animation intended for adult audiences and as an early instance of a director using adult themes and unconventional techniques in animated storytelling.

Notable facts and legacy

  • Wizards helped solidify Ralph Bakshi’s reputation for adult‑oriented animation and experimental techniques.
  • The film’s juxtaposition of fantasy imagery with real wartime footage is one of its most discussed and controversial features.
  • Although not a mainstream hit, it achieved cult status and is often cited in discussions about the possibilities of animation beyond children’s entertainment.

Wizards remains a distinctive entry in late‑20th century animation history for its genre blending and provocative imagery. For those studying the evolution of animated film and the work of Bakshi, it stands as a frequently examined, if polarizing, milestone.