Blade Runner 2049 Movie Review

Release Date: October 06, 2017

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright, Mackenzie Davis, Carla Juri, Lennie James, Dave Bautista, Jared Leto
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes    

Blade Runner 2049 is the sequel to the 1982 classic Sci-Fi movie with the same name (excluding 2049), which delved into the pertinent questions related to human existence and the possibility of humans being replaced with replicants. While the original movie had a relatively simpler narrative of eliminating the replicants and saving humanity, Blade Runner 2049 is a lot more complex in its storyline, core ideas that power the movie, soundtrack, and the visual template. The original movie told us a story that was set in the year 2019 and now, the newest version tells the story as it has unfolded 30 years later in 2049. Considering the tough questions it asks about human existence and the threats humanity faces from artificial intelligence (AI) and machines, the movie is a lot brainier than its predecessor.

Thirty years after blade runner Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) was almost killed by replicants, humanity continues to face the threat of replicants. The police department has reactivated their Blade Runner unit to hunt down replicants and now a new blade runner LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling) takes up the challenge. Officer K comes across a significant finding, which could lead the world into complete chaos. Now, he has to find Deckard, who has been missing for 30 years, to understand the big picture and attempt to save the world. Earlier, replicants were accused of causing a global famine and energy crisis, but Niander Wallace (Jared Leto), a blind industrialist had saved the world by resolving both the issues. He now produces obedient replicants that he lovingly calls as angels, which have helped humans and replicants to live in peace. However, some older replicants still exist and they pose a threat to world peace. Officer K will have to work with Deckard to eliminate the rogue replicants.

The beauty of Blade Runner 2049 lies in its disorientation. Director Denis Villeneuve has successfully built on the original story and presented a grander version of the largely linear storyline of the 1982 Blade Runner. Credit also goes to the captivating cinematography by Roger Deakins. He has already been nominated for multiple Academy Awards and will most probably be nominated for this one too. Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford share a good chemistry, in terms of the core theme wherein the younger generation seeks answers from the old.

If you liked the original Blade Runner, you will be delighted to watch this upgraded version. Blade Runner 2049 is grander, epic and will challenge your mind with several interesting and intriguing questions.