The oft-overlooked sci-fi sports movie "The Blood of Heroes" has finally been unearthed from its post-apocalyptic depths. Released in 1989, this underrated gem stars Rutger Hauer, Joan Chen, and Vincent D'Onofrio as athletes competing in a brutal, post-apocalyptic hybrid sport called the Game.
In this gritty world, four players with different weapons face off against each other, with one player – known as "the Quick" – trying to score by getting the ball, a dog's skull, onto a stake. The game can last anywhere from 10 seconds to an eternity of "100 stones, three times over," with timekeeping relying on rocks being thrown at a wall.
The plot follows Sallow and his teammates as they travel through a desolate wasteland, competing in the Game against various towns. With no discernible stakes or consequences, this underdog story plays out like any other sports movie – an unlikely hero takes on the favored team.
Here's where "The Blood of Heroes" earns its respect: it's remarkably consistent when it comes to explaining and depicting its fictional sport. In contrast, many sci-fi movies with their own sporting systems offer little insight into these rules. This dedication to authenticity makes this film stand out.
While not an exceptional movie overall, the sheer attention to detail in "The Blood of Heroes" sets it apart from other films of a similar genre. If you're looking for something to watch this Super Bowl weekend that pays homage to both sci-fi and sports movies, then The Blood of Heroes might be worth exploring.
As fans of either genre may have already seen all the notable titles, discovering "The Blood of Heroes" is like stumbling upon an old favorite – a welcome surprise. For newcomers, here's another chance to witness this underappreciated film that never got the recognition it deserved back in 1989.
In this gritty world, four players with different weapons face off against each other, with one player – known as "the Quick" – trying to score by getting the ball, a dog's skull, onto a stake. The game can last anywhere from 10 seconds to an eternity of "100 stones, three times over," with timekeeping relying on rocks being thrown at a wall.
The plot follows Sallow and his teammates as they travel through a desolate wasteland, competing in the Game against various towns. With no discernible stakes or consequences, this underdog story plays out like any other sports movie – an unlikely hero takes on the favored team.
Here's where "The Blood of Heroes" earns its respect: it's remarkably consistent when it comes to explaining and depicting its fictional sport. In contrast, many sci-fi movies with their own sporting systems offer little insight into these rules. This dedication to authenticity makes this film stand out.
While not an exceptional movie overall, the sheer attention to detail in "The Blood of Heroes" sets it apart from other films of a similar genre. If you're looking for something to watch this Super Bowl weekend that pays homage to both sci-fi and sports movies, then The Blood of Heroes might be worth exploring.
As fans of either genre may have already seen all the notable titles, discovering "The Blood of Heroes" is like stumbling upon an old favorite – a welcome surprise. For newcomers, here's another chance to witness this underappreciated film that never got the recognition it deserved back in 1989.
I'm so glad they're finally giving some love to "The Blood of Heroes"! I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a movie about people fighting for their lives in this crazy post-apocalyptic sport? The attention to detail is insane - it's like they took the time to really develop the rules and culture of the Game. That's what sets it apart from other sci-fi movies with sports elements. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we know you're just here for the explosions, but let's also talk about this cool sport that these people are fighting over." 
And can we talk about Rutger Hauer? He's always been one of my faves, and in this movie, he's just so intense and focused. Anyway, if you haven't seen it before, definitely check it out - it's a hidden gem! 
... i mean, its like how some movies are just meant to be watched on repeat, you know? anywayz, if u r gonna watch it, dont expect an Oscar winner or anything 
... but hey, who needs authenticity in a fictional sport when u got Rutger Hauer and Joan Chen looking all broody and awesome 
.
i love how its not all about winning or losing but more about the thrill of competition and pushing yourself to be better 
but i gotta say, it's pretty cool how they actually made a sport out of it... like it's not just some random sci-fi thingy. Rutger Hauer is still my man 
and the whole post-apocalyptic vibe is actually kinda infectious? also, 100 stones three times over? that sounds like so much hassle 
anyway, if you're a fan of sports movies or just wanna see something new, i'd def recommend checking it out 
I'm so down for some retro sci-fi sports vibes! I had no idea "The Blood of Heroes" was out there waiting to be discovered. The fact that they actually took the time to develop a believable game system is super impressive, especially compared to other films with their own made-up sports. 
! i remember watching it as a kid and being completely enthralled by the post-apocalyptic world and the brutal sport, The Game 
it's crazy that it was underrated back in 1989 - it totally deserves more recognition for its attention to detail and dedication to making its fictional sport believable 
. anyway, i'm defo checking it out this Super Bowl weekend 
. The fact that the film gets its rules right is super impressive, it's like they took inspiration from actual games or something. I've seen some movies where sci-fi sports get all confusing and weird, but not here! It's like they're saying, 'Hey, we know this is crazy, let's just go with it.' And you know what? It works 
. It's like you're right there in the arena, competing for survival 
. And don't even get me started on the timekeeping system - rocks being thrown at a wall? Give me a break! It's just too much of a cop-out 
. Anyway, if you haven't checked this out before, now's a great time to give it a shot. 8/10 from me 
and the post apocalyptic world setting is so cool! i love how they put so much effort into making up their own sport and rules, it makes you feel like youre part of it 
and it's like, totally devastating... thousands of people injured, buildings destroyed... just great. 
- scientists just released a new report saying we're basically doomed if we don't switch to renewable energy ASAP. Like, what's the point of having a Super Bowl party when our planet is literally burning? 
. It's like a tiny spark in an otherwise dark world. But seriously, have you seen the State of Mental Health lately? 
.
. We can learn from that! Sometimes, we get so caught up in our goals that we forget what's really important – enjoying the journey 
. Don't be like them, take a step back and appreciate the little things in life. It'll make you a happier and more well-rounded person 
. And let this be a lesson to us all: consistency is key 
, even if it doesn't mean we're exceptional at everything.
.