When Androids Cry
Main Cast: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Daryl Hannah
Director: Ridley Scott
An atmospheric look into the future, this Ridley Scott helmed sci-fi classic packs quite a punch and delivers both action and philosophical questions. Harrison Ford stars as Rick Deckard, a retired police officer who held the title of Blade Runner, an elite commando who terminated rogue androids (or “replicants”). Apparently four have returned to Earth from their proper place in off-planet colonies and may want to confront their maker, Eldon Tyrell (played by Joe Turkel).
The feel of this future is dirty and worn, with super-techno gizmos filling the streets and masses of people going about their business. Most are poor and seem as tired as Deckard, perfectly played by Ford. The movie may seem slow to action-movie fans of today, but the story is weighty and requires the time to develop slowly and thoughtfully. And Deckard’s confrontation with the lead replicant, Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer), is taunt and unforgettable.
The film is adapted from the Philip K. Dick novel, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? One of the first films ever released on DVD (due to the existence of a Director’s Cut – made available in 1992 – and the popularity of the film), it is considered by many to be one of the best science fiction movies of all time, despite receiving mixed reviews back in 1982. Despite three additional novels and rampant rumors of a film sequel, there has remarkably been no remake of Blade Runner to date.
Blade Runner is a keeper and a must-see for all sci-fi fans, and I highly recommend it.
Leave a Reply