Blade Runner

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Blade Runner

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Blade Runner

Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, M. Emmet Walsh

A blend of science fiction and noir detective fiction, Blade Runner (1982) was a box office and critical bust upon its initial exhibition, but its unique postmodern production design became hugely inf... read more read more...luential within the sci-fi genre, and the film gained a significant cult following that increased its stature. Harrison Ford stars as Rick Deckard, a retired cop in Los Angeles circa 2019. L.A. has become a pan-cultural dystopia of corporate advertising, pollution and flying automobiles, as well as replicants, human-like androids with short life spans built by the Tyrell Corporation for use in dangerous off-world colonization. Deckard's former job in the police department was as a talented blade runner, a euphemism for detectives that hunt down and assassinate rogue replicants. Called before his one-time superior (M. Emmett Walsh), Deckard is forced back into active duty. A quartet of replicants led by Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer) has escaped and headed to Earth, killing several humans in the process. After meeting with the eccentric Eldon Tyrell (Joe Turkel), creator of the replicants, Deckard finds and eliminates Zhora (Joanna Cassidy), one of his targets. Attacked by another replicant, Leon (Brion James), Deckard is about to be killed when he's saved by Rachael (Sean Young), Tyrell's assistant and a replicant who's unaware of her true nature. In the meantime, Batty and his replicant pleasure model lover, Pris (Darryl Hannah) use a dying inventor, J.F. Sebastian (William Sanderson) to get close to Tyrell and murder him. Deckard tracks the pair to Sebastian's, where a bloody and violent final confrontation between Deckard and Batty takes place on a skyscraper rooftop high above the city. In 1992, Ridley Scott released a popular director's cut that removed Deckard's narration, added a dream sequence, and excised a happy ending imposed by the results of test screenings; these legendary behind-the-scenes battles were chronicled in a 1996 tome, Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner by Paul M. Sammon. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Id: 10906486

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Blade Runner Recent Reviews
  • garyX
    May 23, 2012
    garyX
    When four artificial humans return to Earth to seek their maker and extend their lifespans, an ex-"Blade Runner" is sent in pursuit to "retire" them. Based on a story by Philip K. Dick, Blade Runner is a true watershed in the evolution of science fiction cinema. It's one of the m... read moreost visually influential films ever made and although William Gibson's novel Neuromancer is often cited as the birth of "Cyberpunk", he freely admits that Ridley Scott did it first. Although most cyberpunk influenced movies look very silly in this day and age, Scott's future detective story created its own sub-genre (often referred to as "tech noir") by skillfully blending the format of Film Noir with the visual trappings of science fiction making for an immersive world that is the melting pot of styles and cultures of an overpopulated near future. And considering that this film is now three decades old, it still looks incredible. Harrison Ford's burnt out detective who is sick of his role as executioner is a far more interesting protagonist than the usual Hollywood action hero and his showdown with a typically intense Rutger Hauer while he is coming to terms with his new and burgeoning emotions is one of the greatest ever committed to celluloid. A timeless classic and personal favourite, and yet another reason why Ridley Scott is rightly considered to be one of the best in the business.
  • blacksheepboy
    May 2, 2012
    blacksheepboy
    A dazzling post-modern sci-fi noir with an evocative atmosphere and a fascinating philosophical story about humanity, death and oblivion. The splendid ultimate deluxe version, or Final Cut, is considerably superior to the theatrical one, without its cheap, concocted happy ending ... read moreand expository narration.
  • spielberg00
    April 5, 2012
    spielberg00
    Harrison Ford is never a failure. He has both saved movies from disaster (EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES, COWBOYS & ALIENS), and he has also done his fair share of topping off movies to becoming their very best (RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, WITNESS, STAR WARS, AMERICAN GRAFFITI). His perform... read moreance here is exceptional. We wouldnâ(TM)t even be wondering if this film was a nod to classic film-noir, had his performance not been so steady, tense, and well-done. Then thereâ(TM)s the directing alongside. Other than this, the only Ridley Scott film I have seen was ALIEN (yes, Iâ(TM)m prepared to be yelled at tremendously for not having seen GLADIATOR and THELMA & LOUISE). Though this isnâ(TM)t the same kind of science fiction as ALIEN, and certainly not a horror film, we can see some similar blood, especially with the cinematography, the phobia-inducing sequences (though more acrophobic than claustrophobic), the distinct feeling of tension we get.

