Classic Science Fiction
Main Cast: Michael York, Richard Jordan, Jenny Agutter, Peter Ustinov
Director: Michael Anderson
Plot Summary: In the future, because of a world holocaust people are not allowed to live over the age of 30. At that age they either are Renewed or go on the run. Sandmen, police who hunt these runners down, uphold the law. But when one Sandman learns the truth, he becomes a runner himself.
This is a classic. What appears to be an idyllic or perfect society on the surface turns out to be flawed in some nasty way. In the case of this movie, all those that are “renewed” are really just killed to make room for the up-and-coming young ones. The Sandmen are dupes, hunting down those who wish to be free and either hauling them back or killing them outright.
Logan 5 (York) is a Sandman, a perfect hunter. Initially he is a perfect solider, but as he hunts the runners down and learns of their society- and what may happen to the “renewed”- he becomes plagued with doubt. That isn’t good when you are suppose to be doing your job. His partner Francis 7 (Jordan) has no qualms, and of course they turn into enemies as the story progresses.
I enjoyed how this society was presented: while the special effects may be slightly dated, as are the costumes, it doesn’t detract from the story. It isn’t your typical action flick, but a slow building sci-fi drama with action elements. In that it reminds me of the The Fifth Element, where action isn’t central to the story – but it delivers both action and drama in a good way. And the trek across the barren wasteland around Washington, D.C. where Logan and Jessica 6 (Agutter, the required female love interest) meet the eccentric professor (perfectly played by Ustinov) is nicely done.
Overall this is a great flick, classic sci-fi, entertaining and thought provoking.
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