Highlander (1986) First Time Watching! Movie Reaction!!

[@TBRSchmitt]

This movie was so much fun and we loved the universe that was created! I know there is a lot more Highlander content available but I am also excited to see new and fresh takes! There can only be one! Thanks for the support and again apologize for it being a day late!

[@DanielOrion74]

Glad to see this finally get a reaction and fresh take. Was am almost immediate cult hit and now classic. In a similar vein, and already mentioned, but I highly recommend "Brotherhood of the Wolf" for an out of nowhere period piece action classic.

[@williamsmith5340]

Awesome movie

[@renehennessy5045]

Hey, love your style, suggestion you'll probably like; Dark City (scifi noir)- the director made I robot and The Crow. It influenced The Matrix.

[@renehennessy5045]

@@DanielOrion74 good one

[@renehennessy5045]

+ Where have you two been?! Its amazing how many of your reviews are among my favorite flicks. Don't watch the highlander sequels...There can Be Only One!!!

[@kylegacy]

Clancy Brown told a wonderful story recently on a podcast in which he disclosed that he didn't get paid a dime for this film, he did it for free because the budget was spent, he was a young actor out of work, and he was just really wanting to work with Sean Connery. Plus the premise is a wild and wonderful one.

[@misterprickly]

To this day , the only money he's gotten for this film is when he does personal appearances. You'd think the rites holders would give him something but no.

[@Aeroldoth3]

I heard he got screwed out of pay, not that he waived his pay.

[@chadfalardeau5396]

I hope they at least fed him

[@adamali813]

@@Aeroldoth3 yeah u would think they would have the decency to share the profits with him after. He was key to this movie. Producers Greed is a terrible thing.

[@pesty4]

@@adamali813 afraid not. I'd love to imagine a world where kindness can be returned but Hollywood is toxic.

[@stewmass3018]

So the reason the Kurgan left the piece of hair after going bald: when we are first introduced to him in 1536, he is wearing that skull battlehelmet, adorned with a shock of black horse hair. When he goes bald, he gets a tattoo on the side of his head of his old helmet, leaving behind a lock of long black hair for the tattoo. It's a little tough to see in older prints of the movie. Also, if you pay attention to Kurgan in the future, he is wearing Ramirez's pearl drop earring on his jacket, a token of victory from defeating Ramirez. Love the little details they put in the movie.

[@deg6788]

Nice!!

[@sstavlo]

I never Realized that detail about his helmet tattoo, dang

[@russfoulkes5490]

Never knew either of those! Thanks!

[@awesomeatronik]

Didn't know it was his helmet, always thought it was just a dragon or something like that.

[@justinpreid]

Thank you. Thank you for highlighting what you did. I had no idea. Ever since watching this in 1987 on vhs as a 10 year old I've loved this film, and never got those nuances. 🤘☝👍👍

[@clonexx]

With the whole “There can be only one” thing, when an immortal kills another immortal, they absorb all of their power. So you can imagine how powerful Kurgan is, having killed so many, including Ramirez who was already 2600 years old at that point. As old and sort of cheesy as it is, Highlander is one of my favorite movies. When he buries his wife, the Queen song is perfect. It always gives me chills.

[@chiefsteps-in-poo8447]

The "prize" is being able to grow old and die a natural death.

[@jesseslack2089]

@@chiefsteps-in-poo8447 Damn right that's prize!

[@timhonigs6859]

For me, as badass as the movie is, still revolves around the music. The fact that all of the music is Queen's is an extra highlight. Too bad all the sequels sucked so hard. (2 still gives me night terrors)

[@Fardawg]

@@chiefsteps-in-poo8447 I always liked the twist idea that if a power hungry villain won the prize they would be horrified at losing their immortality instead of becoming an immortal god, though there still is the other power they receive that would be a problem for humanity as long as they lived.

[@adgato75]

@@timhonigs6859 I was around fifteen years old when 2: The Quickening came out in theaters. And was super stoked. I saw it in the theater , and even a fifteen year old , unsophisticated film fan that operated on "rule of cool" knew it was a dumpster fire.

[@cshubs]

This movie was cast perfectly! Christopher, Sean, and Clancy totally kill it, esp Clancy.

[@diha2271]

"Why didn't you die?" "It's a kind of magic" Queen fans will understand that wink wink reference 😉

[@kevinsullivan2153]

Yes, but backwards; that line in the movie is the inspiration for the song.

[@awesomeatronik]

Also it's better to fadeout than to fade away.

[@brianjones8432]

@@awesomeatronik Better to burn out* :)

[@Outlaw8908]

It’s a kind of magic… and now that song is in my head.

