Bladerunner (1982)

Genres : Sci-fi, Cyberpunk, Drama 

Writer : Surya Turaga 

Date : 9th August, 2022 

A subtle yet timeless masterpiece, this movie is truly underappreciated. Based on the book ‘Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?’, this movie is one that masquerades as a sci-fi movie. Underneath, it ponders upon what it truly means to be human. 

Set in 2019, this story was one of the few of its time to depict the far future as being bleak and dying. It is the original cyberpunk, high tech and low life combined into a strange way of living. The best part is, the theme taken up by the movie is still relevant, to this day. 

The movie is centered around a corporation that manufactures clones, or replicants that are stronger and more resilient than humans. They were designed to carry out tasks that machines would. Tasks that were tough, dangerous, or strenuous. 

However, as they become smarter, you would begin to wonder what really separates these replicants from regular humans. This brings up many questions. How would you value their ‘life’? Are they alive? Recall the name of the book, that should keep you up, thinking about this. 

Sorry, I deviated. Anyway, the film itself exposes us to many deep and critical ideas, mainly what it means to be human. It touches upon creation, memories, love, and all the other things that would complete a ‘human’. 

It also embraces upon the darker side of humanity, showing a prominent social hierarchy throughout the film through the settings and camera movements. I do wish, however, the scenes were a little less subtle (and more confrontational with the audience) at times. 

Overall, this is a really deep and thought provoking movie. Don’t go into watching it with the hopes of casual entertainment (next one will be different lol). 

Surya-o-meter : 87%