Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Written by: Hampton Fancher, Michael Green
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas
IMDb Link
This is how you make a sequel to a thirty five-year old cult classic that became the progenitor of cyberpunk as we know it and is still worthy of discussion to this day. Blade Runner 2049 is a movie that lives up to the standard of its predecessor, telling a new story with new questions that build on the story and questions offered us by the first film.
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Thirty years on from the events of the first film, 2049 follows young Replicant Blade Runner K (Gosling) as he investigates and unravels a long-buried secret. That's all you need to know about this movie in terms of plot; it's a well-told mystery that doesn't need to be spoiled here.
This film looks immaculate. The visuals of this film draw from its predecessor and its own incredible visuals for the film's design and colour, and everything about how the film looks is gorgeous, sometimes to the point of being astounding. The world is changed, dirtier than before, but with more neon light to distract from it; the visuals work to reflect similar changes in the Blade Runner world.
The sound also indicates and reinforces this change, keeping music that homages the first in many ways but offers a more industrial touch. While I preferred the synth-noir style of the original, there's no denying that the music here packs more of a punch to punctuate this film's slightly more emotionally poignant take.
The pacing is a slow burn, deliberate but subtle in its every move, keeping you in the dark but curious as long as it needs to, constantly engaging despite its near 3-hour running time. Even the smallest pieces are carefully handled, allowing for attachment and care in unexpected ways, and even though one or two things seem a little out of order, they're not out of place.
A caveat for the experience of this movie, however, is seeing the first one. While it's not necessary to understand what's going on, the events and themes for the first film are the reason for the events and themes of this one. Not only does everything that happens in this film have more weight if you have seen and understood the first film, this film in turn gives more meaning to the first film, and together they offer great detective stories wrapped in philosophical discussion about A.I., the nature of the soul and the meaning we give life, while building each other up as excellent movies.
The Verdict: Blade Runner 2049 is an excellent follow-up to the original that builds on its ideas in every productive way. I highly recommend that you see this film, though I do stress the positive impact that seeing the first will have on the experience.
Rating: 8.5/10
Published October 5th, 2017
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