A philosophical sci-fi

Blade Runner (1982)

I remember watching this movie during the carefree days of post-STPM examinations. It was one of the films that my friends and I managed to watch through a then-new contraption called VCR using VHS tapes.

One thing that struck me then was the rampant use of Chinese in the film's billboards and the hawker food stalls. It was, however, set in Los Angeles.Was it a subtle message that the Chinese culture would prevail in the year 2019? The world is an Orwellian type of dark, wet and chaotic world where pandemonium ruled, and police are kings whilst the big corporations rule. Clones of men called replicants are used to do menial and dangerous works, especially those that involve work in outer space. They are outlawed to be on Earth. Blade Runners are law enforcement officers specific to apprehend them.

Four replicants made it back and pose a threat. Basically, they came back to get their makers to extend their lifespan. You see, they are only made to serve for four years, and every replicant has a shelf life. That is where our hero, Rick Deckard ( Harrison Ford) comes in. He is the best-known Blade Runner but left the force because he could not stomach all those killing. So starts the cat and mouse hunt for the replicants. In the process, there is also a new generation clone Nexus 6 replicant which has more human qualities and becomes the hero's love interest. This sci-fi offering is quite a cerebral offering with questions regarding the purpose of life and issues about death. The dialogue is quite philosophical giving the whole film a noir feel.

Memorable quote:

Roy (Replicant): I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I've watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those ... moments will be lost in time, like tears...in rain. Time to die.

Deckard: [voiceover] 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 was the same answers the rest of us want. Where do I come from? Where am I going? How long have I got? All I could do is sit there and watch him die.