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Blade Runner and its sequel, Blade Runner 2049, have been praised as two of the best sci-fi films of all time. But which is better?
Ridley Scott’s 1982 film Blade Runner is set in a futuristic Los Angeles where artificial beings called replicants are living among humans. It’s considered a timeless sci-fi flick that questions what it means to be human and the value of genetically engineered people. Its sequel, Blade Runner 2049, was made 35 years later and introduces a biological anomaly that could potentially lead to a replicant rebellion.
Both films have been lauded for their outstanding visuals and engaging narratives, but there is still some debate around which film is better. Blade Runner was instrumental in creating the futuristic neo-noir genre, while Blade Runner 2049‘s mesmerizing visuals make it one of the best sci-fi films of the 21st Century. So, with all that laid out, let’s decide which of the two sci-fi films reign supreme.
What Does Blade Runner Do Well?
Rick Deckard’s difficulty with retiring replicants while also understanding their desire to live as humans makes him an interesting protagonist, but more importantly, raises the question about the value of non-human life. The possibility of Deckard himself being a replicant makes the dilemma all the more intriguing, as he already struggled with being a human who kills replicants. His struggle is complemented well by the antagonist Roy Batty, a replicant who just wants more time to live.
Blade Runner does have some flaws that make it less enjoyable, though. Deckard’s relationship with Rachael (Sean Young) feels forced, in that he literally forces himself on her after she rejects him. This scene has not aged well at all, as it feels as though Rachael loses her autonomy as soon as she finds out that she is a replicant. Deckard’s treatment of Rachael conflicts with his reluctance about killing replicants because he comes across as violent just when the audience is supposed to think that he is starting to see replicants as humans.
Nevertheless, Blade Runner does deserve praise for its visual aesthetic. The dystopian, cyberpunk appearance of the film started a trend that is still being replicated in sci-fi media and video games to this day. And the grim Los Angeles setting, lit by electronic billboards and neon signage, creates an atmosphere of despair that suits Deckard’s cynical nature.
What Does Blade Runner 2049 Do Well?
It’s not often that a sequel can live up to the reputation of a classic film, but Blade Runner 2049 perfectly recreates the tone and style of the original film. The popularity of Blade Runner added to the hype around 2049, but Ryan Gosling makes the film his own with his portrayal of K. His apprehension in finding out the truth behind his existence makes for a compelling narrative despite the film’s excessive runtime.
2049 takes a different approach to interpersonal relationships through K and Joi (Ana de Armas). Joi provides K with affection that feels real, even though he knows that she is not a real person. Their romance comes across as far more believable than Deckard and Rachael’s, at least until K is reminded that Joi has been programmed to love him.
Blade Runner 2049 follows in the footsteps of the original film with a cyberpunk aesthetic bathed in bright pink, blue and orange lighting. The set design and costuming blends edgy, futuristic style with grungy plastic and furs that similarly reflected the look of the 1982 film. Roger Deakins’ particular style of lighting and use of color shines through in the film and even earned the cinematographer his first Academy Award.
Which Film is Better?
In terms of audience and critic reception, both Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049 were considered successful and entertaining films. Blade Runner achieved a critic score of 89 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive audience score of 91 percent. The film earned $27.58 million domestically, which is about $77 million when adjusted for inflation. As with many cult-favorite films, Blade Runner was not considered a hit upon release because some viewers found the film to be slow and complicated. But it became more successful over time, particularly after Scott released The Final Cut, which stayed true to his vision.
But while Blade Runner is undeniably a fantastic film, Villeneuve’s sequel surpasses it both in visuals and narrative. The striking imagery in 2049 makes for an excellent viewing experience, and Officer K’s journey of discovering that he is not the Chosen One was a refreshing subversion of a tired trope. Although K ultimately realized he was not Rachael’s child, he still fulfilled a purpose by reuniting Deckard with his daughter. Blade Runner 2049 did quite well on Rotten Tomatoes, earning 88 percent from critics and an audience score of 81 percent. And it made $92 million at the domestic box office, helping to its total of $259.23 million worldwide.
The original film’s greatest flaw, according to some critics, is that Scott prioritized visual style above plot. And while Blade Runner 2049 beats its predecessor by striking the balance between style and substance, the film’s style only exists because of the original. That being said, despite Blade Runner’s cultural impact, its sequel should be considered the best film in the franchise.
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