[@11DNA11]

It's a kind of magiiiiiic! One dream, one soul, one prize, one goal, one golden glance, of what should be!

[@AustinKloud]

The Queen soundtrack to this film is still amazing in 2021.

[@bobbyclarkston8836]

“I am Immortal! I have inside me blood of kings! YEAH!!” “I have no rival, no man can be my equal!”

[@treetopjones737]

@@bobbyclarkston8836 The lyrics needed Freddie's dramatic flair.

[@Deadduck2pt0]

The Highlander TV series (which follows Connor's cousin Duncan McCloud) does a fantastic job of what it's like to live through the ages, and shows several other immortals and how they lived before the Quickening.

[@adaddinsane]

And female immortals (and, god help us, kids). They had some very powerful stories and expanded the universe a lot.

[@johndoecake]

@@adaddinsane damn i remembered the kid.. also the one poor guy you now... Mikey :( that was MF sad

[@TheGodfather-bm3ow]

Loved the show until they killed Richie ...my favorite character ...and made methos a villain.

[@23chdavis]

Agreed, the show was awesome (until the last season). It also changed the universe by having new immortals being created, so there would never really be a Gathering.

[@josiahzabel8596]

@@bbb462cid nobody ever spells it right...

[@Jacob_Junge]

The Kurgan is one of the best movie villains ever! The unabashed enjoyment he gets out of being pure evil is so entertaining.

[@Acme1970]

Yep he's living his best life, he's having a blast.

[@chadfalardeau5396]

One of the most unrepentant villains I've ever seen

[@taoist32]

He could have been best friends with Biff from Back to the Future.

[@Blue-rl5dp]

Oh yes, we will forever compare movie bad guys to the Kurgan. My teen son got a Mohawk, shaved his head except a strip down the middle. When I expressed my consternation he said "I am in disguise," and I couldn't stop laughing.

[@bittergeek]

Why not do whatever he likes? The Kurgan last gave a f*ck back when Rome was a collection of huts. He's so old, he has outlived entire languages and peoples, and probably caused dozens of species to go extinct all by himself.

[@ruf1970]

"It's better to burnout than to fade away" loved Clancy Brown quoted Pyromania by Def Leppard. That was awesome !!!

[@nem447]

ahum...Neil Young

[@blanewilliams5960]

That was Neil Young, DL got it from him.

[@Parallax-3D]

@@blanewilliams5960- The added part of “I’ve got something to say” ties it to Def Leppard, even though they got the second line from NY.

[@thatpatrickguy3446]

The Kurgan is the best villain I've ever seen, and I love Clancy Brown's brilliant portrayal of him. Absolutely amazing. So incredibly intense and overwhelming, but still completely in character and perfectly believable.

[@thatpatrickguy3446]

Also, no matter what you see or read, this is the only Highlander movie. There can be only one. Especially since the others are trash.

[@AlanSizzlerKistler]

Even with its silly flaws and oddball casting choices, I still love this movie so deeply. Actor Christopher Lambert later said that after the death of his own brother, he was able to find some strength to get through the grief by thinking about how Connor MacLeod saw so much death but was able to keep his idealism and humor. A few fun facts, this was a low-budget film so they really had to get creative with some stuff. In the final battle, the sparks of the swords were caused by having each actor have wires on their swords attached to car batteries, and the sweeping camera moves were cameras on wheels that people kicked across the floor. Regarding the Quickening (the immortal energy) and its origins, the original screenwriter saw no reason to explain it beyond understanding it was random in who was born with it, that it activated during a premature, violent death, and that it connected immortals to nature and increased their awareness, powers which increased when they absorbed more Quickening. Several immortals figured the Prize would take this awareness to an ultimate level, giving you enough knowledge to save or rule the world, but none foresaw that it would make you mortal in the process. The original screenwriter intended this to be a done-in-one story, but the production company decided to go forward. HIGHLANDER 2 came up with an alien explanation for immortals, but the film was so bad that it was totally re-edited on home video to remove the alien idea, and then the third film erased it from canon anyway. The TV series introduced a parallel universe of sorts for Highlander, where the battle between Connor and the Kurgan in 1985 still happened but wasn't the Gathering, and there are at least a hundred immortals, maybe hundreds, still alive on Earth in the 1990s. Connor exists in the TV series but the show follows his protege Duncan, an adopted member of the clan MacLeod who was born decades later and also happened to be immortal. In the TV series, the Quickening transfers some knowledge and learned skills when another immortal takes it. The fourth and fifth Highlander movies are actually sequels to the TV series continuity (although the fifth movie, "Highlander: The Source", was so bad that one of the major Highlander producers later said it was a dream and contradicted it with a short, unofficial extra TV episode he filmed later on). Sorry to rant for so long, I obviously care about this movie too much lol. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@newfate26]

A couple of notes, the transfer of knowledge started in 3 with the transfer of the Power of Illusion. Also in 3 they undid the entire Prize. Also it's really unclear if Duncan's father was telling the truth about his origins. The guy was on his deathbed, and really trying to hurt Duncan any way he could. As far as I recall, it's never addressed again.

