Blade Runner 2049 review
The viewing experience for many in regards to the first Blade Runner is often a confusing and not always satisfying time. Between a lackluster theatrical cut and the classic final cut, chances are you had to watch the film a few times to get to the "right" one. Fortunately, Blade Runner 2049, a late but deserving sequel, should provide an amazing experience the first time audiences see it.
Director Denis Villeneuve (Arrival, Sicario) brings Ridley Scott's beloved sci-fi spectacle back to life some thirty years later in Blade Runner 2049. This time around, audiences are treated to a near three hours of visual masterpiece led by Ryan Gosling. He plays "K," a blade runner or future cop meant to hunt down replicants, aka a species of manufactured humans designed for slave labor who are capable of overpowering their creators. Without revealing too much, K is led down a path that expands on the already immersive universe regarding humanity's desire for replicant destruction, as well as the fates of the memorable characters from the 1982 film.
This universe is only improved by Villeneuve and veteran cinematographer Roger Deakins' knack for creating stunning environments. If the Blade Runner franchise does not intrigue you, the groundbreaking filmmaking is enough to warrant buying a ticket. Being able to create such opulent scenery in such a bleak, dystopian setting is an achievement (reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick's master style). Being able to do so while balancing endless characters and reinventing a pre-established universe? Now that is a rare and unparalleled cinematic triumph.
For being a genre movie essentially about officers in flying cars hunting android-esque humans, the Blade Runner world is actually known for its simplicity. 2049 is able to maintain subtlety and beauty despite its grand set pieces and monumental score by Hans Zimmer. The actors involved are all perfectly somber for the setting, veterans and newcomers alike, and the performances help to further elevate the material.
Ryan Gosling has proven with films like Drive that he is as good at playing a quiet, haunted man as a sarcastic pretty boy. He carries almost the whole film and is not outshined by some of his costars with louder performances. Harrison Ford is also back as Rick Decker (not a spoiler if you have seen the poster or trailer) and seems to no longer carry a disdain for revisiting past roles as he gives what is sure to become one of his most iconic performances. 2049 carries his character to new places, but not without making sure his previous gruff pessimism remains.
Newcomers Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks and Carla Juri stand up to, if not occasionally overshadow, some of the known actors in the cast like Jared Leto and Robin Wright and ultimately help to convey the strong themes of femininity and reproduction that run deep throughout the movie. While the lead belongs to a man, Gosling's character is shaped almost solely by the actions of strong women around him, leading to a refreshing scenario where men do not dictate the fate of the world. Even Leto's villain Wallace stays behind the scenes while his plans are enforced by Luv (Hoeks), a much more imminent piece of the story.
Blade Runner 2049 might not be a film for all audiences, but is a technical masterpiece that will stand the test of time. This is not an action-packed film, nor a romance nor crime thriller nor anything else that draws sales in these days, but it is invigorating to see a big-budget feature actually have something to say, a-la Mad Max: Fury Road. The distinguished humanistic themes of the original Blade Runner are revived thirty years later in a breathtaking way. This is a sequel that not only builds upon its source, but manages to stand on its own all the same.
Blade Runner 2049 is rated R for violence, some sexuality, nudity and language and stars Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright, Jared Leto, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Carla Juri and Dave Bautista.
Image by Warner Bros. Pictures
