Rick Deckard is given an assignment to 'retire' several biologically engineered fugitives.
I love Blade Runner for it's visual beauty, themes and how it mixes two of my favourite movie genres: noir and sci-fi.
The plot follows Deckard as he hunts replicants, falls in love and questions his own humanity. It moves deliberately slow, allowing you to take in all the sights and sounds of 2019 Los Angeles (as imagined in 1982), whilst pondering some of the themes it presents.
If you want to know more about the philosophical themes in significant depth, I suggest you google 'Blade Runner Themes and Motifs'. A simple Welshman like myself would for the purpose of a review rather scratch the surface and say that the imagery and dialogue associated with what defines a sentient being and what makes us human is compellingly portrayed. The device used to explore these themes is the genetically engineered humanoid life-form, the godlike status of its creator and the morally compromised nature of the ordinary human. Additionally the number of references to the eyes and linking of what we see and remember versus what is fake and reality, is cleverly mixed into the story.
The character of Roy Batty has been interpreted as both a religious and philosophical allegory, but these types of theories can be argued until the sheep come home. He is for me the most intriguing character in the movie and his final scene is one of the most memorable of all time. Along with Deckard, it made me actually wonder if there is any real difference between humans and replicants. He is portrayed wonderfully by Rutger Hauer who both looks and acts the part.
Deckard is impressively played by Harrison Ford, who is perfect for movies with such an emphasis on visuals. Ninety percent of Ford's power as an actor comes from his striking visual presence and soulful facial expressions. His scenes with Sean Young young are as emotionally touching as the action scenes are brutal.
One of Blade Runner's most memorable aspects is its depiction of 2019 Los Angeles, with its permanently dark rainy skies, overcrowding, neon lights, high concept technology, urban decay and environmental devastation. Take away the flying cars and off-world colonies and it's not far off an accurate prediction.
I could write for hours about the cinematography, artistic designs and special effects, but there's nothing I can say that would do it justice. You should watch every incredibly atmospheric frame of Blade Runner and absorb what Ridley Scott is showing you.
The much argued question of whether Deckard is a replicant or a human is interesting. There is evidence on both sides of the argument and you must watch the movie to decide. I ask myself, does it really matter? Personally, I think in the grand scheme of the movie it matters as much as whether Welshmen dream of inflatable sheep. If I had to decide though, I'd say that he is a replicant.
