Blade Runner 2049 reviewed by Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode reviews Blade Runner 2049. A blade runner, uncovering a long-buried secret, seeks out former blade runner Rick Deckard, a man missing for over 30 years.
Please tell us what you think of the film -- or Mark’s review of the film - below. We love to include your views on the show every Friday.
www.bbc.co.uk/5...
Fridays at 2pm on BBC 5 live.

[@Alo4321]

it's nearly 3 hours long and to be honest ... it could have been another 3 hours long for all i cared. loved it. could people please go to see it because if it bombs as much as it looks like it's going to they won't make whatever they had in mind for future projects. we need movies like this. it's amazing

[@mgytitanic1912]

2029 was the best film I saw that year, and one of the best films I've seen. My long lasting regret is not going to see it more than once at the cinema. It was perfect in every way, and the length was right. Any shorter and the subtleties would have been lost and it would have felt more like an action film, than a Bladerunner film.

[@flanagansrage7885]

I want to see the 4hr 45 directors cut version that apparently exists and will never be released

[@bookeblade]

Probably to you to me it looks like 2hrs 15.

[@mgytitanic1912]

@@stevenborg102 The subtle references to the first film, and yes the subtle acting. It was a perfect film. If you didn't like it that's your problem. Go watch a Michael Bay film, or a Marvel.

[@mgytitanic1912]

@@stevenborg102 If you say so. So far you're the only person I've spoken to who doesn't like it. Each to their own.

[@NikSays]

Mark Kermode reviews properly. No spoilers. We need more of this style.

[@nifralo2752]

Cause he's been reviewing movies since the 80s, before most youtube reviewers where even born!

[@SpeckleKen]

The world only needs one movie reviewer, and his name is Mark Kermode.

[@mm9773]

He’s a good’un.

[@rwhaller42]

I think that given the age and popularity of Blade Runner, it would have been much better if he had begun by saying "If you have not already seen Blade Runner, stop reading this and come back after you have".

[@jeffhughes1318]

He is the reviewer that I trust. If he says it is good, it IS good.

[@vars280287]

Mark was almost on the verge of tears by the end. This is what happens when a movie is made by someone who is as big of a fan of the source material as you are.

[@KnarfStein]

Well, having passion is great, but passion is no substitute for skill. Luckily, D.V. already had plenty of both when he made BR 2049.

[@El_Los_er]

CELLS.

[@jacobr1671]

INTERLINKED.

[@mattpask5594]

Those scenes nearly gave me a headache when I watched it in an extreme screening with IMAX.

[@imasepan]

CELLS INTERLINKED WITHIN CELLS

[@Nineteen1900Hundred]

That scene was amazing.

[@frogery]

you're not even close to baseline.

[@DarrenVanDam]

This is a really great spoiler free review. I completely agree with his feelings toward this movie as it relates to the original.

[@tvdinner325]

I saw the original 10-12 times, when it was a midnight showing in Leicester square. Still one of my all time favorite movies. The sequel is every bit as good.

[@jackbedient]

I’ve never heard anywhere anybody mention the scene when the drone is searching through Vegas with seems to me like a sister scene to the original’s scene of Deckard using the photo magnifier. A few vibe sequences in 2049 that vibe with the original. I love it when art alludes to previous art.

[@russjohnson1715]

Me and the wife have just come back from seeing it. At the start, she asked where the black guy was. It took me a few seconds to realise she thought she was going to see Wesley Snipes in a new 'Blade' movie. I had to spend the adverts getting her up to speed with the original... For my part..wow. Mind. Blown.

[@arifrafique1439]

Secret Antitheist haha

[@Youtubax]

She must have been the perfect companion to ease THE anxiety waiting for those adverts to end! Lmao

[@SpencerMoleda]

This happened to me as well. I showed my roommate the trailer for 2049, and after a few seconds of awkward silence, she asks, "So is Wesley Snipes in this one?" I tried to play it strong, but deep inside, I was a bit shattered.

[@where7847]

she asked where the black guy was before it even started then you explained the movie during the trailers? did you time travel?

[@musiclinkscanadainc]

You should have recited part of Roy Batty's speech: All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die.

[@slave1159]

Incredible sequel. Expands the universe and deals with more complex themes. Also one of the most beautiful films of all time. 10/10

[@russjohnson1715]

Then you'll never experience real memories.

[@skaro85]

Radiant Thinker Trust me don't see it. It ruins the original.

[@skaro85]

Abysmal film

[@marv4167]

joke right?

[@michaelgayle68]

Slave1 beautiful sums it up in one word...

[@HyperRPG]

Nailed it. Every word. Great work, Mark.

[@TheFireflyGuy]

He summed up exactly how I feel about the movie. His emotional response to it was exactly how I felt the first time I saw it. The sheer sense of relief I felt when I realised how truly amazing 2049 is was unforgettable.

