Blade Runner - The Director's Cut (1982)

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

Its only going to appeal to a certain type of audience

Blade Runner has gotten so much praise since its debut in 1982, and when it was released then, it was a box office disaster. Many years later, it has become a cult favorite, and I can see why, but, I believe its only going to appeal to a "certain type of audience" The movie looks fantasic, and the visuals are well done for a film from the early 80's. The flim doesnt use action as its key, but tons of dialogue and there a tons of hidden meanings in the film (which I had to look up) which at times make it confusing and a bit to over-whelming for a sci-fi movie. This will appeal to certain types, but please dont think this is a sci-fi action film, because it isnt. The first 50 minutes have no action, and the movie as a whole is just to dark and to over-complex for someone like myself who is only an average sci-fi fan. This was my first viewing of the film, so I decided on the directors cut, which I dont know if this might have made things more confusing for me, since I have read there is a big difference between the DC and the theatrical version. I also hear there are many different cuts of the film. I still appricate somethings that are done here, and that is why I give the film credit. This is the first time that I have praised a film so much that I hated (well most of it) This isnt some piece of trash,(once again why I couldnt give it one star) it has been praised by many film critics, but once again, there was nothing in this that tickled my fancy. Be warned that this is a complex movie you are getting yourself into, U might love it, but I think for an average fan of sci-fi with an over-complex plot, it is only a C-. For those that are really into deep thinking movies espcially SCI-Fi, then you will probely think its an A+ Masterpiece. July 16, 2008

BLADE RUNNER-Excellent Science Fiction Film

Blade Runner was a five star movie that had an exceptionally good plot. It also featured astounding special effects which were amazing to see on the big screen. Much of this work was done with large scale models and fog machines that really helped to establish the atmosphere and feel of the film visually. Several of the screen and sound effects were taken from Ridley Scott's Alien, including computer graphic screens and miscellaneous electronic sound effects. In addition, the sets, models, and costumes were wonderfully organic, as were the original sets of Giger's from Alien.

The story concerns humaniod robots in the first quarter of the 21st century that have intelligence and agility at least as great as that of the genetic engineers who designed them. The robots are called Replicants because they are physically equivalent to human beings down to their organs, blood and bone structure. The strength and speed of these androids is much greater than that of a human, and they can be a great deal of trouble to deal with.

The story takes for granted that such advanced robots possess true consciousness and are quite willing to fight and even kill human beings in order to continue their existance which has been intentionally limited to a life span of four years. This is one of the few robot films to come out of Hollywood which does not depend on Asimov's three laws of robotics for the story.

One new science fiction twist on robotics used in this film is the implanting of false memories of childhood, parents and a long prior existance. Though false, these implanted memories mean a great deal to the androids at the "emotional" level who carry photos of their false history, parents and childhood homes even when they are aware that these memories are false. This was a totally new concept to me as a long time fan of robots in science fiction film and gave me a new perspective on the value of memories.

The film stars Harrison Ford who plays a special law officer or Blade Runner. As a Blade Runner he is authorized to use deadly force in the pursuit of "Replicants" to terminate (or retire) them on the planet Earth where their use has been banned. The story becomes even more interesting when the Blade Runner falls in love with a beautiful female Replicant who is used to calibrate the andoroid detection software used by Blade Runner detectives.

One scene which was particularly effective involved Harrison Ford revealing to the female android that she is artificial, something she has been unaware of since activation because of her false memory implants. This is the scene in which Harrison Ford falls in love with this very beautiful "woman" because of her well portraid vulnerability, emotions and sadness at learning that she is artificial. She is deeply hurt and shattered by the new knowledge and the tough Blade Runner instantly falls in love when she breaks down and silently cries after hearing his revelation and convincing evidence. April 29, 2008

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