[@WolfHreda]

The series was my introduction to Highlander and I still love it.

[@AlanSizzlerKistler]

@@newfate26 It was addressed in a later episode when we saw a flashback with his mom and she said that his being adopted didn't make him less family. Part 3 is a general mess, on one hand it implies the Prize was never won and Connor made a mistake, on the other hand Connor specifically mentions knowing he won it but then doesn't seem to have its power, leading to some fan debate about whether or not he had it and then it went away when Kane showed up or if he never had it and if this was even the same timeline or if Kane was imprisoned and in suspended animation or if he was somehow out of phase with time in such a way that the Prize was tricked temporarily or if we should just shrug it off since 3 is a mess and at that point Highlander timelines were all nuts anyway. ((shrug)) I end to go with that last one :-) 3 did have Mako though and some fun scenes, so I can't hate it.

[@AlanSizzlerKistler]

@@WolfHreda as well you should! like what you like!

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

In the TV series, weren't all the immortals orphans or foundlings?

[@electricdevil2422]

This is the king of "Wut da hell" casting - a very French Christopher Lambert as a Scot. Scottish Sean Connery as an Egyptian working for Spain, and very American Clancy Brown as a Russian/Mongol Kurgan.

[@jonathancunningham8739]

Well there where Greek Egyptians so Sean Connery in that aspect is okay is okay however I do see the hilarity of the cast great film and cast though.

[@herbyragan7801]

AND IT WORKS 😀

[@andrewcharles459]

Reminds me of Ridley Scott's "The Duelists" from 1977 with Harvey Keitel and Keith Carradine playing French soldiers amongst an all-British cast. They rocked it though. :-)

[@ronmaximilian6953]

Kurgans for a or the proto Indo-European people on the steppe.

[@nem447]

although a classic now, it was a B-movie sleeper hit

[@jean-paulaudette9246]

LOL Honestly, one of the reasons why I enjoy Thomas Jayne so much as an actor is because of his nostalgia-evoking resemblance to Christopher Lambert.

[@andrewcharles459]

I just looked at a recent pic of Lambert and he's the spitting image of Peter Fonda now. LOL

[@mmsizzlak]

I CANNOT unsee what you just said.... Damn you! Lol

[@StinkyGreenBud]

Except Jayne is a way better actor imo.

[@jean-paulaudette9246]

@@StinkyGreenBud Well...I did say *one* of the reasons...

[@andrewcharles459]

@@StinkyGreenBud In English. Remember, Lambert is French.

[@jgrado3]

I love how, during the date, Connor smells the brandy and recites all the great deeds accomplished in 1783 (you think how many of those events did he witness?) when in reality he only remembers it for his blackout drunken fight with a nobleman. Classic.

[@martynix4277]

This is actually something that Panzer (I think) had a friend who did. He was a connoisseur and whenever he opened a really old bottle he would inhale the air inside from the year it was bottled and recall events from that year. Panzer was so blown away by this he put it in the movie.

[@TedBrogan]

Because of Queen's music, and my teenage love of swords, this movie was one of those that imprints on you for all time. Not the greatest fantasy or action movie on its own, but just so memorable. I literally ordered an ivory handled samurai sword from one of those knife shows they used to run at 3 am back in the 90's for like $190. My parents were livid, but I still have that bad boy.

[@tallboy2234]

Of Course You Do! 🤣😂🤣😂👍

[@MadcapMatt]

Also the Queen sung theme song is a highlight of this movie

[@chrissiegle1065]

And the song Who wants to live forever... Freddie wrote this when he knew he was dying from aids... The song is a mirror of his feelings about death.. Crazy good music...

[@_vinterthorn]

@@chrissiegle1065 Actually, no. WWTLF was written by Brian May specifically for the soundtrack...

[@Swordsfor200Alex]

@@chrissiegle1065 yep Freddie didn’t write this Brian did. It was written for the immortal theme of Highlander.

[@Swordsfor200Alex]

Umm they sang everything in this movie…they performed the whole soundtrack

[@8967Logan]

I'm not sure if you know this, but there is also a TV series called "Highlander" based on this movie. It's actually a really good series, and Connor McCleod does make an appearance in it.