[@edgarp66]

This is my favorite movie of all time. I love the part where K looks up at the hologram of joi and realizes she was a lie. Incredible scene. Incredible movie.

[@sammybelskus1534]

Does he just realize that? He knows it. The giant ad hologram Joi just forces K to come to terms with his fantasy world.

[@411bvRGiskard]

Or maybe he realized that he didn’t notice her desperate but ultimately successful evolution toward becoming a real girl, a real human until it was too late. When she chose to sacrifice herself to try and save him she broke free from her destiny of being just a mindless parrot. Because “there is nothing more human than sacrificing yourself for a cause you believe in...” The movie also implied that our creation, Replicants, inherited our flaws as well, such as discrimination...where the hooker said to Joi that there wasn’t much there inside her. And jealousy, rage, & immaturity like the Replicant Luv.

[@vvthetalentlessduo6976]

O

[@capragamer]

@@411bvRGiskardate comment, but I’d also like to point out that, to me, Joi also points out an excellent idea that humanity is a collection of programmed ideas. Although we as people have flexibility in our approach to situations and reactions, we ultimately act in these moments through preconceived “programming” (behavior developed from upbringing, past experiences, etc.) Joi may have been programmed to call a user “Joe” but it was her in-the-moment care for K that lead to her bestowing that name to him out of a genuine act of kindness… even if it was programmed. People, to an extent, have this too. People can be “programmed” to be kind, disgusting, loving, cold, or callous and further “programmed” with our responses… but does that make us any less human?

[@EyeOfWoden]

I love the passionate way Mark Kermode talks about it, and I share it.

[@robjones2408]

Saw the film yesterday, and Mark's review was totally accurate. As for the "slow pace", 21st Century audiences should be reminded that many of the greatest films were long cinematic treats. "Apocalypse Now", "Once Upon A Time In America", "The Shawshank Redemption", "The Godfather 2" etc are long, but also brilliant. The minutes (for me) flew by. For once, it is a sequel that matches the original. In time. it may even surpass it.

[@ZenNeonRazor]

Am I the only one that nearly shed a tear towards the end when that original Vangelis score came out. It's a work of art that is underappreciated and misunderstood. It's a film of a different era for a different mentality. It's unique.

[@Travis_22]

Same.

[@TheMBE2003]

Haven't seen a lot of other people saying this so I may be on my own but Blade Runner 2049 is one of my favourite films of all time. The more I dig into it the more I love it.

[@rbdriftin]

Brilliant sequel to a brilliant film.

[@skaro85]

Awful sequel to a unique classic that should of been left alone.

[@VisualGameDev]

This sequel is absolutely different to the original film. And I don't think it should have been used Blade Runner name, it would have been a good stand alone IP, it's nothing near the original. Long story short BD2049 can be efficiently compared to the Fallout series, those who played all game will understand. BD2049 is like Fallout 3 and 4 while the original from Ridley Scott is like Fallout 1 and 2.

[@Davemac1116]

rb driftin I'm really happy to read these positive comments. I wasn't too impressed with Ridley's Alen: Covenant. So I'm glad and really looking forward to the new Bladerunner. The original is my favourite film. 🙂

[@colderbeer]

Brilliant? Blade Runner 2049 is now the finest sci fi film EVER made....saw it today in IMAX and I still can't get over how special the film is. Seriously, this is to sci fi as to what a film like The Exorcist was to horror movies.

[@VisualGameDev]

What? It is a good movie but that's about it, it''s just a good sci fi movie not brilliant and certainly not the best ever made. And most importantly it does have it's own vibe and universe to it. It is not related to blade runner at all doesn't carry anything from the original except for one character name - Rick Deckard. it should have been titled somehow else but not Blade Runner, still through it's a good sci-fi movie just doesn't have anything from what made original Blade Runner a classic sci fi film.

[@desalley]

I'm with every point made by Mark in this review, and not ashamed to say I had a lump in the throat and a tear in my eye at the exact point I believe Mark is referring to when he felt like weeping. I have vowed to to go watch it again as I was trying to take it all in last night and left the cinema feeling drained. An absolute masterpiece 10/10.

[@brucekennedy5274]

For some reason I felt compelled to revisit Mark’s review. It’s a wonderful thing that a piece of visionary art that is BladeRunner can touch so many people. And in turn this can be re-visualised with such sensitivity, empathy and intelligence to create a perfect sequel. Many, myself included, would have thought a worthy second visit almost impossible. But Denis V and everyone involved created a perfect companion, that not only preserves the vision of the original, but extends and expands the conversation. As Mark, I sighed with relief and ultimately wept tears of happiness and awe for the film I treasured so dearly, and the sequel that is itself a magnificent film, but also brings a deeper value to the original source.

