Blade Runner: Review

Blade Runner takes place on a futuristic Earth, on which cybernetic human-like robots known as 'replicants' try to live. These replicants were created to carry out off-world manual labour, but evolved to the point where they are self-aware and even develop their own emotional responses to the world around them. Because of this, detectives known as 'Blade Runners' are hired to "retire" them, which consists of nothing but execution. The story follows a blade runner by the name of Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) as he is tasked with "retiring" four rogue replicants. 

Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford)

From the very opening shot, Blade Runner establishes an incredibly atmospheric and unique tone which it maintains perfectly throughout. The film opens to a stunning shot of a futuristic city and is accompanied by an almost hypnotic soundtrack, both of which are present for the entirety of the film. These two features alone make the film completely unique from other cult sci-fi movies from the 80s, which is an impressive feat as it's done through cinematography alone. The constant darkness in which the city of Blade Runner takes place is perfectly executed, as it allows the constant yet minimalistic lighting to really contrast to the rest of the environments. On more than one occasion the lighting of a scene beautifully compliments the on-screen events and soundtrack. This is found in other movies, but not to the extent of Blade Runner. 

All of these aspects combine to create a truly living, breathing, and bustling city. And of course, this city needs to be inhabited by equally engaging characters. Luckily, this is 100% the case, as every character featured in Blade Runner has a distinctive look and feel which makes them memorable. For example, each of the replicants has a very subtle but clear glimmer to their eyes which you'd only catch if you knew it existed before viewing. However, none of the sci-fi technology or characters are ever created with excess, meaning that, despite the film being over 30 years old, it doesn't feel very aged whatsoever. 

Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer)

Not only does Blade Runner feature a memorable and iconic protagonist in the form of Deckard, but it also contains one of my favourite villains in any movie. The leader of the replicants goes by the name 'Roy Batty' (Rutger Hauer), and is by far one of the most sinister yet jovial characters I've seen in a film. Similar in a way to that of Heath Ledger's Joker in The Dark Knight, Roy has a very powerful on-screen presence and is almost a villain that you can't do anything but love, despite his fearful nature. 

Verdict

Blade Runner is inarguably one of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time. Its age is redundant when compared to just how enjoyable and engrossing it still is, and the use of many practical special effects means that it doesn't look overly dated anyway. The music is genuinely incredible, and the story is unique and interesting. I have literally no complaints about this film, and it is one which any fan of science fiction or movies in general should watch immediately. 

"All those moments will be lost in time...
Like tears...in...rain..."