[@Rar9866]

loved the series, the rest of the movies, mmmmm not so good

[@jajejijoju7874]

The series was even better than the first movie

[@ComedyGuardianWarriorsFOHlulz]

You mean the animated series or The Raven?

[@8967Logan]

@@ComedyGuardianWarriorsFOHlulz neither, I'm talking about the TV series staring Adrian Paul. At least that's what I was talking about.

[@derekdecker555]

That show was a huge part of my childhood; my dad was such a fan of the movie that we sat down and watched the show every week. Such great supporting characters too. Roger Daltry as Fitz was my absolute favorite. When I learned he was in The Who I was literally like “wow he sings too???” 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@drlee2]

This is one of my favorite 80s movies, really all time movies. The premise is ridiculous, yet everything works. Everyone raves about Sean Connery and Clancy Brown and deservedly so, but Christopher Lambert's engrossing performance as Connor MacLeod really carries this film. He gives Connor a world-weary gravitas of someone who's lived for centuries that I don't think many actors could have pulled off. And Connor is never boring. To counter all of the gravity and sadness, there are so many moments of Connor being clever, witty, and funny. One of the most underrated lead performances ever. EDIT: For the love of all that is good in the world, please DON'T watch Highlander 2! LOL

[@andreatomassini5521]

100% agreed

[@Nightdominia]

Plus the fun fact that Christopher Lambert pretty much legally blind. It adds another aspect to the sword work.

[@cbigalex]

Clancy Brown is 6'3" and the transitions and cinematography were revolutionary and award-winning. The studio thought the movie was a disaster and only had it in theaters for a week. to their surprise when it went to video it broke sales records.

[@christinawood7944]

The director of the movie said in commentary that Clancy Brown was very method and didn't break character for the duration of the movie. All during filming, nobody wanted to be around him. He said that, in reality, Clancy's the nicest person you could ever meet - but while he was the Kurgan, he was scary! I was always fascinated (and terrified) by that. I've been Highlander-obsessed since I was about 10 (way too young, really, but oh well). I'm so very glad you both enjoyed it! Hugs! 🤗

[@Retrovorious]

24:22 he shot his servant because the servant tried to make him do something dishonorable. McCloud just apologized and was walking away with his back turned. The point of the duel at that time is because someone’s honor was challenged. If you act dishonorably it defeats the whole point.

[@andrewbrumana3226]

Please stop. For all that is good and holy, do NOT watch the sequels! “There should be only one…”

[@newfate26]

Three isn't terrible, and I do recommend fans of the series at least watching Two if just to experience it for themselves.

[@arschlochmcgurk4409]

I hope for this couple they get your advice.

[@testthepest6259]

SO true!

[@arisucheddar3097]

I don't want a reaction to it, but the Adrian Paul series was a guilty pleasure of mine as a kiddo.

[@foolwriter]

If you go in knowing that it's ridiculous, the second one can be a blast on Bad Movie Night.

[@smartalec2001]

That image of his old sword marking Heather's grave. 'MACLEOD'. Like he buries his heart there, while the rest of him carries on.

[@EchoFoxtrot21]

"I'm Candy" "Yes, you are" Clancy Brown rules.

[@thatpatrickguy3446]

Absolutely. :-D

[@metadeth578]

clancy brown played as an antagonist in bad boys with sean penn and not the will smith version of bad boys

[@SkewtLilbttm]

He says "of course you are" way to pay attention

[@yaburnt9754]

"I m Connor MacCleod of the clan MacCleod" was one of our favorite quotes as teenagers wayback in the 80's

[@mortonsomerville6271]

Macleod not maccleod

[@yaburnt9754]

I deserve death for that mistake ;)

[@ElDuderino84]

I remember when Will Ferrell (Ricky Bobby) mentioned Highlander winning the Academy award, for being “the best movie ever made”

[@namelessjedi2242]

I remember that too, and not knowing why it was funny since it’s true! 😁

[@adgato75]

You never something I never realized ? "If you're not first , you're last" is just "There can be only one!" . Thematically , it really makes sense.

[@BlueSummers101]

If you love Queen music/soundtracks then you simply have to react to Flash Gordon which is a campy sci-fi movie (and a favorite of mine) that has an equally amazing soundtrack. If you want to see/react to move Sean Connery films then the Untouchables is a MUST, not only does he play an Irish American police office with a heavy Scottish accent lol but he also won an Oscar for his performance. Also the guy who gets plowed down by the Kurgan when he says "excuse me" @29:44 is actually Russell Mulchay who is the director of the film.