[@deckardp.i.4088]

@@stevenborg102 tears in rain scene at the end. It was masterful. Im sorry you didn't enjoy one of the best sci fi films of the decade.

[@helenturner5895]

The first viewing was mind blowing. Like Mark and everyone else who loves Blade Runner 2019, I was nervous. Second viewing, the emotional impact blew me away.The detail, the clues, the beauty, Nabokov! While it's still on the big screen, husband and I are going to see it for a third time. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. 10/10

[@AndrewParkOutdoors]

Saw it last night, it's so rich I'm still digesting it 24 hours later. See it in large format.

[@megamoviez]

Andrew Park A movie you never stop thinking about

[@exert2020]

abcun17 Lego movie for next time then

[@skaro85]

Snooze fest

[@Squee36]

I'm still digesting it 36 hours later. I woke up and I'm still thinking about it, like damn. I don't think any movie has had this effect on me.

[@ssbford]

same here

[@MatthewGClarke]

Couldn't agree more with Mark's review. And yes it has the confidence to develop slowly, but doesn't feel anything like as long as its actual run time. I saw it at the Waterloo IMAX and it is stunning.

[@dcanmore]

going there on Sunday, can't wait

[@fat.cat.]

Hahaha, it feels like it will NEVER END!

[@cyoung7127]

I'm not a crier but I broke down crying after seeing 2049 for the first time, and I could never really understand why until Mark put it into words: "it makes you feel like that dedication you had to it (Blade Runner) for all those years is shared by the person that made this film." I had faith in Denis Villeneuve, but to see a filmmaker's vision exceed your imagination is unbelievably thrilling and viscerally cathartic all at the same time. It restored my faith in cinema.

[@BrendanBlake42]

I don't think I breathed for the first half hour of the movie. Then, like Mark, the sigh of relief came. This is truly great science fiction.

[@Roof_Pizza]

Oh, Canada. Denis Villeneuve is Canadian. Ryan Gosling is Canadian. IMAX is Canadian. You're welcome.

[@explorer806]

You forgot poutine.

[@JoeEsBoogieSack]

And the residential school system...

[@Freemouse159]

Calm down Canada or you'll be sorry

[@mm9773]

Sorry.

[@oliverphilp4207]

Celine Dion?

[@pgouy]

Man, what a GREAT movie.. I just loved how they handled the "Deckard enigma" in such a way that it actually elevated it! Damn you, Denis. What a great piece of cinema...

[@michaelscimeca6949]

Amazing - I had the same reaction in the movie theater that the host describes here. I got emotional, not because the movie was wringing emotion out of me, but simply because it was so damn good and consistent with the themes of the original. Blade Runner 2049 is a total grower, just like the original. It will absolutely be a cult classic, even if it won't make as much money as a series of movies about Hasbro toys or super heroes in tights.

[@NickHunter]

Within cells interlinked

[@whyshouldiwatch1546]

This was one of the best films i've seen in the cinema. People are accusing it of being hollow are acting exactly like the people who saw the first one way back when, maybe they'll come around in a few years. Perhaps the best sequel i've ever seen.

[@paxwallacejazz]

I just saw it here in Copenhagen Denmark at a matenee, so it was sparsely attended, of course, maybe only 25 folks at about lunch time and let me tell you, everyone sat and applauded as the film ended.

[@a9fc]

That's fortunate. Most of the people where I'm from thought it was boring as hell. Yea, we have very few sophisticated movie watchers here.

[@pazoozoo4229]

DHOTYA

[@BloodyEddy09]

Never clicked on a movie review so fast to hear what my man Mark has to say about the movie ! I knew Denis Villeneuve wouldn't disappoint ! In all honesty even if i think the original is better, the sequel is worthy of the name in the highest regards and dares to bring new ideas and freshness into it. "All those moments in Blade Runner 2049 will NOT be lost like tears in rain"

[@myopenmind527]

Go with no preconceptions to get the most out of this movie.

[@BloodyEddy09]

I've seen it 2 days ago but i need to watch it again, i'm sure there are elements i missed.

[@myopenmind527]

Sorry, I got the impression that you hadn't seen it yet. I will be watching it again soon. So glad it didnt disappoint.

[@BloodyEddy09]

+P Ferreira for a sequel to one of the most influential movies of all time, it was inevitable it would receive some degree of backlash and disappointment. Denis Villeneuve had the balls to do it and he didn't fail. Far for perfect I admit, but still a worthy sequel, it expanded the universe pretty well. I think it needs a second viewing for a better appreciation.

