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Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Biehn, Linda Hamilton, Paul Winfield, Lance Henriksen ... see more see more... , Rick Rossovich , Bess Motta , Earl Boen , Franco Columbu , Hugh Farrington , Ken Foree , Ken Fritz , Philip Gordon , Bruce M. Kerner , Harriet Medin , Dick Miller , Leslie Morris , Marianne Muellerleile , Bill Paxton , David Hyde Pierce , Patrick Pinney , James Ralston , Brad Reardon , Shawn Schepps , Chino "Fats" Williams , Brian Thompson , Joe Farago , Norman Friedman , Hettie Lynne Hurtes , Barbara Powers , Stan Yale , Stanzi Stokes , Tony Mirelez , William Wisher Jr.

Endlessly imitated, The Terminator made the reputation of cowriter/director James Cameron -- who would go on to make 1997's titanic Titanic -- and solidified the stardom of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The ... read more read more...movie begins in a post-apocalyptic 2029, when Los Angeles has been largely reduced to rubble and is under the thumb of all-powerful ruling machines. Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), a member of the human resistance movement, is teleported back to 1984. His purpose: to rescue Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), the mother of the man who will lead the 21st-century rebels against the tyrannical machines, from being assassinated before she can give birth. Likewise thrust back to 1984 is The Terminator (Schwarzenegger), a grim, well-armed, virtually indestructable cyborg who has been programmed to eliminate Sarah Connor. After killing two "Sarah Connors" who turn out to be the wrong women, he finally aims his gunsights at the genuine article. This is the film in which Schwarzenegger declared "I'll be baaaack" -- and back he was, in "kinder and gentler" form, in the even more successful Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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R, 1 hr. 48 min.

Directed by: James Cameron

Release Date: October 26, 1984

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DVD Release Date: September 3, 1997

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Flixster Reviews (29,497)

  • paulsandberg
    December 30, 2012
    paulsandberg
    It sure is funny how memory plays tricks on you. I can tell you in which theater I saw the way ahead of its time Terminator back on initial release in 1984 (ironic that: 1984); and yet my memories of the film itself are shaded by a veil of "man that was awesome".

    In viewing t... read morehe film now, almost 30 years later, one can't but notice the cinematic conventions used to get around things like budget constraints, the lack of blue screen and of course, ironically, CGI. That James Cameron succeeded so well in showing us things that hadn't been seen before is a testament to his filmmaking craft, (like the very first Star Wars film, which from the opening sequence was one big Wow, ain't seen nothin' like THAT before).

    So, does this iconic film still stand up? Overall, yes, even though the story, the pace, in fact the entire genre has been done to death - but yes, so much of it stems from this fountainhead of a film. Note Cameron's use of close up and focus on an item, like a gun or knife, so that he can cutaway from the action without having to try to show you things that couldn't be generated yet. His editing and pacing are superb here, and funny thing - as much as I dislike car chase scenes, so much of the film is just that (probably some of the weaker moments, really) - and it is within these car chase scenes that the film shows its age. The squeeling tires as police cars burn rubber - all so very dated now, just as the sound effects of same (obvious film "sweetening" done in post production, and again a budgetary and technology issue). Also, look at how Cameron used a shot of the skeletal cyborg's feet as he climbed the stairs in pursuit of his prey - pretty nifty, you only had to place the fake feet on the steps and move them from above camera - instead of creating CGI to show you the action... this is yet another example of how a true filmmaker gets around his limitations.

    But regardless, the film is just like its main character: relentless. So very little time to catch your breath (like Aliens in that regard).

    Of course there are a few picadillos to consider - first and foremost is why a cyborg is speaking with a heavy Austrian accent - but who else would you have cast for the part? Arnold is so perfect, and this is the film that gave him iconic status - even though he only says about 100 words in the entire piece. This is Arnold's film, make no mistake, even though the heavy lifting is ably done by Michael Biehn (who later showed up in Aliens) and Linda Hamilton. On the side you have the perfect minor role of Lt. Traxler (Paul Winfield), the tired and yet still sharp policeman who puts together that someone is systematically killing off all the Sarah Connors. His interplay with Lance Henrickson (who later went on to star in the wonderful and underrated TV series Millennium, as well as playing Bishop, the cyborg in Alien; another Cameron film), is so effortlessly acted that it's a joy to behold. (Another interesting side note: Henrickson was originally tabbed to play the title role, but then Arnold came along...).

    And talk about flashbacks - those hair styles! Yikes! Then the technology on display - clunky phone recorders, pay phones, huge video machines - wow!