[@-M0LE]

Or FLESH GORDON 😂

[@TedBrogan]

Yes, Flash Gordon 1980 is a must watch! It's epic, visually stunning, AND is scored by Queen. And Max Von Sydow's Ming The Merciless might be my favorite character ever.

[@jimzecca3961]

@@TedBrogan Klytus I'm bored. What play thing can you offer me today...

[@TedBrogan]

​@@jimzecca3961 He saved every one of us.

[@michaelccozens]

Mulchay has a heck of a career. He did a ton of iconic music videos, including The Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star", which was the first video to air on MTV. Worked with Paul McCartney, Elton John, Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran, Rod Stewart, The Sex Pistols, etc., etc., and of course Queen. The things that guy has seen!

[@LordVolkov]

The quickening has begun! So glad you two got to this! This movie is an 80's classic. Killer soundtrack by Queen and such an iconic performance by Clancy Brown! "Happy Halloween sisters!"

[@michaelriddick7116]

NGL I bawl whenever I hear "Who Wants To Live Forever" 💔😭😭😭😭💘

[@darlenereed4975]

Clancy Brown, aka Mr. Krabs!

[@Police108Talk]

The director was Russell Mulcahy, an Australian director. He originally directed music videos. That , I think explains his unique directing style. He also directed a movie called "Razorback" about a giant killer boar in the Australian outback. You might want to check that movie out also.

[@stevengusenius7333]

Already mentioned, but "The Adventurers of Buckaroo Bonsai across the 8th Dimension" is a similarly stylized, crazy, and star-studded 80s cast. Totally worth watching.

[@monsterkhan3414]

Clancy Brown broke the mold when it comes to creating memorable villains. He did it so well that the Highlander series suffered from it afterwards because every villain after the Kurgan was always trying to either copy him or play in complete contrast to him, but none of them ever matched his villainy.

[@nightthornkvala94132]

I liked Kronos.

[@MarlonBrando414]

His Kurgan character is kinda how I imagined Sabertooth to be like in a Wolverine movie

[@awesomeatronik]

Mario was fun.

[@awesomeatronik]

@@MarlonBrando414 I always thought that sabertooth was from that Kurgan culture, was disappointed with sabertooth in the movies.

[@franksinatraiv2006]

“So he plays a Spaniard?” Is maybe my favorite reaction of all time

[@lanagievski1540]

This movie doesn’t get enough love. Super shocked in the best of ways you both are reacting to this

[@Ideepthought]

Loved the reaction. Highlander is on the top of my list of "Films they should NEVER have made sequels for".

[@r.g.o3879]

Clancey Brown steals the show whenever he was on screen. Loved him in Star ship troopers as well

[@lordfulmine]

Just FYI, literally all of the sequel ideas you came up with are better than what we actually got

[@Xoferif]

I prefer to pretend that the sequels didn't happen...

[@sstavlo]

@@Xoferif 3 Isn't so bad, and you can kinda ignore the plot hole issue

[@lordfulmine]

@@sstavlo agreed, 3 had some interesting ideas, if you completely ignore what happens in the first movie

[@adamwarlock1]

Yeah their sequel ideas are a lot closer to the TV show than the subsequent movies.

[@jalenellis3594]

@@Xoferif What sequels?

[@gustonzimasheen]

The camera work in Highlander is above and beyond what you would expect for a fantasy action movie, at least for the time when it came out

[@Jar0fMay0]

The camera work reminds me of a comic book or manga. I love it

[@markduncan7638]

My uncle Gregory was an extra in the scene with the 2 clans fighting one another, some guy ran into him with a shield and broke his nose haha. When they had to shout "Death to the MacLeods!", they had to redo it as someone shouted "Death to Maggie Thatcher!", and it was picked up haha.

[@biguy617]

The Queen music in this movie is awesome. I love the TV we got from this franchise starring Adrian Paul. "THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!!" I love the song Princess of Universe. One of my favorite Queen songs. RIP Sean Connery

[@chefskiss6179]

Yeah, you're correct, when The Hound was having that final sword fight, actually even before it started and they meet on the spiral staircase, I thought "oh please don't copy the Highlander scene", and yet, they went and did it :/ This flick is all levels of awesome. So glad you watched it.

[@chadfalardeau5396]

I knew it was coming as soon as I saw where they were

[@corvus1970]

TBR on Clancy Brown: "I don't even know if I could see Mr. Krabs the same now." Mr. Krabs: "There can be only one, me boy!"

[@jean-philippedoyon9904]

Clancy Brown as the Kurgan was genius...his voice is so amazing !! It's better to burn out than to fade away!