[@myopenmind527]

Daenerys Targaryen just back from viewing it again. First time round I was sitting on the edge of my seat largely hoping I wasn’t going to hate this movie. My only fear having watched it once was that the pacing was a little slow. Having watched it a second time I didn’t notice the pacing at all. The 2hr 45 min seemed to fly. I have to say I found the whole thing simply masterful and almost effortlessly so. I think in time this will go down as perhaps the best Sci-Fi movies of all time. All the lead cast put in outstanding performances. Jared Leto’s performance was more in tune with the themes of this movie than it did first time around. The sex scene also made a lot more sense in the context of the entire movie than it did on first viewing. Ryan Gosling played his part with such finesse. Hard to fault. I didn’t find myself growing impatient for Harrison Ford to appear as I had the first time. Big themes from the original Blade Runner are expanded up on developed. The motivation of each character seemed in perfect synch with the narrative of the movie with no plot holes. I do wish that at the start of the movie that K was not aware that he was a replicant. I understand the early reveal and the need to show how replicants / skin jobs are treated but just think that it would have made the plot much more interesting if he and we the audience only came to realize this later in the movie. After 2nd viewing for me it’s a 10/10 and nigh on nigh perfection.

[@_JARHART]

I am a huge Blade Runner fan. As soon as I heard there was going to be another blade runner film, i just didn't want it to happen; i vented my views all over the Internet. But after watching Blade Runner 2049 twice , I am so pleased with what Denis Villeneuve and the cast and crew have done.

[@paxwallacejazz]

The most compelling Science fiction flick I've seen this year. Truly Science Fiction for grown ups.

[@massmouth]

Spot on "Truly Science Fiction for grown ups". More of it please

[@grahamtaylor8912]

Try watching Europa Report...

[@tolhumexy6706]

Thought it was brilliant. I even preferred it to the first film

[@andyt1313]

My friend thought it was ponderous and drawn out. I on the other hand thought it was stunning and so wonderfully saturated with atmosphere I had trouble breathing.

[@Technique-kj2bp]

You need to ditch your friend

[@skyblazeeterno]

@@Technique-kj2bp nope. This comments section was too good to be true...Blade Runner 2049 was a bore-fest. Too slow and nothing really happens. A couple of nice looking sets though

[@jr2904]

@@skyblazeeterno it's not an action movie, you're supposed to think and soak in what they show you. If that's not your thing that's fine, but it's not boring.

[@spinbirdkick]

The last minute was some high, high praise from Kermode. Can't wait to watch it.

[@spinbirdkick]

Octavian Caesar Hibernicus Ha, I'm not disagreeing with you. Also, I commend you on having the discipline to avoid even the slightest spoilers. I, on the other hand, have been trying to get a spoiler free taste before viewing it myself.

[@barmychap]

I love Mark Kermode's film reviews. His blend of technical insight and passion for a damn good story is really engaging. I have yet to see this movie but know I need to, soon!

[@JohnnyWrong]

Really curious to see what Villeneuve will bring to Dune, if that goes ahead.

[@BartAlder]

Say what? Hopefully it's not like the DeLaurentis disasterpiece.

[@linusmaximilian6568]

It does

[@Ben_Mdws]

Here we are, a few years on: Dune, what did you think of it?

[@diamonddave2622]

Saw Dune today in IMAX - cinematic masterpiece...

[@Jonathan-hv9mt]

He did it masterfully

[@Chaddlee]

It is one of the few movies where you can take a still from nearly any scene and hang it on the wall as art. Ask Mark said, visually stunning but dense and clever too. A perfect sequel.

[@GrayNeko]

This is my take on it. If Blade Runner asked ''What does it mean to be human?' and didn't give us any answers. Blade Runner 2049 asks, 'What does it mean to NOT be human?' and doesn't give us easy answers. Basically, it's the same question. Why are we who we are? Can we change who we are? This is what science fiction is all about. I love this movie because it dared to cross the line.

[@bebaguette766]

Can't wait. The best part about Blade Runner is its setting and atmosphere, if this succeeds we'll probably get more great takes on this dystopian city.

[@Solrak8O]

I have to agree with the majority of comments posted here and Mr Komode's review. Blade Runner 2049 is a wonderful movie and deserves so much praise for treading that fine line between respecting the original Blade Runner but also pushing boundaries and weaving a whole new story. In my opinion, one of the hardest films to make is a great sequel. I can count on one hand how many worthy films sequels I have seen in my lifetime so far. I too had the same dread creeping into my body as I sat to view the movie, silently praying they wouldn't butcher it and turn it into some Total Recall reboot abortion. 20 minutes in I was sold hook, line and sinker and knew the movie was going to be epic! Is it as good as the first movie......Probably not but it's gets pretty damn close! I also think Blade Runner 2049 will age like a fine wine and will become a classic masterpiece in 20-30 years time like the original. My only advise is if you haven't seen it, go see it and then go see it again to absorb the whole experience!

[@nebulaoperator]

Solrak "...age like a good wine" well said. I somehow, on subliminal level, know the film is better than I can comprehend at the moment and I will watch it another 4-5 times in my life span to appreciate it even more.

