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As long as the brutality and the gore is practical and matches the tone of the film I am all for it. There are films that rely too much on its gore, like the Japanese Guinea Pig series, and Tumbling Doll of Flesh (1998).
Of course I am biased, since my all-time favourite filmmaker is Lucio Fulci, known as the master of the macabre and the godfather of gore. I think Fulci always achieved a perfect balance of atmosphere to go with the extreme brutality. The Gates of Hell trilogy in particular is a true masterpiece – a perfect blend of atmosphere and insane brutality.
His gialli films hardly have any brutal deaths in them, A Lizard in a Woman’s Skin (1971), Don’t Torture a Duckling (1972), and The Psychic (1977) are all beautiful examples of the giallo film and are well-worth a watch to anyone who likes the genre. Murder Rock: Dancing Death (1984) is a stylish blend of gillo and dance.
It was not until his first foray into horror with Zombie aka Zombie Flesh Eaters (1979) that he began including great practical gore effects. I suppose I am in the minority since I greatly enjoy even his later films, Ænigma (1987) and Demonia (1990).
As for 1980s action, I would suggest Lamberto Bava’s (son of Mario Bava) Blastfighter (1984), Black Moon Rising (1986), and the entire filmography of Andy Sidaris. Sidaris’ films are always a blast, no gore, just action and a cast of Playboy Playmates.
Blastfighter (1984) - Trailer: https://yewtu.be/watch?v=ZfQxR1h9KcQ
Hard Ticket to Hawaii - Trailer: https://yewtu.be/watch?v=UV7h4-2ZUqE