Blade Runner (1982)

 

Disclaimer: this review is based on the Director's Cut, not the theatrical release or the ultimate version. Yes, there is an insane amount of versions of this film available. They're all excellent, but my preference goes out to the first Director's Cut, just so you know.

Set in the distant future of 2019 (yes, really), the world is pretty much a disorienting mess. Nearly everything is city, pollution runs rampant, it is always raining and many people are enticed to head out into space to one of the colonies. To make these colonies habitable, and for slave labour, the Tyrell Corporation has invented Replicants. These are genetically grown and engineered people that are just used for war or labour, nothing else. They are incredibly close to humans, but so they won't become too self aware, the company built in a failsafe: Replicants only live 4 years, tops. Rogue Replicants are hunted down and destroyed by special police officers called 'Blade Runners'. 

Rick Deckard is one of those Blade Runners, but he has retired. However, when several Nexus 6 Replicants make it to Earth, he is brought out of retirement, because he is the best at what he does. Even if it isn't pretty. He meets Eldon Tyrell, who introduces Deckard to Rachael, a Replicant, but the most advanced ever seen. Deckard is smitten with her, and she with him, even if he knows she probably won't live long enough. But he also has a job to do.

Meanwhile, the Replicants, led by Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer) are trying to get to Tyrell in order to prolong their lifespan. But when he tells Roy this isn't possible, Roy kills him. Now it becomes a play between Deckard and Roy, that culminates not only in a great chase sequence in the dilapidated Bradbury Building, but also to one of the best monologues in film history. 

Yes, the "Tears in the rain"-monologue that Roy gives. 

This all leads Deckard to realize that he might have been on the wrong side all this time, and he elopes with Rachael, hoping to find a better life. Or at least, a less conspicuous one.

This is Ridley Scott at the top of his game. Not only does the film look tremendous, it's style has influenced so many science fiction creators, it is almost uncanny. It is coupled with a brilliant score by Vangelis, that emphasizes the artificial nature of pretty much everything in this world. You just keep gazing at the backgrounds and designs throughout. They are gorgeous and best of all: believable. 

The acting is extremely solid. Harrison Ford is our reluctant lead, in that he clearly doesn't enjoy his job but does what has to be done because he is so darn good at it. Sean Young as Rachael brings real humanity to her part, as she discovers she is an artificial construct, yet feels and thinks like a human. After all: what is it exactly like to be human? Judging by the Replicants, they might be more human than human. Except Leon (Brion James). Dude is awesome, but clearly a total psycho. 

But by far thé best performance bar none in this film comes from Rutger Hauer as Roy Batty. He has a desperate plan, and is incredibly angry and saddened when nothing works out the way he would like. The final battle between him and Deckard is just that: desperation and knowing that he won't make it after all. That is why his monologue on the rooftops is so touching: it comes straight from the heart from someone who knows he has nothing left and will die anyway. Trust me: this scene will bring tears to your eyes.

Even if they will disappear with time, like tears in the rain. 

Absolute masterpiece and a must-see piece of cinema, even if you don't like science fiction.