To put it simply: Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!

Rating: 10/10 (23 October 2005)

Blade Runner is without a doubt one of my favorite science fiction films. It is thematically deep and stunning to look at and the acting is overall very fine. My problem when writing this review is that I don't know where to begin because the film has so many elements which are all essential in understanding the film and the many symbols used in it. My review is mainly directed towards the director's cut version which in my opinion is the superior one.
Harrison Ford plays the main character or the protagonist and he does an excellent job. His character is darker than in both Star Wars and Indiana Jones and it works just as well. Ford delivers every line with confidence and sense of timing and basically produces a well rounded character. The acting isn't all there is to the character, however. If you look at the wardrobe of the character you will find that the long brown coat he wears resembles that of a detective from films in the 30s and 40s. A small thing but it helps define the character and brings some post modernism into the film. The same kind of characterization through wardrobe is used in many places in the film. Rachel (Sean Young) resembles a so-called 'femme fatale' from 30s detective/crime films with her neat hair and dark dresses. Sean Young's acting is impeccable and she delivers a stylized yet effective performance. Rutger Hauer has his (without a doubt) finest performance of his career as the antagonist. He steals every scene and even Harrison Ford has since admitted that he had trouble matching the intensity of Hauer. The supporting cast is good as well so acting wise the film is pretty flawless.
The film is visually stunning as well. Every scene is cramped with atmosphere and tension and even today more than 20 years later the film is still a visual feast. There are some who would say that Blade Runner is an example of style over substance and I am almost inclined to agree because the film really is stunning to look at. Ridley Scott's vision of the future is dystopian at best and as the camera pans over the futuristic landscape of Los Angeles you cannot help but feel a sense of dread at how depressing and ugly the world looks and strangely this is a good thing. The fact that the film makes you feel something is a clear cut sign of how brilliant it really is. Scott's ability to make people feel with nothing but images is quite simply awe inspiring. If the thematic enigmas do not spellbind you then at least marvel at the visual accomplishments. Along with the visual style the sound track of the film is also highly innovative and different. The sound definitely helps in creating the mood of the film.
As previously stated the film is highly philosophical but every person should watch the film and come to their own conclusion about the film. It would be wrong of me to impose my analysis and conclusions upon future viewers because you should definitely see this film with an open mind and you should definitely see it at least twice so as to get all the nuances of the film. Suffice to say there is enough thematic material (including quite a few bible references) to keep a philosophical conversation going for quite some time. If you don't believe me check the film out and find out for yourself.
Blade Runner stands for me as Ridley Scott's finest hour. The film has everything needed to become a classic and it delivers in both style and substance. A deep involving story, a great cast, fabulous visual elements and above all the film makes you think and it raises some interesting (and relevant) issues. Blade Runner is one my all time favorite films and I recommend it to all people with a philosophical vein, those who are not afraid to think and of course fans of science fiction movies.
10/10 - on my top 5 of best films.