One of the most prophetic and visually-imaginative films of all-time, Blade Runner is the definitive sci-fi neo-noir – with exhilarating action, iconic Ford-led performances, and complex dystopian themes/world-building decades ahead of its time. 9/10.
Full Review Coming Soon
Plot Synopsis: Deckard (Harrison Ford) is a retired Blade Runner forced by the police Boss (M. Emmet Walsh) to continue his old job and hunt down four escaped Replicants from the colonies who have returned to Earth. Before starting the job, Deckard goes to the Tyrell Corporation and he meets Rachel (Sean Young), a Replicant girl he falls in love with.
*Possible spoilers ahead*
Pros: Chilling opening and Replicant explanation, BREATHTAKING visual effects and cinematography – some of the best of All-Time, remarkably prophetic getting things right in its grim vision of the future like with pollution and the grandization of high-rises, marketing, and electronics that isn’t that far off from how cities like NYC Times Square are today 2 years before the movie is set , fantastic noir elements any cinemaphile will instantly recognize and appreciate like smoky back rooms and lighting, disgruntled private eyes, fascination with neon lights and signs, and rainy streets set in the night, incredibly transportive in setting a view of the future that, although flawed and dark, is still beautiful to behold, ICONIC performance by Harrison Ford as Deckard – one of the best and most complete of his entire career which is a large statement considering his resumé including moments like Han Solo and Indiana Jones, incredibly human in its dissection and analysis of emotion and Blade Runners vs. Replicants, great soundtrack and scoring with futuristic synths and tunes that fit the visuals, serious symbolism and imagery that has taken people years to fully analyze & understand (unicorn, anyone?), great performances all around by the supporting cast and Sean Young, some incredible action sequences like Deckard’s chase down of the Replicant snake-dancer, phenomenal wardrobe and make-up designs especially for the Replicants, truly frightening performance by Rutger Hauer as Batty – enough to give nightmares in the final sequence, high-octane climax that is epic, memorable, and leaves you satisfied, legacy that lives on to this day having influenced countless of sci-fi films and even how the modern city & future are designed/perceived by pop culture
Cons: about 20-30 min too long, the amount of versions confusing and hard to explain to newcomers (maintain that the Final Cut is the best version but arguments can be made for Theatrical & Directors’), pacing extremely slow at times with some very noticeable lulls in the middle act, some intensely violent and borderline unwatchable sequences like the eyes and nose removal scenes, disheartening atmosphere & social commentary you really have to be in the mood to watch & analyze
Official CLC Score: 9/10
