Tears in the Rain.

Rating: Null/10 (17 February 2003)

This film has been hailed as one of the best sci-fi films ever made, and I have to agree. I must make it clear first off that I prefer the original video release version to the Director's Cut. I was glad that a writer in a film magazine agreed with me that the Director's Cut wasn't that good. I don't care what anyone else says, I stand by my decision!
SPOILER WARNINGS!
The performances are all very good. Rutger Hauer is a truly tragic character as Replicant leader Roy Batty. You really feel for him. His death scene is truly moving. Harrison Ford is quite good as Deckard as is Sean Young as the Replicant he falls in love with. The other Replicants aren't developed much, but I'm sure that Brion James, Daryl Hannah and Joanna Cassidy (WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT) fulfilled all that was required of them. M. Emmet Walsh and Edward James Olmos are good in their roles as the two main cops, but they too are underdeveloped. The production design has to be the best aspect of the film as the dystopian LA of the future is brought to life excellently. The film is also brilliantly underscored by Vangelis.
Many people complained about Harrison Ford's voiceover in this picture, but I actually like it as it clears up some plot points and make Deckard's feelings more clear to the audience. And about all that stuff about the Unicorn Dream bit in the DC implying that Deckard may be a Replicant (which Ridley Scott revealed was true a couple of years ago). Well, it could be true, but it's implied in the original cut as well. When Sean Young asks Deckard if he ever took one of the 'Voight-Kampff' tests (tests which try to prove if you're a Replicant), he does not answer, because of course he hasn't. That, for me was an implication.
I admit that I like happy endings, and the happy ending of BLADE RUNNER makes sense. Because Rachel believed herself to be human, Tyrell did not program her to terminate after four years, and the same could be said about Deckard. This, in my opinion makes sense and humanises Tyrell to some degree as it shows that he must have had some compassion for the Replicants after all.
Well, you decide for yourselves which version you like the most, but I just wanted to state where I stand. All in all, though, BLADE RUNNER is a must for sci-fi fans!