[@Arbo82]

When I found out the guy that voiced Mr Krabs was actually the Kurgen, my mind was blown. Loved Highlander as a kid in the 80s. It's such an out of nowhere movie. They didn't used to be so rare.

[@robertmolton6761]

"It's better to burn out than to fade away", one of my favorite lines.

[@DogmeatDied989]

Oh wow! I’m so glad you are watching the Director’s cut! The scene in Nazi Germany where Connor meets Rachel was cut from the theatrical version. It’s a silly scene, but it establishes their relationship really well.

[@Yoderstein666]

Really helps the movie in my opinion.

[@bloodnchocolate]

I don't know, the "Whatever you say, Jack, you're the master race" line followed by a cold-blooded execution is pretty fire, IMO.

[@youtmeme]

I always thought she was an old flame of his, who accepted that she was not his true love!!!😃

[@Sporkmaker5150]

I disagree. Many "Director's Cuts" include quality scenes which were left out because of time constraints or the need to not have an 'R' rating etc, but I feel that the scenes cut from Highlander were cut because they are rather poor and actually detract from the film. I've searched thoroughly for an original theatrical cut on a more modern media like DVD or blue ray but it doesn't seem to exist. For now I'll treasure my old VHS copy.

[@fionnmaccumhaill3257]

@@Sporkmaker5150 I loved it in that scene better establishes Rachel's character because I felt that was missing when I saw it in the theater. On the other hands, aside from further establishing Rachel and Connor's relationship, the scene itself was rather insipid with cliche master race propaganda garbage.

[@Daveyboy100880]

Such a beautifully bonkers movie that sums up the 80s! Have an idea and run with it, using the absolute bare minimum of logic and world-building to set the scene, so all the focus can be on entertainment. This was also one of the first "MTV" movies, with the director having cut his teeth on music videos. All the crazy transitions and camera moves, the wide-angle lenses and the energy of the staccato editing... it was all part of the new wave of 1980s filmmaking! As for the sequels, there can be only none!

[@acdchook]

Talking about the cool camera shots - the director of Highlander, Russell Mulcahy, was a music video director, and so some shots are very much like what you'd see in 80's music videos. Also HIghlander 2 is best avoided, or at least knowing that it's definitely NOT considered canon. Best to skip to watching the series, and then Highlander Endgame.

[@corvus1970]

I wholeheartedly second this.

[@richardparauri1937]

Big props to Queen best musical score in a movie ever. Clancy Brown epic villain I became a fan of his from that time on. Cargin's monologue in the church was the best I've quoted that so many times. The love for Heather was heartbreaking it encapsulated love that transcended time. This movie was only meant to be a one-of spin-off but fans wanted more but, how could you build off from what this movie presented. The only way you could move forward was to pick up from Highlanders kids and the cycle starts all over again.

[@ingobordewick6480]

The Music is by "Queen", one of the greatest Rock-Bands ever. The Album the songs from the film are on is called "A Kind Of Magic"

[@krishn1098]

The opening voice-over by Connery has an echo effect because it was recorded in the bathroom of his Spanish villa, where he had been working on his Spanish accent for the film with a voice coach. It was played for the producers over the phone, and they approved of it because they could not discern the quality of the recording

[@Skrubb_Lord]

Came to the comments to see if someone already mentioned this. haha

[@Parallax-3D]

Spanish accent? 😂

[@krishn1098]

@@Parallax-3D He's supposed to be a Spaniard in this movie😄.

[@LordToddtastic666]

Being a descendant of MacLeod stock, I highly approve of this pick! This is such a classic 80's flick. One of my all time favorites! Do not watch the sequels, they will ruin this perfect story for you. This film made me a fan of Clancy Brown for sure, but he's also great in Bad Boys with a very young Sean Penn. Definitely worth a watch.

[@michaelnolan6951]

Back in the day I was a fan of the "Highlander" TV series. Each episode combined a plot in the present with flashbacks to relevant historical stories. It eventually retconned itself to death, but was a cool concept.

[@15blackshirt]

That must be a different Bad Boys from the one with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence

[@Lpace3]

I fell in love with him as Rawhide in Buckaroo Banzai.

[@insaneconqueror5421]

@@15blackshirt yeah. It's about juvenile jail.

[@jeffburnham6611]

Agree with you. The 2nd one starts out okay, then becomes so convoluted as to not make any sense giving what you saw in the first one.

[@karlmoles6530]

Been a Clancy Brown fan since the day I saw this film.

