Blade Runner (1982) Review

Blade Runner has had a very fascinating history. When it first came out, it did poorly at the box office and critics were split on it, either thinking it's a sci-fi milestone or a mess of a movie. But over time, the film started to gain a cult following especially when director Ridley Scott released two versions of his original vision: the Director's cut and his definitive Final Cut for the 25th anniversary.

Based on Philip K. Dick's book Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (which sounds about as good a title as the original title for War and Peace: War, What Is It Good For?), the movie takes place in a future where androids known as replicants co-exist with humans. They were designed for slave labor until they revolted, being declared illegal. Officers known as Blade Runners are given the task to locate them and retire them, which is another word for kill. A Blade Runner named Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) is ordered to locate a group of rogue replicants who are in search of their creator. During his investigation, Deckard meets the very mysterious and beautiful replicant named Rachel (Sean Young) who changes his perception on replicants, also Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer) much later on.

I watched this movie for the very first time this year. The Alamo Drafthouse had a restored 4K version of the Final Cut and I figured this would be a great time to see it. Initially, while I thought the visuals were out of this world, I was struggling to stay awake a bit, not being fully prepared for its slow pace. But I figured I'd give it another chance because I am a big advocate for re-watches. After my second viewing, I enjoyed it this time and was able to follow it a little more. Even with simple opening credits, the music by Vangelis sets up the mood perfectly with echoing thuds which I think works better than Nolan's BWWWWOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM music cue. The futuristic world of the movie is incredibly inspired, influencing Akira, The Matrix, and other sci-fi properties. It shows American culture mixed with Chinese culture which is very fitting since they're the two most powerful nations in the world. Firefly also did this. Even though I haven't seen the other versions, I heard a snippet of Harrison Ford's phoned-in voiceover in the theaterical release. I instantly made my decision on which was the superior version.

People wouldn't disagree with me when I say that Rick Deckard is one of Harrison Ford's greatest characters. Of course, he shows signs of his gruff persona (both on-screen and off-screen), yet he grows more enlightened to replicants the more he delves into investigating them. The biggest question is whether or not Deckard himself is a replicant. For me, I don't have a definite answer but I am leaning towards yes since his eyes show light just like the other replicants in a couple of scenes. And that vision of the unicorn could be implanted since Deckard felt very sure when he saw the unicorn origami at the end. When Harrison Ford was asked that question, he didn't say yes or no; he just complimented the ambiguity of it. And for me, that's what it all comes down to, leaving it up for the viewer to decide.

Possible Legend connection?

Rutger Hauer as Roy Batty is such a fascinating character in how intimidating his presence is. He and other replicants want to find their creator Dr. Tyrell (Lloyd from The Shining) to expand their longevity. With him is Pris (Daryl Hannah) who encounters a toymaker named JF Sebastian (William Sanderson a.k.a. EB Farnum from Deadwood) who is Batty's ticket to find Tyrell. But when Tyrell says he can't prolong his lifespan, Batty brutally murders him. The climax involves Deckard going after Batty and Pris in Sebastian's place. Pris attacks Deckard with her acrobatic skills. I love how even her hair gets crazy when she throws herself on him. Deckard shoots Pris which leads to a violent and disturbing reaction. I wondered if it was a reference from Kill Bill Vol. 2 where Daryl Hannah's character had a similar reaction when she gets her other eye gouged out by Uma Thurman. Batty goes after Deckard in a very chilling game of cat and mouse. His howling makes my blood run cold. Deckard finds himself hanging on for dear life as Batty looks at him. But he saves Deckard and says one of the most brilliant improvised monologues in movie history.

"I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the darkness at Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time like tears in the rain. Time to die."

In summation, Blade Runner proves to be a much different and unique sci-fi product, much like Ridley Scott's Alien. The world is very bleak but very beautiful and it presents ideas that will be discussed for many years to come. Even though I've only watched it two times, I am more than eager to revisit and gain a lot more with every watch. It's like how I and a lot of other people felt about 2001. Most people didn't get it when it first came out, but after many years it is now hailed as the greatest sci-fi movie of all time. Watching the original Blade Runner made me very intrigued about Blade Runner 2049. I think Denis Villeneuve is the perfect director for this since he does ambiguous and visually stunning movies. Judging from the early buzz, it seems like the next chapter will do just as good.

RATING: COMPLETE APPROVAL (A+)