Wizards
In a post apocalyptic future that appears as a blend of World War II Europe and J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, a pint-size wizard named Avatar must save the world from a band of fascist mutants controlled by his evil twin brother, Blackwolf, who likes to confuse enemy armies by projecting films of Adolf Hitler speeches during attacks. Painted live-action footage of advancing Nazi armies contrasts with Saturday-morning-cartoon-style animation of fairies and elves as Avatar travels through various magical and radioactive realms on his quest. Aiding him are the beautiful Fairy princess Elinore, hot-blooded warrior elf Weehawk, and Peace, a misunderstood robot rebelling against his Blackwolf-controlled programming. A bizarre and psychedelic meditation on magic vs. technology, this ultimate futuristic fantastic epic cult film still finds an audience on college campuses and will prove quite rewarding to viewers in the right frame of mind.
Despite its small-scale budget of $1.2M, Wizards became a box office phenomenon, earning $9.0M worldwide—a remarkable 650% return. The film's unconventional structure engaged audiences, demonstrating that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Wizards (1977) exhibits precise narrative design, characteristic of Ralph Bakshi's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 20 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes The narrator establishes the post-apocalyptic world where nuclear war has devastated Earth, dividing it into magical good lands and radioactive bad lands. Twin wizard brothers are born to the fairy queen.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when Blackwolf's assassin robot Necron 99 murders the president of Montagar in cold blood. The peaceful land is attacked as Blackwolf has discovered ancient Nazi propaganda films to inspire his mutant armies.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 21 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 26% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Avatar makes the active decision to journey to Scortch to stop Blackwolf and destroy the projector showing the Nazi propaganda. The fellowship departs Montagar, entering the dangerous wilderness., moving from reaction to action.
At 41 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat The group witnesses Blackwolf's army crushing the fairy forces in battle as Nazi imagery mesmerizes and demoralizes the defenders. The true power of the propaganda is revealed - this is worse than they imagined., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 60 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Elinore is captured by Blackwolf and seemingly turned to evil through his dark magic. Peace is destroyed protecting the group. Avatar appears defeated and alone, his companions lost., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 64 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. Avatar realizes that to defeat technology, he may need to use it himself. He confronts the necessity of abandoning pure pacifism. Weehawk rejoins him and they breach Blackwolf's fortress., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Wizards's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Wizards against these established plot points, we can identify how Ralph Bakshi utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Wizards within the animation genre.
Ralph Bakshi's Structural Approach
Among the 5 Ralph Bakshi films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Wizards takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Ralph Bakshi filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional animation films include The Bad Guys, Puss in Boots and Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll. For more Ralph Bakshi analyses, see The Lord of the Rings, Cool World and Fritz the Cat.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
The narrator establishes the post-apocalyptic world where nuclear war has devastated Earth, dividing it into magical good lands and radioactive bad lands. Twin wizard brothers are born to the fairy queen.
Theme
The narrator states that Avatar chose to study the ancient arts of peace and magic while Blackwolf embraced the dark technologies of the past, establishing the central conflict between nature and technology.
Worldbuilding
The backstory of the two brothers is told: Blackwolf's failed coup, his exile to the bad lands of Scortch, and Avatar's peaceful rule in Montagar. The world of fairies, elves, and mutants is established.
Disruption
Blackwolf's assassin robot Necron 99 murders the president of Montagar in cold blood. The peaceful land is attacked as Blackwolf has discovered ancient Nazi propaganda films to inspire his mutant armies.
Resistance
Avatar debates what to do about Blackwolf's aggression. He captures and reprograms Necron 99, renaming him Peace. Avatar gathers his companions: Elinore the fairy and Weehawk the warrior elf.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Avatar makes the active decision to journey to Scortch to stop Blackwolf and destroy the projector showing the Nazi propaganda. The fellowship departs Montagar, entering the dangerous wilderness.
Mirror World
Elinore and Avatar's relationship deepens as they journey together. Peace, the reformed assassin, represents redemption and the possibility that enemies can change, embodying the film's themes.
Premise
The fellowship adventures through the fantasy landscape, battling mutants and demons. Avatar uses his magic in creative ways. They witness the effects of Blackwolf's propaganda on enemy troops.
Midpoint
The group witnesses Blackwolf's army crushing the fairy forces in battle as Nazi imagery mesmerizes and demoralizes the defenders. The true power of the propaganda is revealed - this is worse than they imagined.
Opposition
The journey grows more perilous. Blackwolf's forces hunt them relentlessly. Avatar's magic weakens. The group faces betrayal and capture. Enemy territory surrounds them as they approach Scortch.
Collapse
Elinore is captured by Blackwolf and seemingly turned to evil through his dark magic. Peace is destroyed protecting the group. Avatar appears defeated and alone, his companions lost.
Crisis
Avatar must continue alone toward Blackwolf's fortress. He grieves for his fallen companions and questions whether his peaceful ways can ever defeat his brother's technological warfare.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Avatar realizes that to defeat technology, he may need to use it himself. He confronts the necessity of abandoning pure pacifism. Weehawk rejoins him and they breach Blackwolf's fortress.
Synthesis
Avatar confronts Blackwolf in his throne room. The brothers face each other for the final time. Elinore breaks free from Blackwolf's spell and aids Avatar. The climactic magical duel begins.
Transformation
Avatar defeats Blackwolf by shooting him with a concealed gun, declaring "I'm glad you changed your name, you son of a bitch." Technology defeats technology. Avatar and Elinore return to a peaceful Montagar.