[@leocmen]

+kermodeandmayo This was one of the most introspective experiences I ever had in a movie session. In the end, all the people in the theater, in absolute silence, digesting the emotional load of what they just watched and experienced. They stood in their seats for a few minutes, quiet, and left in complete silence. Very impressive, and unique.

[@Lynchotype]

The thing i can say that bothered me is that no character is as engrossing or interesting as Roy Batty.

[@jamesrobertson9012]

True...a character like Batty comes around once in a lifetime

[@SuperiFox]

If David Bowie had been cast instead of Jay Leto you (And I) probably wouldn’t feel that way.

[@deckardp.i.4088]

@@SuperiFox Wallace wasn't even enough in the film anyways.

[@craigwright2977]

Mr. Kermode, we absolutely share - on every single point - the Blade Runner / Blade Runner 2049 experience. So often I watch or listen to a review or analysis of a film, and find myself wishing I could interject my own points into the conversation. Like you, I saw Blade Runner 2049 twice within a week of its release - and I can relate to the exact emotions of which you speak. Thank you for your impassioned and articulate presentation. I feel as though I were speaking through you!

[@russellclarke3803]

Saw it yesterday. Visually stunning. Great relief to see a genuine sequel that moves the big issues forwards and expands on the ideas rather than just remaking the original file. Its rare to see a movie these days that I want to see again...but like the original BR this film will be one that people come back to again and again.

[@stevecheevers7337]

Believe the hype, Blade Runner 2049 is the real deal. It's one of those films that you walk out of the cinema and you want to rush in again and see it(happened with Dunkrik too). See it in IMAX if you can it's a experience. 10/10

[@paulwheeldon7642]

Probably the greatest 'adult' Sci-fi ever made.

[@jonnypaul7260]

You should watch Stalker or On the Silver Globe or Solaris or Hard to be a God or Primer or the original or Alien - they're all much much much much much better.

[@VisualGameDev]

Not not at all. the original blade runner was good, this one is mediocre. It does have nice visual style to it but nothing near the original and it shouldn't be called blade runner. If this movie had some other name it would have been ok. But it have nothing from the original idea of blade runner.

[@frogery]

can you explain what made the original better than this one?

[@VisualGameDev]

The original film was better because it was detective noir story set in the sci-fi decorations. It had all aspects of the detective noir film: dark mood, lots of rain, cigarete smoke all the time, the story itself was philosophical and closer to the classic detective stories, more importantly the actors did act in the original film especially Rutger Hauer, while in the new film the actors are plain there is no emotions no acting in them. The new film is different story and does not follow the steps of the original, it is not a bad movie it's just different and because of that I don't think it should have had Blade Runner in its title. It would have been a good stand alone IP.

[@WhyNot-sb9kk]

No way it could have been a stand alone... it is a direct continuation of the original story and expands on it into a deeper more complex plot. Does it share the same intent of the original? No, but it follows the original story arc and setting. It was a great movie, not as good as the first, but so well done that it can stand on it's own.

[@playman350]

An incredibly well thought-out review that really resonates with the listener, we see how invested in Blade Runner Mark is.

[@evernhamanderson]

I truly feel that "Blade Runner: 2049" will go down in history as one of the greatest films ever made. I have watched this movie at least 10 times. Every time, I come away with a new revelation. Stunning.

[@AtticussAtticuss]

Best film I've seen in years and years. It's a bit early but... I might love it MORE than the original, which I thought would be impossible.

[@halloweenfriday]

AtticussAtticuss I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks this! This movie digs deeper than the original, and the film is more visually stunning than James Cameron's Avatar.

[@jasono.1629]

AtticussAtticuss I agree that this one surpassed the original. Amazing.

[@tango31313]

It's an instant classic. The relationship between k and joi is magic.

[@zeitok8]

same, is amazing.

[@petergallagher7762]

Greatest BD 2049 review that I heard. Everybody should listen to Mark Kermode's review of BD 2049. He is the best guy to talk about this film.

[@omgsolikevalleygirl]

some parts of Blade Runner 2049 really hurt my brain - especially the entire "orphan school in the middle of a trash deposit" section of the plot. It's just too unrealistic. I also find the evil characters in this movie very unconvincing - they seem to be angry and violent for absolutely no reason.

