Ridley Scott's breathtaking look into the future

Rating: 9/10 (7 June 2012)

First of all, I must mention that I strongly urge you to watch Blade Runner Director's Cut, as it doesn't include the distracting and unnecessary narration, and offers a truly great ending, one that's in adequate correlation with the tone and character of the whole picture.
I have always admired Ridley Scott's uncanny abilities that allow him to create an intangible idea of a distant universe in his own mind and then recreate it as a directorial masterpiece. Even though that the world presented in Alien and the one shown in Blade Runner are different, they connect in an apparent manner, which instantly makes the viewer realize that this is precisely Scott's outstanding creation.
After a spectacular introduction to a cyber-punk Los Angeles of the 2019, the viewer is quickly drawn into a fantastic sci-fi plot, made up of the smallest, most gripping details. The beauty of this film lies in the fact that it's mainly the intelligent idea that builds up this thrilling story, not spectacular battles, special effects, or unreal creatures.
Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) is forced to start a dangerous mission, which involves hunting replicants, human clones that got out of control somewhere in the process and must be terminated immediately (a nice swap for the word 'kill', I must say). As the viewer roams around the city with Deckard, he is introduced to some of the most brilliant minds, and some of the most devious characters, that combine to make an utterly impetuous mix of views and prospects. Deckard is able to hunt down all of the four clones that are running on the city's territory, but before he is be able to finally get rid of them he is taken on a tantalizing ride of a lifetime, one that will change his opinion about the situation of the entire human kind. And the viewer comes along, able to enjoy the magnificent landscape of LA of the future (note, it's not hard to notice the resemblance pictured in The Fifth Element).
Harrison Ford definitely in one of his best roles, as a seemingly lifeless man, who somehow manages to change his attitude during the assignment and realize that not only is he about to become a sort of redemption for the town and its community, but also that he may find true love along the way.
The whole meaning and complexity of the storyline is implicated with various philosophical references and penetrating implementations of scary visions, which may actually come to life one day. All of this is strengthen with the masterful play on vividly sombre tone, visual experiences, eerie background music, and characteristic atmosphere that surrounds us all the time. And paradoxically, the slow sequences that emerge sometimes are actually only increasing the pace.
The final confrontation between Rick and Roy (Rutger Hauer), the strongest and most intelligent of the replicants bunch, is just a cherry on top, so to say. It's definitely one of the best duels in the history of movies (the moment, when he breaks Rick's fingers in an act of revenge - probably one of the most memorable scenes ever). At the right moment, we discover that even Roy is capable of developing some human emotions, which leads to a very interesting and surprising conclusion.
All in all, it's safe to say that Blade Runner is one of the most magnificent and clever science- fiction movies ever created. It's deep message, fascinating cinematography, and strong storyline will astound everyone. I highly recommend it.