The best science fiction release since Matrix--a true masterpiece!

Rating: 10/10 (4 June 2018)

I saw it for the first time only recently after skipping it for a few months after its release and all the hoopla has quieted down. If I find this movie in an IMAX near me I will go and see it again in a heartbeat-- but that is unlikely and still do not regret it. Marketing surrounding its release may have misaligned expectations that led to somewhat poor word of mouth from puzzled early movie goers. Understandable--this is a hard movie to market--It would have been hard to like this movie (even for many cerebral moviegoers) when expectations were shaped of a typical summer blockbuster that service a transient entertainment. A la generic superhero move entertainment that is so common these days...a sort of fast food experience....you know what you expect, you know the feeling when the movie ends and you know you will forget it in a minute). It you do not get this the reaction is usually negative. And this is from someone who actually thought Thanos focused infinity wars was a much superior movie and as entertaining as the first Iron Man. Anyhow those movies along with many other Marvel/DC releases are (as empty as they are) happen to be cash machines and have their place but they are not in the same league as the BR2049 or the Matrix in my humble opinion.
This movie is a great mystery that develops the character Arc of Gosling's through the movie just as Matrix was about Neo's arc. No spoilers here but it is important to make it clear that there is no similarity in their character. My emphasis is on the "development arc". And therefore in both the movies the payoff is great and it should sustain even when the special effects (eventually) will get dated. This is why Shakespeare is so enduring. It is a drama. The genius of Matrix was that it was about the character of Neo and how he is shaped by and shapes his immediate world and how he becomes aware of his capabilities as the movie progresses through some amazing set pieces. Without going into details/spoilers for others like myself who avoided this masterpiece so far-- suffice to say the Blade Runner is about Goslings discover of himself --who is he really? and Because of the sensitivity of this topic and the higher complexity of his character (compared to Neo) the run time is very much justified (it is ok for one to stop the movie for a day in between if needed as the movie pacing takes time to get used to--it is still enriching). But even when Gosling's character is silent pay attention to his superhuman sense of hearing, ultrafast processing of information, assessing his options and choosing the next step. His actions, small walks in the same scene, mannerisms are anything but random. He is almost so fast that even in physical dangers which are sudden it is hard to rattle him or surprise him. When you follow the movie through his experiences the run time actually feels short. Yes. And unlike Neo there is much less help for him...he has to fight the danger and simultaneously discover himself, process his emotions after the knowledge mostly on his own. Of course Joi serves as his love interest as well as doubles as Lawrence Fishburn-like character that actually hints at his capabilities. Their interaction is genius and the chemistry between the two --laconic Gosling and expressive Joi is something to behold. You buy his love for this virtual marvel. Big credit to both for delivering on this.
Similarly other two unforgettable characters are Luv and Harrison Ford Deckard. Luv is an amazing, ruthless, and certainly fearsome villain. She sells the stakes against Gosling's character effortlessly. Ford's Deckard is an incredible tour de force. He chews up scenery and has not lost any of his charisma...There is a reason Ford is an iconic star--pay attention to his cryptic answer and mannerism when Gosling asks whether the dog is real--- he elevates this simple exchange the only way he can.
There are some flaws as they are bound to be in such a complex enterprise but I think they do not distract from the pleasure of this movie. Slow burn pacing, expert Direction, Cinematography, strong characters along with Goslings laconic moodiness makes this movie a most entertaining experience. Fully recommended.