[@corbinfelan]

I know this was commented a year ago but I'm hoping to possibly explain this. The world of Bladerunner is in shambles. It's a capitalist dystopia in which empathy is a commodity. The only way an orphanage is going to exist in that world is if something is gained from the children; in this case, computer salvage. There aren't any straight up evil characters in 2049 either. Even Wallace just wants humanity to succeed and thrive. He does anything to achieve that goal, even stating that he makes replicants because "humanity lost the stomach for slaves." Love is violent because she sees violence as a tool to gain Wallace's approval. Like him, she will do whatever it taked to succeed. I think the characters in 2049 are very realistic if you pay attention to their motivations. sorry for the rant lol

[@omgsolikevalleygirl]

@@corbinfelan I've been trying to wrap my head around it, and I see the main motivation behind all the violence to be the same why the Terminator was a robot or even made of liquid metal in the second one: because you could ramp up the inflicted violence and abuse - it is just because movies with more violence are somehow thought to be more attractive. It may be woven into the story more or less successfully, but in the end this movie is all *about* showing the violence to the audience. The idea of a child-exploiting orphanage may make sense, but everything about it is completely unrealistic.

[@corbinfelan]

@@omgsolikevalleygirl I think if the movie was about realism there wouldn't be manufactured humans lol

[@FriendlyNeighborhoodLawyer]

Mark is such a great reviewer! Love his passion for film love listening to him talk about films!

[@122josh]

A staggering sequel to a genre defining original and a really stunning watch in imax one of the best cinema experiences I've ever had for me personally it just pips the original but either way I can't wait to watch both films together. A visually staggering piece of filmic art much respect to deakins and Villeneuve one thing I will say I do still prefer the vangelis score though Zimmer did a marvelous job and hats off to Hampton fancher and Michael green it was a great script beautifully performed by everyone involved. 10/10 easily one of the best films of the last couple of years.

[@anirudhk217]

SPOLIERS The part where K lies on the steps and the music from "tears in rain" plays is perfect.

[@richardtyson100]

the first film ends wth tears in the rain. 2049 ends with smiling in the snow

[@ShammyCam]

I’m glad you’re not the only grown man who nearly wept after seeing this. So happy and relieved that this turned out to be the movie it is. Still filled with awe a day after seeing it.

[@tescherman3048]

I am a grown man and I unashamedly wept during this film. ;) True Beauty can be devastatingly emotional.

[@zeitok8]

my favorite films are from 50´s or way before i can saw them in theaters, this is the first movie i saw in theater that is one of my favorites, i am so happy this sequel is hand to hand with my favorite sci fi film ever, Blade Runner.

[@BHCha-]

Just saw it again. What a great film. Go see it on the biggest screen possible.

[@david.leikam]

Great film and glad I saw it in IMAX tonight. I even had a couple tearful moments and was hoping for a bit more subtle depth. Not another sequel but another viewpoint of sorts like 2049. Good work and timbre!

[@DTL0VER]

Rewatched the film on a flight from Mauritius to Dubai last week. Something special about watching this genuinely incredible film at the middle of the night flying over the Indian Ocean. Genius x

[@adityasanthosh702]

Didn't you worry that your plane might get shot down and crashed into waves of Indian Ocean?

[@UnboxHeaven]

Seen this twice in IMAX 3D/2D now. It's incredible. If you're wondering whether it's worth paying extra for IMAX, I'd say it's more important to see this on a massive screen with great speakers than it is Dunkirk. Every shot is just gorgeous

[@brenster1000]

MW Films Can understand; wanting to see it in IMAX after the 2D 4K screening I saw last night. 3D add anything worthwhile to the visuals? Thought they were overwhelming in a standard 2.39:1 format screening last night

[@killerkram1337]

Blade Runner is an important film to me. To see that vision change my perspective of science fiction, to see a future that is so believable that it is literally becoming our world today, holy smokes. This sequel nailed it, the vision, the questions, the atmosphere, everything. Even if the movie doesn't do so well it is immortal, just like the original film and the book.

[@astronomenov99]

Go and find 'The Expanse'. You may just love it.

[@timothycurtis4744]

Blade Runner 2049 is a great film. It's elegantly understated, taking its time to unravel along a wise and mature course, and bears the weight of the lost 30 years. There are elements of corn but they are not to be held against the film, and sometimes it takes its time to self-indulgent lengths; but there are no failings in this film and it was like a breath of fresh air when it came out.

[@locopal5774]

Feel this cinematic release should have been the extended director's cut. Efficient editing could have brought the film down to about the two hour mark, losing superfluous scenes and trimming others without loss of pace. Still a terrific audio/visual feast and a favourite this year so 7.5 outta 10 for me.

[@lukebale8550]

I love when Mark rants but it's even better when he gushes over a film and goes into all the little details of the film. The guy is one of the best

[@Heronjim]

I rarely see a film these days I want to see twice, but like the original I now want to forget this for a while so I can see it again...and then again and again. A work of art

[@MrJoemolin]

I didn't see Blade Runner 2049 via a torrented mkv or on a 6' inch smartphone, but I did experience it on IMAX upon release. It's a beautiful and expertly crafted piece of cinema. The fact it's lauded as the greatest piece of sci-fi cinema is debatable, but it's certainly up there.

