Like tears in rain: Deep and impacting homage to the original

Rating: 9/10 (21 November 2018)

I have to concede that I was wrong on this movie. I have just watched it for the second time and now am conceding that it is an exceptional film, having at first been disappointed. I guess like the first film you need to watch this more than once to fully enjoy it, but I'm sure there will also be plenty of people who enjoyed it from the first watch.
I'm a devotee to the original movie, and a sequel filled me with some dread. Concerned of what they were to do with the sequel, the storyline is admittedly quite heavy. The idea of replicant reproduction and its existential impact on the world is not exactly something I'd ever thought of before. Again as with the original, we are at the coalface of a future world, which in 2049 has destroyed its environment and is held together by technology. The world has progressed, but mankind hasn't.
Our lead (Ryan Gosling) is excellent as the lonely man with only his avatar girlfriend for company who as a Blade Runner has stumbled upon a mystery that he has to investigate for himself as much as the authorities.
The film is very long, it's very beautiful but give it a chance and you'll be engrossed. Just make sure you make a lot of time for it, as unlike its predecessor it's a long viewing with a lot to try to understand. A myriad of characters in this mostly amoral world who despite having power are emotionally unsatisfied. That's one crux of the film, but you'll find various other themes.
It hasn't to date and will not have the impact of its predecessor, but it doesn't appear to attempt to do so. For cerebral viewing, truly it is up there with some of the best in many a year, and that is the best compliment you can give it. Another truly special movie.
If you don't enjoy it first time, then please like me give it time to watch it again and you'll soon find that you will change your mind.