Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

User Review

• 

  Barneyonmovies

  9 / 10

  WHAT I LIKED: A cinema experience like this really is a rare thing, for 'Blade Runner 2049' is a film that slowly and brilliantly hooks and affects you and truly transports you to another world in a state of awe, intrigue and pure, undying attention to an extent that very few manage. Now of course the first 'Blade Runner' did that extremely well as Ridley Scott built such an incredibly realised world and premise, but the way this sequel builds on that and delves deeper and arguably more seriously into its predecessor's themes, it's own characters and even more impressive dystopian world is frankly unprecedented. Yes this is perhaps an even more hard-hitting experience than before, and that partly comes from Ryan Gosling's gritty performance of a very different character to Deckard, but also from the hugely slow pacing which allows you to consider and invest in the unfolding events whilst building a real relationship with the characters, themes and world. The attention brought to these elements is only possible though thanks to the standard of everything on display, and in particular there huge credit should be awarded to all who worked on the impeccable world (and atmosphere) building; from director Denis Villeneuve, to cinematographer Roger Deakins, to those behind what is probably the best sound design I've ever encountered and the incredible score that does a huge amount of the work transporting the film to a state of pure transcendence.
  But perhaps more so than its sheer atmospheric, thematic and emotional significance, what makes this sequel so good is that it's hugely respectful to Blade Runner, delves deeper into everything in the that film without answering too many questions, and also stands on its own two feet in a hugely confident and assured way, and in the end its sheer impact and its overall success brought me to tears. This isn't just a worthy follow-up, it's probably - just like its predecessor - one of the great science fiction films of all time.
  WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: Where the film gives time to consider an awful lot, as it builds into the third act it becomes rather noticeable and confusing that there are moments where plot is conveniently tied up without any of the attention that everything else gets.
  VERDICT: A captivating, mind-blowing and down-right brilliant film that transports you to a state of pure engagement - 'Blade Runner 2049' really is close to the best that it could be, and I really really need to see it again.

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