[@Technique-kj2bp]

I recommended this film to my friend who hadn't seen the original. I implored him not to watch the sequel before seeing the original. He proceeded to watch 2049 on his phone, whilst at work (with distractions), without seeing the original, then had the nerve to tell me he didn't like the film. He is no longer my friend.

[@chinchilla415]

@@Technique-kj2bp Good. Christ, what a fool. I'm not too fuzzed about video quality usually, but BR2049 deserves the best possible, along with the setting and sound, of course. No offence but he sounds like the kind of guy who would watch The Irishman and conclude at the end that the message is "Frank is a badass and OG for being alive." Weird example, but I remember a commenting person having a friend like that. Some people are so one-dimensional it's scary.

[@robicenco1]

The best film I have seen for years. Perhaps ever? Not ready to say that just yet, but I'm struggling to think of any science fiction film that is superior, and not many films of any other genre. It's just magnificent.

[@gabrielzinho07_]

No commentary on how only in Blade Runner the line between the score and SFX is blurred to the point where they're almost the same thing?

[@DannyStamp]

Best film in 25 years I was stunned from beginning to end unbelievable

[@cowpie2915]

I couldn't hold my weeping eyes back during Rutger Hauer final speech, and I shared the exact same emotion during 2049, not for sadness or joy, but that someone understands and shares the same feelings towards Blade Runner. Thanks for your review Mark, a lot of agreeable points especially the one regarding pace.

[@patrickadams7120]

This has to be seen in IMAX...there is no other way to see it in the cinema....too many moments that make you go WOW...but JOI and the tears in the rain...i literally welled up at that

[@TheCeodoc]

I was scared stiff watching your review, even post release and watching myself, that you would not give a glowing review, the relief you loved this gorgeous homage was humbling. Especially as I respect your film opinions so much. /phew

[@mrjamescurry]

Saw it last night, I wept at how beautiful it was. Truly truly a work of Art.

[@andrewpreston4127]

I watched Blade Ruuner when it was first released. I just thought it was wonderful, and an absolute classic. It was only years later that I read that it had not been a great box office success, and that I might have been a member of a cult. I really liked the voice over on that release, and generally feel that the studio was correct in their decision at the time.

[@Thetoon25]

Very rearly am I totally blown away by a film, but this was one of very few that did just that.

[@itown4ever]

Two years later and my feelings about this film haven't changed - its a masterpiece. The dark realization I'm having now is that given how poorly it did in relation to recovering costs combined with the unforgiving economic environment we find ourselves in currently - BladeRunner 2049 might be the last Sci_fi masterpiece we ever see.

[@tescherman3048]

Dune. Another masterpiece.

[@as07011]

I MARVELLED!! You may say it is boring or the story is not that original, but it's still refreshing to see a huge blockbuster in this day which is paced liked this movie. Which looks like this movie. And the story might not be super original, but it is still miles better than other beautiful but story-wise empty movies like Avatar, Gravity, or all the best Marvel movies. There are still all these issues about identity and what it means to be a human/replicant etc. examined and the storyline is solid. It's not ideal but then again Blade Runner is not too. There are plenty of people who feel that Blade Runner is boring. The pacing will leave some people disappointed, no matter what you do. I thought it was a bit slow too, but then again I had the same feeling watching Blade Runner. Still doesn't take away anything from marvellous movies. And it's impossible for this movie to be as good or better as Blade Runner, as the original has been with us for more than 30 years now and it has a huge fan base and people who can recite almost the whole script, every scene has been dissected and given some meaning (which maybe director never even intended) etc. In 10,20, 30 years, if Blade Runner 2049 is still remembered, we can judge.

[@flybeep1661]

I've never seen Mark be this passionate about a movie other than the original Blade Runner.

[@jamiedarlow]

This review itself is also masterful and a work of art in itself :) I haven't seen Blade Runner 2049 yet but this review really has convinced me I need to watch it and I haven't stopped imagining what the visual beauty of the film may be by the descriptions from this review and the images provided. I also must watch Arrival which I missed also in cinemas; I loved Prisoners though

[@PhDTony_original]

And this is why Mark Kermode is the only professional film reviewer whose opinion I esteem. I couldn't agree more - One point I will make is that I found the new themes more engrossing than the resolution of the old story-arc. I was so interested in Joi and K's relationship I really didn't need Deckard to reappear.

[@joonhokim6350]

Fantastic movie. So many layers and room for multiple interpretations. Strangly, it reminded me of Taxi driver.