    In viewing this now, 30 years later, and since I knew the story and how it all played out, I had time to think - which I didn't back at the U.A. 6 in 84. Things that make you wonder - how a computer AI wouldn't have been more imaginative in trying to achieve its goal. I guess that is part of the charm, and again, a product of the non computer world of 1984 - assuming that a machine would simply take the immediate goal in front of it instead of processing the information and reaching a better conclusion (although Cameron did display a certain algorhythm in the scene where the landlord asks if there's a dead cat in Arnold's room - Arnold's HUD shows "possible responses" including the priceless "fuck off". However, it occurred to me that while Arnold was chasing Connor and shooting the hell out of the back window etc., that a cyborg should have been aware that the best way to disable a fast moving vehicle would have been to shoot the tires!!!!! Dumb machine!!!!

    Anyhow, this was a nice trip to the past - and while some of my warm and fuzzy memories of this film were tripped up, and the film hasn't aged as well as I would have hoped, it still entertains. If I were to go back in time and review it in 1984 it would surely have gotten a 100 rating, but here in my jaded present, an 80 is still nothing to sneeze at.

    Oh, and before I forget - here's an interesting tidbit; during the credits it states that Cameron and producer Gale Ann Hurd wrote the screenplay - and then there is a disclaimer that some of the "concepts" for the film were provided by Harlan Ellison. This made me take notice as Ellison will always be in my memory banks as the writer of perhaps the best Star Trek episode "City On The Edge of Forever", as well as the cult classic film A Boy And His Dog. Turns out that Ellison really had nothing to do with Terminator, but sued Orion claiming that some of his short stories outlined the concepts used in the film - the solution of course was a settlement and inclusion of the little disclaimer - hooray for Hollywood attorneys!
  • blacksheepboy
    December 2, 2012
    blacksheepboy
    The well-written and exhilarating cyberpunk classic that started the successful franchise. A very intelligent science-fiction that is always extremely tense and well paced, offering the scary vision of a bleak post-apocalyptic future and a terrifying, indestructible villain.
  • aquateen2
    September 3, 2012
    aquateen2
    [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img]

    In recent years the reputation of the action film has gone completely downhill. With a few exceptions, action movies have forgotten the power of narrative, by too often favouring artificial explosions an... read mored special effects over heartful acting and storyline. In the case of The Terminator it understands how to use both. Arnold Schwarzenneger is cast perfectly as the titular, unstoppable robot killing machine, in which he basically plays himself but with one genius twist. James Cameron manages to direct both the action and the character drama perfectly. However during the film's production I think he was still learning how to make films, as his script is fairly weak and the tone of the film frequently changes. The special effects are not even close to the extraordinary visuals of anything Cameron has done recently but in comparison to how weak Titanic was in terms of story, this is infinetely superior. You could call it cheesy but it's been inspiring action blockbusters in the same way 2001: A Space Odyssey has done for science fiction films and to have a film with that capabiliity is definitely one incredible achievment. Although lacking in substance, depth and emotional involvement, to this very day Terminator still sets the golden standard for action movies. It managed to launch various successful careers of a fair number of Hollywood talent. Boasting a heap of conventional influences that are still duplicated and ripped-off in the action movies of today.
  • edfilmreviews
    August 3, 2012
    edfilmreviews
    A very intense and original science-fiction film. It's not as good as the sequel and some of the effects are dated, but that doesn't stop it from keeping you on the edge of your seat.
  • xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    August 3, 2012
    xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    The thing that won't die, in the nightmare that won't end.

    Excellent Film! This is one of the great movies of the 80's. The Terminator is a thrilling sci-fi that entertains. This is the movie that got started James Camerons clime of fame. The action, suspense, plot, acting, and ... read moredialogue is great. The score is great especially the main song. Arnold gives a scary performance as one of my favorite villains The Terminator. Kyle Reese's dialogue when he talks about the future is very well written, and gives you a good impression of how bad it is in the future. The shootout at the police station is great, and shows off how The Terminator is a killing machine. Also I am impressed with how they made the movie with just almost 6 and half million and made it look so good. The Terminator is a great film.