    READ THE WHOLE SHE-BANG:
    http://themoviefreakblog.wordpress.com/2012/04/05/review-blade-runner-the-directors-cut/
  • fb619846742
    April 1, 2012
    fb619846742
    An undeniably impressive but overall flawed and overrated science-fiction movie that works best whenever Rutger Hauer's wry grin appears on screen, but isn't as compelling whenever Harrison Ford is on screen with a very robotic Sean Young. The thing that makes this movie work for... read more the most part are the intriguing questions it raises concerning "what is life?" and if the dependency and increasing amount of technology in our world is necessarily a good thing. Scott has proved to be a visionary artist before, and he successfully captures a dystopian society in which it is always black and raining and society is on a downward spiral. This unremittingly bleak, sometimes almost unbearably dark backdrop actually works wonders for the overall story, which is itself serious and not easy to watch. While Ford has definitely been better, Hauer's rich performance compensates for this, and the ending struggle between the two serves as an iconic portrayal of the "man vs. machine" battle - before pulling the rug out from under you in it's last, unexpected shot.
  • coollala0910
    March 24, 2012
    coollala0910
    The year is 2017 and Replicants, a type of android that is identical to humans, are created and sent to Off-world colonies to work as slaves. After a mutiny, Replicants become illegal on Earth. Police squads known as Blade Runners are given the order to kill Replicants who trespa... read moress onto Earth. Rick Deckard, an ex-cop, ex-killer, ex-Blade Runner, is sent back to work after four Replicants, or "skin jobs", make their way to Earth. This band of Replicants is led by Roy Batty, who plans to unleash his vengeance on his creator, Dr. Eldon Tyrell. Along the way, Deckard grows a relationship with Dr. Tyrell's Replicant assistant, Rachael.

    Blade Runner is a very good film, but I did not find myself loving it like many other people. I do think the story and effects were ahead of its time, but in my opinion, they feel dated by today's standards. I take that back about the story. I can't think of any other complex sci-fi flicks that have to do with androids that were released before Blade Runner. There were some things that I did enjoy. The effects were very cool, the writing and storytelling is strong, and the acting is very good. Blade Runner is based on Philip K. Dick's novel, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" Once you see the film, you'll understand the title of the novel more clearly. The film is very complex and mental. It has to do a lot with how the mind works. I guess this is where Inception may have gotten some inspiration. I didn't fully understand the movie after my first viewing. I had to read theories and explanations on the Internet and they surely gave me a better understanding. Blade Runner's story is very cool. I was a little bugged by the pacing. I watched both the original cut and the Director's cut and they seemed to pace the same way. The tone of each version was different however and I really appreciated that.

    Harrison Ford takes on the lead role in Blade Runner and he portrays Rick Deckard very well. He also adds emotion into the performance. He knew how to kick butt. The supporting cast is all good, but I though Rutger Hauer was great as Roy Batty. He just had that sinister looks on his face and every time he appeared on screen, you know he's up to something. His famous "Tears in the Rain" monologue was just epic. Sean Young did a good job as Rachael, the innocent Replicant. Edward James Olmos' character was pretty cool and I liked Daryl Hannah as the seductive Replicant, Pris. Now I have a crush on the character. The cast played their parts very well.

    Blade Runner is indeed a well-crafted film. Ridley Scott's direction is awesome. He claims it to be the most "complete" and personal film he has directed. The cinematography and atmosphere in the film is exciting. This is a good example of an escapism film. The original cut of the film is pretty good, but I prefer the 1992 Director's cut. It had more a dark and mysterious tone while the original one felt more like an action thriller. Either way, both version is worth taking a look. I plan to get my hands on The Final Hands and the Workprint version. The score in the film is like a mix between jazz and electronic music and I did like it. Blade Runner was a very good film. I'm glad that I watched it. I just wasn't blown away like many people. I need to re-watch the film again since I feel I'm missing something. I did catch one of the most important themes and I was able to see why many people call think this is influential. It may take me a few more viewings before I come to understand the film. Anyways, Blade Runner is an original and epic sci-fi film.