[@alexflores7652]

This movie was the second time that Queen did a soundtrack for a movie. The first one was for Flash Gordon in 1980. Some of the songs in that movie were on the record "The Game"

[@Camuska]

Fun fact as a French : Christophe Lambert, at that time, was a star here. He honestly did 3-4 VERY GOOD movies and was going to probably have a nice career. Then, HORRIBLE movie choices made him into a national joke. We created a "genre" of movie called Nanar, which is not translatable but are basically 'movies that are so bad they're fun to laugh at with friends'. And Christophe Lambert movies, after this initial streak of good movies are nearly ALL considered Nanar.

[@Camuska]

Also his laugh became a treasure on the internet humor, decades before memes were a thing. A website even created the "Christophe Lambert Laughbox". It is now dead on the internet; however tributes to the insanely funny laugh of the man still existes : kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3fWqJuHoq5_grc

[@JnEricsonx]

18:57-all fights are one on one-that's one of the rules. And it's mentioned in the TV show, the last time two immortals fought on holy ground-it was at a place called POMPEII. Other fun fact-Lambert and Connery became such good friends during the brief time they filmed together, they started calling each other by their characters' names.

[@nightthornkvala94132]

Two Immortals fighting on Holy Ground resulted in Mt. Vesuvius violently erupting in 79 A.D., which led to Divia biting and turning her upper-class Roman father Lucius Divius, the only way to save him. He later ran a night club in Toronto, Ontario under the name Lucien LaCroix. He loved but was always in conflict with his favorite childe Nicolas Chevalier, who was a police detective under the name Nicholas Knight. (Forever Knight 1992-1996) Too bad the fandoms only met in fan fiction.

[@christhornycroft3686]

One of the best soundtracks in any movie ever. It’s a cheesy guy movie, but it’s the 80s. It’s a guilty pleasure, for sure. I love how they go all in with it.

[@davidmendez1694]

I've had a 30 year career working haunted houses. When I was developing my character, my voice was based on the Kurgan's line "HAPPY HALLOWEEN LADIES!" Used the same voice for 30 years. Sometimes I subconsciously slip into it when I'm irritated.

[@deg6788]

😂 Nice

[@TrentRidley]

That's awesome, you should write to Clancy Brown to tell him this. I'm sure he'd be hugely flattered.

[@MattDeMille]

If the Oscars had any credibility Clancy Brown would've won Best Supporting Actor for this film.

[@Tommy1977777]

Sean Connory as the Spaniard...absolutely outstanding!

[@esidhe]

Love Clancy Brown. ”I’m in disguise”.

[@HistoritorJimaldus]

**troops facing MacLeod looking at the Kurgan in his battle armour** “Are we the baddies??”

[@NotAyFox]

🤣

[@kewl2152]

😆

[@robpegler6545]

Not only did Queen do the soundtrack (all original songs) but they released it as their 12th studio album (A Kind of Magic, 1985). Highlander never had an official soundtrack release, so that album serves as an unofficial one. It's also a special album because it was the last time Freddie Mercury went on tour before his diagnosis.

[@TheCkent100]

It also has the song "One Vision", which was the theme song from the movie "Iron Eagle". The re-release of "A Kind of Magic" includes an additional song not on the original release - the instrumental version of "Who Wants To Live Forever". That song is "Forever" and is a beautiful track, as if "Who Wants To Live Forever" wasn't beautiful enough.

[@4040bsc]

I desperately want a finished, official release of their cover of “New York, New York”.

[@robpegler6545]

"Who Wants To Live Forever" is one of the great power ballads of the 80s. And "Princes of the Universe" is one of the best intro songs ever used in a movie. Still gives me goosebumps whenever I watch the film.

[@leoda_lion4107]

Fun Fact- Clancy Brown - just went all in his role. Even scaring the cast members on and off the set. He was the total villain. And Christopher Lambert - a frenchman, barely spoke English. Which is why they make fun of his accent in the movie. Funny that a Frenchman playing Scottish. And a Scottish playing a Spanish peacock....oh the irony. Also the opening narration with Sean Connery- that was him on the toilet. That is why it sounds so echo-ey....

[@michaelminch5490]

In every Greatest Movie Villain list, The Kurgan is almost always in the top five. Another movie with Clancy that you guys NEED to watch is "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension." Also, did you notice that one of the artifacts in his inner sanctum is Ramirez's outfit? It's placed directly across from the door, so it's the first thing he sees.

[@patty1h]

i will always have a soft spot for Christopher Lambert from his role in the Tarzan movie he starred in back in 1984. He was.... innocently sexy and charming.