    In the future, Skynet, a computer system fights a losing war against the humans who built it and who it nearly exterminated. Just before being destroyed, Skynet sends a Terminator back in time to kill Sarah, the mother to be of John Connor, the Leader of the human resistance. The terminator can pass for human, is nearly indestructible, and has only one mission, killing Sarah Connor. One soldier is sent back to protect her from the killing machine. He must find Sarah before the Terminator can carry out it's mission.
  • spielberg00
    February 4, 2012
    spielberg00
    James Cameron's best creation.
  • garyX
    December 26, 2011
    garyX
    In a post apocalyptic future where humanity has been made all but extinct by rebellious technology, a relentless killing machine is sent back in time to assassinate the mother of the human resistance leader who represents their only hope of salvation. The original Terminator film... read more is an exercise in sheer cinematic economy as James Cameron's breakthrough film is as ruthlessly efficient as the murderous cyborg itself. There's none of the schmaltz and sentimentality that went on to mar his later films and the taut direction and thrilling, bullet riddled action sequences make for one of the most tense and brutal sci-fi action films ever made. The cynical may point out that Arnold's robotic acting skills made him perfect for the part, but I think his performance is cruelly under-rated; as those who tried to fill his shoes in the later films can attest it takes more than a big gun to make such a charismatic and intimidating presence and the final act actually suffers quite a bit for his absence. Some of the effects have dated a little but the make up and animatronics have stood up surprisingly well and the paradoxical time travel twist makes for a simple but ingenious story that's told with the kind of vigour that's sorely missing from most CGI infested blockbusters. Seminal sci-fi.
  • skeletonking101
    October 9, 2011
    skeletonking101
    Though the Sequel is far more superior, this film is still fantastic. The effects for the time still look impressive, the plot is very creative and original, the acting is great, The music is incredible, and the action is fantastic. Arnold does one of his best performances with t... read morehis film, and does a very good job at playing basically a serial killer going around killing everyone named Sarah, like how Michael Myers goes around butchering all the baby sitters. The other characters also do great jobs, Linda Hamilton does a great job as the fleeing Sarah Connor, and Michael Beihn does a fantastic job as Kyle Reese, and you really sympathize with these two characters and how they're trying to stay alive while this robot menace is trying to kill them.
  • DreamExtractor
    August 30, 2011
    DreamExtractor
    A classic and I love it, but the sequel is better and this is an iconic role for Arnold, I love this film.
  • fb729949618
    July 31, 2011
    fb729949618
    This film made Arnold. It also set a huge standard for other films as far as action sequences go.

View All The Terminator Reviews

Critic Reviews

Richard Corliss
May 18, 2009
Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine

As for Schwarzenegger, he nicely fleshes out the convention of a soulless gun for hire. With his choppy hair, cryptic shades and state-of-the-'80s leather ensemble, he looks like the Incredible Hulk g... Full Review

Jay Scott
May 18, 2009
Jay Scott, Globe and Mail

An efficient, cold-blooded sci-fi splatter movie that never makes the mistake of forgetting that on some level it is deeply ridiculous. Full Review

Dave Kehr
March 1, 2007
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

As a souvenir of a kind of B-grade action cinema that has all but vanished, The Terminator should find a small place in the heart of every movie addict. Full Review

Geoff Andrew
February 9, 2006
Geoff Andrew, Time Out

More than enough violence to make it a profoundly moral film; and Arnold's a whizz. Full Review

Janet Maslin
July 16, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

This is a monster movie, and the monster's role fits Mr. Schwarzenegger just fine. Full Review

February 13, 2001
Variety

The Terminator is a blazing, cinematic comic book, full of virtuoso moviemaking, terrific momentum, solid performances and a compelling story. Full Review

James Berardinelli
October 26, 1984
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

The movie's strength is that, like The Matrix, it combines action with ideas. Full Review

Matt Brunson
February 23, 2013
Matt Brunson, Creative Loafing

Still a toss-up between The Terminator and Aliens as to which James Cameron picture ranks as his best, this propulsively exciting yarn about a murderous cyborg has long staked its claim as a classic -... Full Review

Felix Vasquez Jr.
February 18, 2013
Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed

Still one of the most harrowing science fiction films in James Cameron's repertoire... Full Review

Rob Humanick
May 23, 2011
Rob Humanick, Slant Magazine

Remains a surprisingly meditative work, its concentrated visceral bursts not unlike punctuation marks among something more brooding, even prayerful. Full Review

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Facts

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    • Kyle Reese: The Terminator's an infil-tration unit. Part man, part machine. Underneath, it's a hyperalloy combat chassis,mircoprocessor-controlled, fully armored. Very tough. But outside, it's living human tissue. Flesh, skin, hair,blood, grown for the cyborgs.
    • Kyle Reese: Listen. Understand. That Terminator is out there. It can't be reasoned with, it can't be bargained with. It doesn't feel pity of remorse or fear and it absolutely will not stop. Ever. Until you are dead.
    • Terminator: I'll be back.
    • Sarah Connor: Move it, Reese! On your feet soldier! ON YOUR FEET!
    • Terminator: Get out.
    • Punk Leader: [the Terminator arrives naked and encounters some punks] Nice night for a walk, eh?
    • Terminator: Nice night for a walk.
    • Punk: Wash day tomorrow! Nothing clean, right?
    • Terminator: Nothing clean. Right.
    • Punk Leader: Hey, I think this guy's a couple cans short of a six-pack.
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The Terminator Trivia

  • In which movie does Arnold Schwarzenegger declare for the first time "I'll be back".  Answer »
  • Which of these actors was not in the movie The Terminator?  Answer »
  • "I need your clothes,boots,and motorcycle" was the opening line of what movie?  Answer »
  • Who is the Terminator looking for?  Answer »
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