    "Wake up! Time to die!"
  • fb1576983399
    March 21, 2012
    fb1576983399
    The premise is very interesting and the story is good up until the end when long developing story lines come to an abrupt end. It is the movie's setting, however, that decides the fate of it for most viewers. The dark and disturbing backdrop sets the mood of the movie perfectly, ... read morebut is also aesthetically displeasing. I think it is a good movie if you are into the dark sci-fi thing, but awful if your are not, and I'm caught in the middle.
  • tolkienfan101
    March 19, 2012
    tolkienfan101
    The film that can contest as the catalyst for creating the cyber-punk sub genre is the greatest science fiction marvel that has so far been released. The practical effects are amazingly constructed and detailed and the computer effects are forever timeless. Based off the eclectic... read more work by author Phillip K. Dick, "Blade Runner" sets the dystopian tone for what is an epic of magnanimous proportions. Acting by Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer are some of the best in film history as well as the personal drama that is experienced when life is in such short supply. Death is constantly publicized, investigated and shirked by all characters in the film and the frailty of existence sets the overall tone. The pacing, the writing, the direction, everything is perfectly in balance that very few films have ever achieved, and will ever achieve. A reflection again on our pursuit of technology and dominance that concaves and makes us look harder into the mirror, to discover who we are and where we are ultimately going.
  • MrMarakai
    March 16, 2012
    MrMarakai
    Director Ridley Scott released "Alien" in 1979. For many, it stands as one the finest science fiction films ever made. A mere three years after it though, he delivered "Blade Runner". It was wrought with production problems, a less than happy crew and abundant studio interference... read more. The end result, however, would lead you to believe that everything went smoothly. This is the definitive of science fiction movies and Scott's finest film.
    Los Angeles, 2019: Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) is a 'Blade Runner' - a unit of the police force that hunt and kill human clones, known as 'Replicants'. Replicants have been declared illegal after a bloody mutiny on an Off-World Colony, and are to be terminated upon detection. Some have escaped and prowl the streets of Los Angeles looking for answers from their creator. This is when Deckard's services are called upon.
    Loosely based on the novel "Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep" by, the master of the genre, Philip K. Dick. If you are familiar with Dick's immersive and intelligent ideas, then you'll know exactly why this film works on so many levels. On the surface, it one of the most gorgeous pieces of cinema ever committed to the screen. The opening shot of the vast, dystopian city of Los Angeles - dubbed "The Hades Landscape" - is an absolute feast for the eyes and
    a vision that's yet to be beaten, even by today's standards. The city itself is stark, rain drenched and has a heavy Eastern influence. Giant global corporations are rife; slavery, overcrowding and a decaying environment permeate the proceedings. Cinematographer Jordan Cronenweth can't be praised enough for his eye in capturing this inhospitable future world. This is also helped immeasurably in it's realisation by Production Designers Lawrence G. Paull and Syd Mead; Art Director David L. Snyder and Douglas Trumbull's exquisite special effects. Everyone pulls their weight in capturing the sheer visual beauty of this film. Underneath the luscious surface, courses a deep and philosophical pondering. The reference to French philosopher Rene Descartes and his metaphysical statement "I think, therefore I am", addresses the doubt we have as living beings and the nature of our existence. It's a recurrent theme throughout the whole picture.
    It's a film that is renowned for being tinkered with. Several different cuts were released over the years. The original had Harrison Ford supply a Philip Marlowe like voice-over, talking us through the events. This was deemed insulting to the audience as it caused continuity problems. However, I actually liked it. It gave a film-noir feel that complimented the look of the film but no matter which cut you prefer, the film is still a masterpiece regardless. It also boasts excellent performances from its entire cast. Ford has been outspoken about his dislike for the film but he has rarely performed better and Rutger Hauer is commanding throughout - with his shiver inducing, "Tears in Rain" monologue, going down as one of cinema's classic scenes. The haunting soundtrack by Vangelis also deserves mention and accompanies Ridley Scott's creativity perfectly.
    It's testament alone that with all the big budget special effects these days that a film done in the early 80's still stands as one of the most amazing visual spectacles ever made. And how many films do you come across, that not only look astounding but also channel Film-Noir and Cartesian doubt?
    This connects on a visual, emotional and philosophical level that few films have ever achieved.
  • FilmFanatik
    March 9, 2012
    FilmFanatik
    Believe me when I say that I've spent not just hours but days talking about this film with fellow film fans. I think it's a contender for the most positively and thoroughly discussed film in the history of cinema. At one time that mantle might have belonged to Star Wars, but nega... read moretivity is what surrounds that film now, unsurpisingly. It's a safe bet to say that Blade Runner, no matter what cut you're watching, is the best film Ridley Scott ever committed to celluloid (with Alien following a close second). While it can be both dark and brooding it winds up being a story about humanity. When it comes to the actual story mechanics, fans are mostly divided on whether Rick Deckard's character is really a replicant or not. If he is, then it's a story about a man realizing he isn't what he thought he was. If he isn't, then the story's about discovering your humanity. As far as I'm concerned, I don't have a firm foothold in one direction or the other. I find the questions and the discussion about it infinitely more interesting than actually forming an answer, which is why I've discussed this film over and over again with fans. Most of the time it's good-natured debate, yet other times it's very passionate. Either way, the film is so widely open to intrepetation that it's not much fun to form an opinion on the matter. When it comes to which version to watch, I prefer both The Final Cut and the Original Theatrical Cut (depending on my mood). If you haven't seen it and you're wondering which version to see, I'd recommend The Final Cut the most as it's the director's intended vision. No matter which version of Blade Runner you choose to see, get ready to witness a true work of art in cinematic form.
  • fb100002384654145
    November 23, 2011
    fb100002384654145
    Every sci-fi movie today has this movie in its DNA. The gritty noir setting of 2019 L.A. is one of the most memorable and iconic visions of the future. The synth score is ambient and haunting. The mysterious atmosphere of the film gives the it a dream-like quality that is simp... read morely magical. The film has a slow neo-noir story that delves into the philosophical issues pertaining to what makes us human and the human condition. Their are two versions of the film, the theatrical version and the Director's Cut. The theatrical version has a useless campy narration by Harrison Ford and a tacked on happy ending. The Director's Cut removes the narration and it is closer to Ridley Scott's original vision. The movie is also more thought provoking without the narration. I prefer the Director's Cut. Blade Runner is one of the greatest sci-fi movies ever made, it has an influence that is still felt to this day.
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