Savage (1997)
A murdered family, a desert resurrection, and a warrior born of ancient gods — Savage is a pulpy 1997 action sci-fi revenge thriller starring Olivier Gruner.
Savage - Movie Information
- Original Title: Savage
- Release Year: 1997
- Directed by: Avi Nesher
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 7, 1997 (South Africa - 18), April 4, 1997 (Spain - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Kuoleman soturi (FI), Pulsions primaires (FR), Vadember (HU), Lupta cu zeii (RO), Savage - Die Legende aus der Zukunft (DE), Agrios timoros (GR), Дикарь (RU), El salvaje (ES)
- Production Companies: Conquistador Entertainment, Mahagonny Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Savage - Plot
After his family is murdered, and he's left for dead, a farmer awakens in the desert and finds himself transformed into a savage warrior, with all the powers and skills of the ancient gods. Guided by his "spirit masters" he's given a mission; destroy Tital Corporation, the world's most powerful high-tech computer company and its ambitious leader, Michael Burroughs. Burrough's has discovered the technological remains of an ancient race and a secret that will allow him to open the Vortex and achieve immortality. Out in the desert, ancient powers collide with sophisticated technology as the Savage and Burroughs meet in a titanic struggle that could destroy mankind.
Savage - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the ancient powers of the Savage unleashed:
Beware the beast within.
Where to Watch Savage
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Savage - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Avi Nesher
Main Cast
- Olivier Gruner
- Jennifer Grant
- Kario Salem
- Kristin Minter
- Sam McMurray
- Herschel Sparber
- Tom Schanley
- Michael Cudlitz
- Luke Askew
- Maria von Hartz
Writers
- Peter Sagal
- Avi Nesher
Producers
- Avi Nesher
Savage - FAQs
What is Savage (1997) about?
Savage follows a farmer who, after his family is murdered and he's left for dead, awakens in the desert transformed into a powerful warrior with the abilities of ancient gods. Guided by spirit masters, he's sent on a mission to take down a ruthless tech mogul trying to unlock immortality through ancient alien technology.
Who plays the lead role in Savage?
French martial artist and actor Olivier Gruner plays the dual role of Savage and Alex, the farmer-turned-warrior at the heart of the story. Gruner was well known in the 1990s action scene for his athletic physicality and fighting skills, making him a natural fit for this kind of role.
Where can you stream Savage (1997)?
You can stream Savage on several platforms. Free options include Tubi TV, Plex, FlixHouse, Fawesome, and Plex Channel. It's also available with a subscription on Eternal Family, Midnight Pulp, Troma NOW, and Midnight Pulp Amazon Channel, or you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Fandango At Home.
Does Savage blend ancient mythology with sci-fi?
Absolutely — that blend is one of the film's most distinctive qualities. The story pits ancient supernatural powers against cutting-edge technology, with the villain using the technological remnants of a lost civilization to pursue immortality. It's a pulpy, high-concept mashup of mythology, virtual reality, and revenge thriller elements.
Who directed Savage and who wrote the screenplay?
Avi Nesher directed Savage and also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Peter Sagal. Nesher also served as producer on the project. It's a fairly personal production in that sense — he wore multiple hats and shaped the film's unusual blend of action, mythology, and science fiction from the ground up.
What is the age rating for Savage (1997)?
Savage is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects the film's action violence, intense sequences, and mature themes. It's firmly aimed at adult audiences who enjoy hard-edged 1990s action cinema with a supernatural twist.
What are some movies similar to Savage?
If you enjoyed Savage, you might also like Heaven's Prisoners (1996), Blue Tiger (1994), or Born in Flames (1983) for a similar genre feel. For more recent action picks in a comparable vein, Soulcatcher (2023), Hounds of War (2024), and Kill 'em All 2 (2024) are worth checking out.
How long is Savage (1997)?
Savage runs for 98 minutes, or just under an hour and forty minutes. It's a lean, fast-moving runtime that keeps the action and mythology-driven plot moving at a solid pace without overstaying its welcome — pretty typical for the kind of mid-budget action films that defined the era.
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