Blade Runner (1982)

I would give it zero stars if i could.

Unbelievably terrible movie, and a terrible transfer. I'd go into more detail, but that would require that i think about the movie again, and i refuse to make myself do that. December 26, 2008

"Director Cut" is horrible

99% of the time when I buy a "Directors Cut", the movie is improved and usually the added footage makes it more enjoyable if you are a big fan of the movie anyway. This is a completely different movie. It's funny; the one thing in the original movie that has been copied in countless movies is the narrative "feel", and this has been removed in the directors cut. I am going to try to sell this because I will never watch it again. November 10, 2008

Great movie, but unbox version is Decker narrating version...

I love Blade Runner. But my 3 star rating has to do with version unbox downloaded for rental. I'm not hip to the names of the various versions, but I had heard there was one with an annoying Decker narration... FYI - The version provided through unbox is, of course, that one. I think it was essentially added to the film to help those who like their films spoonfed - maybe for tv/cable release. I'm kind of annoyed about this because it is totally distracting. August 17, 2008

Not as good as I remember.

I remember seeing this movie when I was a senior in high school. I thought it was pretty good at the time.

Looks dated and weird now. I didn't enjoy it. Does not hold up well over time. Not my favorite movie.

Don't waste your time watching this. Go find a good hobby like building bird houses or making beer. August 17, 2008

The definition of humanity.

What makes you human? Is it the flesh, bones, blood, and brain matter in your body? Or is it the experiences, emotions, the love, the joys, the angers, and the remorses? Would you be in the wrong to be a little angry if you found out you were manufactured for someone else's short-term use and want to confront, hurt, even KILL the "God" that put you in this position?

'Blade Runner' asks all of these questions in front of a stunning backdrop of a dystopian future and a haunting, mesmerizing, almost sensual soundtrack by Vangelis. Mankind is depicted as dejected, dreary, and living day by day with seemingly no purpose in a globalized world of super-technology, futuristic cars and billboard signs, etc. The dehumanazation of man with the rise of technological and capital growth is strong here.

The greater question of what defines humanity is asked when Rick Deckard (in an excellent subdued role by Harrison Ford), retiring police force "blade runner", is assigned to a final mission before his retirement, where he has to find and kill four "replicant" androids who escaped from a technological colony and have killed since their escape. Deckard grudgingly embarks on this quest. A romantic subplot intertwines him with a prototype replicant named Rachael (who doesn't know she is a replicant) and some more philosophical questions are asked.

The emotionality of this film is just timeless. The film deals with the aforementioned questions of humanity as well as the ambiguity of clear-cut terms of "good" and "evil" and if they truly have any meaning at all, as well as the theme of alienation. The final soliloque delivered by Rutger Haurer, who plays the leader of the four replicants, is among the most haunting, timeless, and tear-inducing lines in cinematic history. It delivers an emotional punch like nothing else. And again, all this tension/emotion coupled with Vangelis' soundtrack and the romantic overtones of Deckard and Rachael gives for an extremely beautiful and dark atmosphere. I've heard one reviewer describe the vibe and visuals of th film as "the most beautiful nightmare you've ever head." I don't think you could give a better summary in one sentence.

A flop upon its release (like many all-time classics), its appreciation didn't solidify much until its VHS release shortly after, whereupon it grew to be a cult classic and recognized as one of the best movies ever made. Essential doesn't even begin to say anything. But....essential. July 28, 2008

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