pontram I would really like to give this a better rating, but sadly, I can't. I don't know if the good reviews here are coming from friendship or adoring Tara Cardinal, but they aren't to be taken seriously.Sorry Miss Cardinal, you had a lot of troubles to bring this project to life, and you did a big job, given the circumstances, and you had really a lot on your shoulders, but in the end the movie didn't turn out well.It reminds me of some productions from Romania about Vampires, but we all know, those aren't good movies. Blood Rayne itself is in my opinion much more watchable. Still, there are other similarities than story and red-headed vampire heroine, particularly when it comes to common weaknesses. But that's another topic and is not to be questioned here. The sword fights here are too slow, there is not much to enjoy with the action scenes. They are far away from their announced greatness, and when I remember "Monty Python And The Holy Grail" decades ago, the action there had more impact.Of course, for insiders or dedicated fans, and those who can actually oversee the flaws by knowing how low the budget was, the movie may be fun, but for one who is spoiled by modern fantasy productions (and willing to close one and a half eye) it is disappointing.Especially the big bad enemy, who should be at least a dark, disturbing one, he is only a weak Wraith Clone (Stargate Atlantis). White hair and a electronically manipulated voice isn't enough (since 20 years or so) to give a frightening impression.All post-production done for this movie in an attempt to give it a little atmosphere, a more modern look, will be useless until there is the harsh decision made to cut out at least 20 minutes of footage, to fasten the pacing and to eliminate bad scenes. Furthermore, the story has to be straightened in the process and disburdened from several dead weight. For instance, the envious sister of Aella could probably be eliminated since she has no impact on the story. I personally think that at least partially a new soundtrack would help. And even then, I don't know if those efforts would be sufficient. But I recently watched a movie where the soundtrack was about 60% of what it made watchable, so...."Legend of the Read Reaper" was not the worst movie I have ever seen. It's not even among them. But frankly, it's rare for me to rate only 3.

