Stream it now Blade Runner 1982

 

So for St. Patrick's Day I wanted to do something spirited in order to celebrate. And nothing quite makes me feel 25% Irish quite like Blade Runner.

Ridley Scott is my guy. And I was excited to watch this movie because it was one of his first directorial attempts. The story is very unique and for its time period it was released it offers some fantastic special effects and visual images. But I must say the whole experience of this movie left a lot to be desired...

The film depicts a dystopian Los Angeles. A powerful company called the Tyrell Corporation who manufactured genetically engineered life forms called "replicants." These replicants have been banned on Earth and it is the job of "blade runners" to hunt down replicants and kill them.

Harrison Ford is retired blade runner, Rick Deckard, who is persuaded to hunt down 3 replicants who have come to Earth in order to extend their lifespan. They normally live 3 before they expire. The entire movie is his hunt of the 3, but it's the ENTIRE hunt. The pace of this movie is terrible; it's so slow that it is truly hard to keep focus on the story. Harrison Ford "engages" (yes this is the right word) sex with a "special" android, special meaning she has no expiration date (yes it is convenient), and the two have a relationship. But the story doesn't really develop it, one day they are acquaintances, another they have sex, and later they are in love... wait what?

My final point, and disagree with me all you want, is that Harrison Ford is not a good actor- and it showed in this movie. Let me repeat, I do not think Harrison Ford is a good actor. He lucked into Han Solo and Indiana Jones (look it up), and quite honestly without those roles he is a very middle of the road Hollywood player. Not the cult-rock star he is today. But I sort of digress... He is just terrible in this movie, his character has no emotion and really just says his lines with no infliction. This story would be perfect for a video game, not a movie. It may be a cult classic, but I sure as shit wont be joining.

For a film about androids it has far more to say about the human condition than many other movies trying to do the same. Purist say Harrison's added narration was a mistake and favour the director's cut, but for me the cinema release was the better product and the must see of the two.

Ridley Scott has a quietly achieved impressive portfolio that puts him on a par with the very top directors, - this competes well for being his jewel in the crown.

These are my thoughts on Blade Runner. As I did not see this film originally in theatres, I can not tell you how the reaction was, but almost thirty years after its release it gives off a sense very uncommon in current cinema. While I found the plot extremely interesting, the tiempo of the movie seemed to drag consistantly throughout. The vibe of the entire movie gave a very horror type chill, one almost unknown in modern day sci-fi. If you truly love movies then you will be able to enjoy and appreciate this film, but if you are just looking for a fun movie and some entertainment I highly recommend another one.

Sci-fi at it's best.

Great movie, the only movie Hauer is worth a crap in!!! Excelent story line and one of the classics that will remain timeless. Of course Ford is as good as alwasy!!

Influence, Upon Influence, Upon Influence... That is what Ridley Scott has gave "and will" give generations of directors with his Cinematic Masterpiece "BLADE RUNNER".

Credited personally by the man himself as the best film he's ever did, i dont know where to even begin writing a review on this.

if you haven't seen it, here's what your missing... Fantastic futuristic City visuals, Androids, Awesome Actions Scenes and Harrison Ford's Best Performance (I Love Indy & Han Solo, but this wins hands down.)

The film itself is very philosophic, it doesn't question who is & who isn't human, it questions what it means to be human.

Though i found it very complex first time around, future showings had lifted the smoke around the movie to reveal one of the best cinematic experiences around. i opnly hope they put it back on the big screen sometime.

Final Verdict: Stunning from Beginning to End.

I don't think Jesus Christ could direct a movie this good.

Why is this film so good, you ask?

Watch this bitch and find out.

A masterpiece of atmosphere and tone. An utterly human look into the possibilities of artificial life. Prescient. One of the best movies ever made.

Synopsis: A dark, complex film in dystopian Los Angeles about replicants coming to Earth needing to be hunted down by a police officer.

Plot: 1/3
The plot was just...blah. Nothing to keep you interested. I found myself daydreaming throughout the whole film, but even if I had been paying attention, I still doubt I would have known what was going on.

Music: 3/3
The music sounds like typical sci-fi 80's music. Synthesizers are used throughout the movie. Nothing special.

Cinematography: 3/3
I'm kind of mixed on this one. The visuals are stunning and they do an excellent job with the dystopian depiction. At the same time, I don't really care for films that depict a purely dystopian or a purely utopian society. I like a mixture of both. Because after all, life isn't roses and blossoms all the time, but it's also not death and destruction all the time either. Always remember: "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."-Forrest Gump

Acting: 3/3
You really can't go wrong with Harrison Ford. The acting is just fine.

Ending: 2/3
The ending is sort of different depending on the version but the idea is the same. Him and Rachel head off into the night. I thought overall (once you know what the hell is going on) the ending was pretty predictable. It was a good movie, but I probably wouldn't watch it again.

An entertaining SciFi-noir that deserves the cult legacy it's attained. If you like Sci-Fi and Film noir, watch this movie.