Steel Dawn (1987)

43% of users liked it
(5,662 ratings)

This futuristic drama offers the classic story of Shane seved up with a few Mad Max moments and some interesting twists. The tale is set in the smouldering, decimated post-World War III town of Meridian, where locals scrabble to keep their meager farms watered in the midst of a desert wasteland.… More This futuristic drama offers the classic story of Shane seved up with a few Mad Max moments and some interesting twists. The tale is set in the smouldering, decimated post-World War III town of Meridian, where locals scrabble to keep their meager farms watered in the midst of a desert wasteland. Bad-guys - a powerful landowner and his cronies - try to monopolize the precious local water supplies by bullying, kidnapping and even murdering citizens. To this beleaguered place comes the enigmatic swordsman/ warrior Nomad who has come in search of his mentor's killer. The town takes him on as their "Peacemaker" and he is able to end their problems and get his revenge to boot. The story was filmed on location in the deserts of South Africa. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Lance Hool
Written By: Doug Lefler
Genres: Action & Adventure

In Theaters: Nov 6, 1987 Wide
On DVD: Oct 17, 2000
Studio: Vestron Video

Critic Reviews

Clint Morris, Brag Magazine
Classic Swayze, Unrelentless Action!

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Featured Audience Ratings

Conner R

The post-apocalyptic incarnation of Road House. While it's not as fun or innately campy, it's just worth watching for the crazy costumes and characters. Patrick Swayze embodies the nomad lifestyle, a drifter that only cares about himself and has no ties to anyone. However,… More
The post-apocalyptic incarnation of Road House. While it's not as fun or innately campy, it's just worth watching for the crazy costumes and characters. Patrick Swayze embodies the nomad lifestyle, a drifter that only cares about himself and has no ties to anyone. However, Kasha and her son make his heart strong and he begins to fight for a cause. While this is no doubt the poor man's Road Warrior in every way possible, it's just so honest and straight-forward in what it gives you.
Ken S

Why does being a great warrior always involve doing hand stands? Both Yoda and Swayze are ga ga for them. Despite the entire concept of this film is a bit daft, the filmmaking itself isn't half bad.
Dean M

Above average, but sometimes bore set in the post-apocalyptic future has martial arts warrior joining in to help widow protect a colony of peaceful settlers.
Barry L

Its not Mad Max but its a good movie.