Blade Runner 2049 – Film Review

Before going to see Blade Runner 2049, the follow up to the beloved 1982 classic film Blade Runner, I was excited to see what director Denis Villeneuve could bring to the table. At the same time, however, I was also extremely nervous, as the aforementioned original Blade Runner film is widely regarded amongst film fans like myself to be one of the greatest science fiction films ever made. I had already seen nearly all of Villeneuve’s films before seeing Blade Runner 2049, such as 2013’s Prisoners, 2015’s Sicario, and 2016’s Arrival to name a few, and I found each of those motion pictures to be fascinating. After witnessing Blade Runner 2049, I can honestly say that I feel as if this sequel is even better than the masterful original.

In the year 2049, an officer of the Los Angeles Police Department, Officer K (Ryan Gosling), is a “blade runner,” a job that requires the individual to hunt down and “retire” artificial robots designed to look exactly like human beings, known as “replicants.” Along the way, Officer K must learn certain secrets that were buried and covered up years ago, and, additionally, he must find a now retired blade runner named Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) for a specific reason.

I do not want to give any barely any plot points whatsoever when it comes to Blade Runner 2049, as it is a film that is absolutely best experienced if you do not know too much going into the film. As a matter of fact, before I saw Blade Runner 2049, I literally did not know anything about it, other than that it was a sequel to Blade Runner. There was a plethora of surprises that I genuinely never saw coming in this two hour and forty three minute film, and its story was also extraordinarily gripping and investing.

Ryan Gosling as Officer K in Blade Runner 2049 (2017).

That is another thing about this film – there is not a single dull sequence. For many audience members, a two hour and forty three minute film may be exhausting, and some may even tune out completely after a while. But, for me, I was always interested in where Blade Runner 2049 would go next with its brilliant storytelling.

Gosling gives one of the best performances of his entire career here as Officer K, a mysterious Los Angeles Police Department blade runner. His entire character throughout the film’s running time is kept mysterious for crucial reasons, and, reasons that I will not spoil, and when you finally learn about his character, it is enthralling.

Furthermore, Ford reprises his role as Rick Deckard from the previously mentioned original 1982 Blade Runner film. Believe it or not, but Ford gives an amazingly raw performance in Blade Runner 2049, and a performance that certainly tops the original portrayal of his in the original.

Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard in Blade Runner 2049 (2017).

The film also boasts absolutely beautiful and jaw-dropping cinematography from Roger Deakins. Out of all the films released thus far in 2017, there is no doubt in my mind that Blade Runner 2049 has the best cinematography. Every single frame is shot with precision and care, and it all looks visually stunning, and adds to the overall experience to the film.

Villeneuve also proves himself yet again to be a phenomenal director here. Every single scene present in Blade Runner 2049 serves a purpose. You may not pick up on it at first, but, if you look back at certain scenes in the film that did not make sense when you initially saw them, things will start to make more sense after you watch the entirety of the film. Villeneuve brilliantly further expands upon the world of Blade Runner this time around, and we get to see incredibly interesting and unique locations in this film that were not present in the first film.

Blade Runner 2049 tells a truly gripping story and has a brilliant sense of direction thanks to Denis Villeneuve. It also includes some truly phenomenal cinematography.

To watch my video review for Blade Runner 2049, please click this link: https://youtu.be/biZvFAYnx5g

Overall Grade: A+

MPAA Rating: R for violence, some sexuality, nudity and language

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks

Directed by: Denis Villeneuve

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures (United States), Sony Pictures Releasing (International)

Running Time: 163 minutes