Blade Runner (1982)

Entertainment Rating: 3 of 5

This really wasn’t what I was expecting. It definitely was intense at moments, particularly the last fight/chase scene. I’d really have to say that the end of the movie is what made it a bit more enjoyable. I’m not sure why it’s hailed as one of the best. It’s like a hybrid of Terminator, 2001: Space Odyssey, and Minority Report (the last of which being the only one I enjoyed). Supposedly it’s the cinematography that made it great, and I have to agree, I didn’t feel like I was watching an 80’s movie, with exception to the soundtrack.

Moral Rating: 3 of 5

80% of the way through the movie I was wondering what really was the purpose behind the show. I understood some of the science fiction elements that were presented, and particularly liked the fact that the genre can present situations with androids (sometimes aliens) that, though not human, are really quite central to human belief and experience.

Deckard’s realization at the end (something that he slowly comes to throughout the course of the movie) is rather poignant (especially since Deckard’s thinking it with regards to the android he was just trying to kill - and who was also trying to kill him):

“I don't know why he saved my life. Maybe in those last moments he loved life more than he ever had before. Not just his life - anybody's life; my life. All he'd wanted were the same answers the rest of us want. Where did I come from? Where am I going? How long have I got? All I could do was sit there and watch him die.”

How much do we really love life? With all the aches and pains, joy and happiness, we need to continually strive to find the answers of what it is we should be learning with every experience we gain in life.

The last line of the movie also makes a strong point:

“Gaff had been there, and let her live. Four years, he figured. He was wrong. Tyrell had told me Rachael was special. No termination date. I didn't know how long we had together... Who does?” (emphasis added)

We never know how long we will be with anyone. Friends come and go, loved ones pass on, the time we spend with everyone around us should be valued as if it were the last. It’s much easier said and understood than acted upon. Pride steps in and keeps us from sharing our emotions, robbing us of emotional bonds that could have enriched our lives. We need to live our lives, not as a dress-rehearsal, but as a final production where every choice and action we take affects our final destiny.