Highlander (1986)

Highlander (1986)

1986 R 116 Minutes

Adventure | Action | Fantasy

He fought his first battle on the Scottish Highlands in 1536. He will fight his greatest battle on the streets of New York City in 1986. His name is Connor MacLeod. He is immortal.

Overall Rating

8 / 10
Verdict: Good

User Review

  • WHAT I LIKED: Beyond anything else what makes 'Highlander' the viable cult classic that it is is undoubtedly its self-aware humour, as this is a film that will genuinely have you smirking from start to finish. Yes because it delivers its ridiculous story and mad visual design with such sarcastic use of dialogue and music means it's quietly amusing without being laughable and allows you to revel in the madness far more than you might imagine. This is also helped by appropriate performances across the board (yes, even Sean Connery as an Egyptian works perfectly here) and a story that bubbles some smart themes under the surface, and in the end you're left with a very enjoyable, very 80s sci-fi classic that works because it always produces a smile.
    WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: All of that appeal does equally stop the film becoming hugely investing or genuinely thought-provoking, which definitely makes it feel as long as it is.
    VERDICT: Dry self-aware humour matched with crazy 80s visuals makes 'Highlander' a properly enjoyable film, if a relatively light watch for its overall length.