faerlysimple For those expecting a film hyped as a "Sword & Sorcery Epic" to be full of lightning battles, swordplay, and dragons, this is fantasy of a different sort. This is "down in the heart" fantasy. This is epic, in that it adheres to classic mythological themes and the conflicts of Man (or should we say Woman) vs. Fate, vs. Herself, and Woman vs. Woman.One of the central plots is two women struggling over the heart of one man, what could be more romantic? Lots of blood and violence with a sword, of course! With a sweeping backdrop of mountains, forests, and even a little hut by a fjord, this is a world populated by humans, demons, and their unfortunate byproducts – the Reapers. I say unfortunate because most were the result of rape.In the city of Enid, humans live in relative peace with the Reapers protecting them. Another city is ruled by the vindictive S'grun, who covets Enid and wants to rid the land of the reapers. The tensions between the human leaders are coming to a head because Eris, prince of Enid, is going to be crowned the first king of the land.This poses a particular problem for Aella, who gets her nickname "Red" from her brilliant locks of flame, because she is in love with Eris. But, she is constantly reminded that a human king cannot have a reaper queen! All tell her the same thing; there is a new age beginning – the age of Man. As the reapers are seeing their time of protection coming to an end, Aella sees something different on the horizon.Aella was born to a powerful woman known as the Teller Witch. Her mother has the gift of precognition, and although young Aella was unaware of it, the Teller Witch has been preparing her for a day when she will face her biggest challenge. Assuming all her life that her mother had given her over to demons in trade for an elixir made of demon blood to stay young, Aella has dealt with feelings of rejection, unworthiness, and rage. But, she is about to find out that her past is not all that it seemed.The demon leader, Ganesh, may have been trying to create a demon warrior out of his red-haired daughter with cruelty and force, but in fact he was creating a weapon for the humans. Aella, rescued and living among the people of Enid, was given another 'gift' by her mother. She inherited visions: of devastation; of invasion; of the demons' return. All are interwoven with her memories of fear and pain at the hands of her father.This back story is laid out distinctly in the first few minutes with both visceral images and narration, helping the audience to understand Aella's feelings of alienation and her, at times, uncontrollable rage.I like that RED REAPER shows a woman losing control, completely given over to her anger, but yet it does not dismiss her. When a woman is angry, it all too often gets flipped back on her as "it must be her hormones" rather than validating her anger as deep-seated and justifiable. Aella's anger is justified. But, this does not mean that she is portrayed as a psycho bitty, either. She is a warrior and a woman, through and through. To quote another reviewer, "Unlike other films that feature women in lead fighting roles, Aella was not sexualized, nor was she attempting to emulate a man."* ( by Aphrodite Kocięda. www.btchflcks.com) This "strength" is extended to many of the characters in REAPER, male and female alike. Female reapers are equal to their men, warriors all. Aella does not compromise who she is for Eris. She has body issues because of her demon blood, but as for her skills, her passion, and even her rage she gives no apologies to the man she loves. He loves her with all her fluidity, not despite it.This relationship is mirrored in the passion shown between two reapers, Freya and Andrae. It shows the audience the companionship Aella is missing out on, given that everyone in her world seems to be telling her to stay away from Eris. Except Eris, of course.The other lady in Eris's life is Indira; chosen to be his queen by his parents and hers. He is a gentleman, though, and not resistant to the idea. But, his passion is for Aella. Eris is not presented as a vacillating male full of hormones, either. His intentions ring true and he stands out, in that the women decide who is best for him. It is an interesting dynamic that gives strength-of-character to each person involved, and adds a devious edge to Indira not common to the "ingénue" role.Even the "bad guys" have their moments of significance. Connall, the tender gentleman son of the hard-nosed warlord, S'grun, could have been played off as comic relief, but instead is compassionate and smarter than his warmongering father. His resistance to his father's ambitions creates a bridge between the two opposing lands and a unity that helps Eris's people in their time of need.Well, not to give too much away, suffice it to say that, although not high-tech and prone to some issues common in a film with a limited budget, Legend of the Red Reaper has a LOT to say! Laid out cleverly, it was clear in its focus and had enough great 'side-plot' moments to make it fun! There were humorous moments without making it corny, and there were moments that brought tears to my eyes. But, the emotional undercurrents will resonate with many viewers and stick in their hearts.Tara Cardinal and her many casts and crews worked long and hard to see this vision come alive, and as a lover of fantasy and myth, I must say that their devotion shows!

Dawn Michelle Shepley From the legendary looks and across the board talent of the Tara Cardinal along with epic pacing, story line, and imagery this film sets itself up to win from the start. If you are wanting to see the next strong woman you must see her on the silver screen. High marks on everything from make-up, stunts, story, to the entire cast. An instant classic that is sure to become a must watch and own for all fantasy fans.Break out the pop corn and get ready to see an epic story with this movie. This red haired warrior maiden will carry you off to a world of strength and honor. She has found her purpose and nothing is going to stand in her way except maybe herself.

cellynyfl Last night, I was invited and purchased tickets to the world premiere screening of Legend of the Red Reaper. I must say that, in addition to the cast/crew being totally amazing and talented, that the story written and directed by Tara Cardinal, completely entertained & excited me!!There are so many wonderful bits to this movie that did it for me. But the thing that most stood out was the story/plot. I love the main character, The Red Reaper, played by Tara Cardinal! She brought to life the story of a reaper that is half human, half demon. A woman struggling to discover who she is, what her purpose in life is. A woman in love, in transition, searching for a place in the world she lives in.As the story unfolds, you learn about how this reaper's life began, what has brought her to the current state of the world she lives in and what has brought her world to the distress of the here and now. The Red Reaper, along with the characters of her two different worlds, takes you on a journey of self discovery, action, romance and drama. You go on the ride with all of them to an amazing adventure!I don't want to give too much away....but totally recommend, that if you have the opportunity to see this movie, run to see it! You will be caught up in the world of Reapers and Demons and never be bored for a moment! Something in this movie for all genres of movie watchers! Congratulations and thank you to Tara Cardinal and her amazing cast/crew for a wonderful night of entertainment!! All the best to them, they deserve it! Sincerely, Celeste M.