Visually stunning, thought provoking and incredibly moving.

Rating: 10/10 (18 September 2009)

Blade Runner stands as one of the most beautifully constructed and influential films for many film makers of all time, and after over a quarter of a century and many viewings, that beauty and awe has never faded. On the surface it may seem like an action movie, but when looked into more closely what can be seen is a deeply philosophical allegory on the concept of life. It's a gripping story of 'Blade Runner' detective Rick Deckard, hunting Replicants; robot slaves who have gone AWOL and returned to earth seeking one thing: a longer life after being designed with a four year life span. The setting, a rain soaked, neon hazed futuristic 2019 LA oozes an overpopulated, multi cultured, crime ridden world, thus giving the film a more dangerous and seedy feel. It's a world that looks like it's been lived in for a long long time, and for a film made in 1982 was way ahead of it's time and still looks impressive today.
The casting is pitch perfect, with Ford giving a strong, tough yet vulnerable presence as the uncertain Deckard, torn between killing Replicants yet falling in love with one. Rutger Hauer gives one of the best performances I have ever seen as the violent Roy Batty, who, though may seem frightening, evokes a sense of pity as the audience discover all this man really wants is more life. Rachael, the Replicant Deckard falls for, is played by Sean Young and she both succeeds in being absolutely beautiful yet giving off a robotic aura as she interacts with Deckard. The rest of the cast all put in amazing performances, notable mentions including Edward James Olmos as Gaff, Joe Turkel as Tyrell and the other Replicants.
Vangelis' soundtrack fits perfectly with the setting created in Blade Runner, whether showing swooping dazzling cityscape shots, or dim close-ups inside Deckard's shadowy apartment. It's tones, ranging from mellow, jazzy piano and horns to tender electrical synthesisers complement all the scenes perfectly, evoking the dark urban world on display.
Overall, for many Blade Runner is not only one of the best in science fiction but also one of the best films of all time. Considering it's difficult creation and eventful history, all the cast and crew, particularly director Ridley Scott, excelled themselves to bring us this wonderful piece of film-making that today still makes audiences question what it is to be human. "I've seen things you people wouldn't believe." Roy's famous quote could indeed be repeated when describing what Blade Runner is and has become.