Dystopia never looked so good

Rating: 10/10 (7 August 2007)

"Blade Runner" is among the best and most influential science fiction movies of all time. It has influenced countless stories set in "dystopian" futures with its depiction. It is not of the same stripe of science fiction as Star Wars or Star Trek, as its story is grounded in a grim Los Angeles of 2019. Some people may the film's brand of science fiction slow-paced due to its emphasis on slowly developing a story over action sequences, although the film does have a few well-placed action scenes. However, for those that can enjoy the unfolding of a science fiction detective story, "Blade Runner" is great.
The dim, smoky vision of Los Angeles in 2019 is mesmerizing and one you are unlikely to forget. Vangelis' score is very appropriate to match the setting and extremely memorable, and I particularly enjoyed the main title track and "Blade Runner Blues". Every performance in the film is excellent from Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard to the supporting cast. The engaging plot and characterization and the questions the film raises make the film suitable for repeat viewings.
There is considerable debate between which is better between the two cuts of the film currently available, the original theatrical cut and the director's cut. Both are worth seeing if possible. Harrison Ford's narration in the theatrical cut fills provides interesting details and is worth hearing at least once, but is not strictly necessary. I prefer the director's cut because I welcomed the scenes not in the theatrical cut and found the ending more appropriate.