For a film made in 1982, Blade Runner has lost none of its' depth, pace or topicality. Where is science taking us? Are we ready? Sure?
Based loosely (VERY) on the Phillip K. Dick book 'Do androids dream of electric sheep?' (read it to comprehend the title!), Blade Runner stands as a modern twist on Frankenstein, a warning of biotechnology out of control, and of the whirlwind to be reaped by the masters of slaves. The casting is spot-on, I can't think of anyone better for any of the key character roles, their performances all believable. The script is well-trimmed of fat, all business.
The musical score, by Vangelis, is worth aquiring on CD (Orchestral treatments are also available.)
The direction? From the eye behind Gladiator, Black Rain, Alien, White Squall, yes, you're in Very Good Hands.
In the opening scenes, as hover-cars fly over the rain-soaked city, Ridley Scott, Great God of Direction, shows us a huge gas flare, it's reflection curving over a characters' eye. Just one masterful touch of so many. His camera-work is so precise at hitting the mood for every scene. All interiors, and it seems exteriors, are either gloom or too-harsh neon. Society aches.
Politics have failed. Post-apocalypse, with most now Off-World, on planets which are tamed and serviced by Genetically Modified 'Replicants', products of the huge Tyrell Corporation. Problem. The new generation have become sentient, and want the answers we all do. Who am I, where am I from, how long have I got? Some make it to Earth, where their prescence warrants their immediate retirement (execution.) If Will Deckard, weary bounty-hunter, can't do it, then more 'little people', citizens like you and me, will die, just for crossing their path. This is not easy work! He must find and kill them, but they hit hard and fast, they will bring the fight to him, and he must dig deep just to stay alive.
A complication is the newest prototype, made in the image of the niece of the corporations' founder, and the emotions she is stirring in Deckard. Her vunerability tugs at his heart.
The ring leader of the pack is a cutting-edge piece of work, a full-on combat machine, an equal mind and superior body to his creators, bought to menacing life by Rutger Hauer in his surely his best performance.
Despite their violent actions, you are compelled toward an empathy for the replicants - if you can't feel anything, well that's the difference between them and us, isn't it?
Or is it?
Watch to the final frame, and ask yourself where we are headed.