‘Masterpiece’ sci-fi based on classic novel hailed as ‘greatest ever’ | Films | Entertainment

A “masterpiece” sci-fi blockbuster based on an award-winning novel is streaming for free in the UK. Blade Runner (1982) is set in a dystopian pollution ravaged vision of Los Angeles in 2019, with a population made up of impoverished humans and synthetic beings created by a sinister corporation to do various forms of work, particularly undesirable tasks on off-world colonies.

Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard, a gruff former cop who is recalled to his duties after a group of highly sophisticated replicants kill their handlers and escape to earth, where they blend in with the human population. Deckard is tasked with locating and “retiring” the fugitives. The film also stars Rutger Hauer, Sean Young and Edward James Olmos. It was directed by iconic British filmmaker Ridley Scott. The screenplay was written by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples and based on Philip K. Dick’s celebrated 1968 book Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

A sequel, titled Blade Runner 2049 and directed by Denis Villeneuve was released in 2017.

Fans have taken to IMDb to shower the first installment of the story with praise, with one writing: “Blade Runner is a sci-fi masterpiece. It has almost everything in a good sci-fi flick; breathtaking effects, a deep and philosophical story, good characters, amazing atmosphere, and a great cast.

“Harrison Ford brings his A-game with this one. This is probably one of my favorite performances of his. In my opinion this is Ridley Scott’s best film, and one of my favorite movies period.”

Another, who gave the movie a 10/10, hailed it as the “best film ever” calling it “simply perfect”.

A third said they’ve seen “thousands of movies but Blade Runner is my favorite, my No. 1 movie ever”. “Even after all those years it looks impressive and fresh today,” they added.

“Everything is superb – from the Philip K. Dick’s idea to Ridley Scott’s direction, actors, Vangelis soundtrack and Syd Mead’s visuals. It’s deep, balanced, inspiring, a true cult movie.”

A fourth chimed in: “What can be said about this movie that hasn’t been said already. The story, world building, acting, effects and profound themes all work together to portray a story that is essentially asking the questions: what makes me a person, do my choices matter, what’s the difference between a man and a machine.

“It hasn’t been surpassed in the nearly 40 years that have passed since the making of this movie and probably won’t since. See for yourself!”

The film has a 15 certificate and contains strong violence, so viewer discretion is advised.

Bladerunner is streaming for free on BBC iPlayer. It’s also available on paid subscription services like Amazon Prime Video.