[@TrishaXuk]

Thank you Mark, for giving it the respect it was due. Yours is the only review I would have cared about (but I still avoided all reviews until I'd seen it). Totally agreed with everything said, and I have to say, your review was almost as emotive as the movie itself! 😃

[@bonnie43uk]

For me, the ending was spoilt by the completely unnecessary comedy ending. How Ridley Scott could include a fart joke as Harrison Ford has a custard pie thrust down his pants, it just ruined it for me. And was it the directors idea to play the Benny Hill theme music as the title credits were rolling at the end?. 3/10 for me.

[@Orgruk]

The Slapstick cut

[@leehodge9741]

Harrison Fart

[@CosmicStargoat]

Applause. Blade Runner 2049 was a masterpiece, one of the best movies ever made. Regards, Goat from Ruthless Reviews.

[@tenbillion]

Do I have to see the other 2048 blade runner films to understand this one?

[@juntistik]

I wish I could listen to a 3 hour podcast of Kermode just talking about 2049 and the original.

[@lordnevets9184]

I would take a bullet for Mark Kermode. His love for this film matches my own.

[@TheMistriBox]

I really noticed the change of pace myself compared to modern movies; it was very welcomed and perfectly matched the narrative that needed to be told. A fantastic movie that I've only watched once and will be buying shortly on Blu Ray.

[@cutwir3317]

The ill reactions and dislikes for the film really helps me question the intelligence of humanity.I feel that if you love this movie your really in touch with beauty.

[@johaarup]

The real enigma or mystery is - why Johan Johansson was replaced with Hans Zimmer and how his version of the soundtrack would have sounded like. Sadly we'll never know.

[@trizvanov]

I am really looking forward to seeing Villeneuve's take on Dune

[@Luvie1980]

Me too

[@alexkrycek21]

One of Mark's best reviews ever. Could not agree more with him.

[@Parrhesia-zt1cq]

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE!!

[@1SaG]

I always thought Mark was wrong about the enigma of Deckard's nature. It was something that wasn't there originally, but something that Scott dreamt up in the years after making the movie. A lot of people who have worked on the film (including Harrison Ford) have come out and said that his nature was never an issue back when they made it. Incidentally: I think there's a very good reason why Villeneuve more or less ignores this question in the newer version. At the very least, it simply isn't important. Plus the new "twist" Scott tried to shoehorn in there with his re-cut versions doesn't really make a lick of sense and it undermines both the climax' tension and some of the most important themes of the movie. To me, it ruins the ending and it kind of cheapens (for lack of a better word) Roy's arc. Who is, IMO, the most interesting and most important character of the piece, anyway. So even if you disagree with my assessment, it doesn't really matter because Deckard doesn't really matter all that much within the story. Or at least his importance is vastly inferior to that of Roy Batty. Like Max in the Mad Max movies, I see Deckard more as our way into this world - but it's really Roy's story we should be interested in and paying attention to.

[@halion9]

I enjoyed this movie more the second time of viewing than the first and I recommend those on the fence to try watching BR 2049 again. Great movie.

[@AaronTheBalloonMan]

It was a gorgeous sweeping vista Gosling is so emotive, the whole film is so visceral...

[@3to1eternal39]

It was great . Def watching this again.

[@tonyfluerty1032]

Our lives mean nothing next to a storm that's coming. Dying for the right cause. It's the most human thing we can do.

[@ShaneJoshua1980]

I'll be honest with you all, I need to see it again. It was so overwhelming, so many questions. It's visually stunning that's for sure. I think maybe I'm too thick to understand it's themes😂

[@VisualGameDev]

Just not the best script that's all. Yes stunning visuals, not the same direction as original Blade Runner

[@belevezero2279]

I need to see it again also. I saw it in IMAX, and while it looks fantastic on that screen, the score can be quite an assault on your senses, and the IMAX speakers were just a bit loud in this theater.

[@briansmith2739]

Seen it twice. Blade Runner 2049 is a worthy sequel. I was blown away by the music. One of the greatest Sci-Fi movie of all times.

[@mappvilla2828]

Blade Runner 2049 gave two fingers to people who don't like long films. This film would have sucked if it was a 1 hour 40 mins. Blade Runner has never been a fast paced, action filled. It's slow, atmospheric cyberpunk noir film with heavy philosophy topics "what is it to be human" . I can't help but feel that people who dislike it are people who were expecting a fast action easy going film, Blade Runner ain't that nor has it ever been. It's a dystopia it's not sunshine and rainbows.

[@a9fc]

I'm a very cynical movie goer. I was not expecting to be blown away by the visuals, what with quite a few great movies and computer games around. I was blown away. I was expecting them to screw up story telling, and for it to become cliched. I was blown away. It's straightforward... yet layered and multi-dimensional. Also a multi-angled mindf*ck. The pacing too. Deliberate. What a breath of fresh air from modern frantic editing. Best movie to come out in years.

[@artcreativz1861]

Overall I liked it, but Wallace came across more like a gangster which felt cheap. Tyrell was portrayed so well in the original.