[@tomsa123456]

"It's better to burn out than fade away" Neil Young (Hey Hey, My My (Out of the Blue)

[@Parallax-3D]

But Kurgan adding “I’ve got something to say” before it is a reference to Def Leppard’s “Rock of Ages.” Yes, they stole the line from Neil Young. Pyromania was released in 1983. Highlander was released in 1986, so the reference is definitely to DL, not NY.

[@davidahmed7792]

The mystery of this first Highlander is so unique and sadly gets ruined by the straight-to-video sequels. If you loved this original - steer clear of the follow-ups... I like to think of this film as a stand alone - one off. Glad you got to watch it - thanks for your reaction and discussion afterwards.

[@Mr_Incognito113]

“There should be only one”

[@chrisledford5456]

Actually all 4 of the other movies except for the source were in theaters

[@anzaeria]

Straight to video sequels? I saw Highlander 2 at the cinema when it first came out.

[@lidlett9883]

The sound track was written by Queen and really plays a big part of the movie. Who wants to live forever

[@robertlehnert4148]

Fun Fact confirmed by director Widen on the commentary track: in the battle between the MacLeod's and the Frasier's, the extras were hired from two Scottish villages that hated each other for generations, so during filming breaks, they would go to the pub and get increasingly drunk so the fighting became increasingly real...which is why it looks so good.

[@Lafever1883]

The main music for the film was performed by Queen so of course it was epic. All of Queens music was .

[@styles2980]

I really enjoyed this when it came out. I watched on VHS many times, and a nostalgic classic for me today. I watch about every 5 years or so.

[@rustyforceps1012]

Watch the series!! It follows this movie’s reality, expands it, and explores it. It’s only fitting to explore an immortal life in a tv series!! It will certainly give you more of the immortal story. I watched the series right after first seeing the movie, and was enthralled! It IS very dated, though.

[@snowdenwyatt6276]

"These transitions are crazy". 35 years after seeing this film my one and only time and the transitions are the most indelible thing about it for me. The specific one I've always remembered is the bottom of the lake to aquarium transition.

[@mjkjelland13]

One of my all-time favorite movie, soundtrack by Queen, Clancy Brown as the Kurgan (One of the best villains ever), Sean Connery, Christopher Lambert. What more can you want, thanks for watching.

[@atti97]

I love The Highlander. True cult classic. My childhood favorite film. The music what Queen did it's outstanding. The directing story so good and the cast was great.

[@AustinKloud]

Clancy Brown has been an incredible actor for decades… *side note* he had a bit part in “The adventures of Buckeroo Banzai across the 8th dimension” (minor 80’s hit for Peter “RoboCop” Weller)

[@JoeMama410]

It’s such a great movie: Neurosurgeon, inter dimensional rocket car driver, rock star.

[@allannewell2089]

I would love TBR and Sam to review Buckaroo Banzai. So 80s, Peter Weller, Clancy Brown, John Lithgow, Jeff Goldblum, Christopher Lloyd . ..

[@nightthornkvala94132]

He played Rawhide, my 2nd favorite character after New Jersey (Jeff Goldblum). Sorry Buckaroo, you're #3.

[@mortonsomerville6271]

@@nightthornkvala94132 Rawhide then perfect Tommy

[@nightthornkvala94132]

@@mortonsomerville6271 Oh, Perfect Tommy way up there on the love list too.

[@salvadorjimenez2872]

Immortals can sense one anothers' presence even when they can't see each other. Which is why Connor McLeod was acting as he was in the beginning of the film. Immortals face off with one another in mortal combat. When one immortal beheads another, the victor takes the loser's power in a destructive event know among them as the quickening. The older the immortal, the more power they have & the more powerful the quickening. The Kurgan has lived for centuries & eventually went mad with all the killing, as Rachel had pointed out.

[@brianfranklinlee8490]

I know you pinned this a year ago. But I saw this when it came out. It almost went straight out on VHS. Queen did the soundtrack which made it so much better. And what can I say Sean Connery. This was one of those movies that really came out of nowhere. And how the scenes morph into one another. It begs to wonder if God and the Watcher's are or have been with us through time. I know God has.

[@ghostbeetle2950]

I'm really glad you enjoyed it! It's true that the actual backstory of the immortals, and how the prize works, and everything has a LOT of problems, but you guys already recognized that that doesn't really matter. It hangs together just enough to serve as a tantalizingly cool thread that intrigues you and pulls you into this mesmerizing, rock-and-roll, high-octane fever dream! Other commenters have already given their advice on the other movies (What other movies?!;)) in this series, so I just wanted to add that I feel fairly certain both of you would probably really enjoy the TV series the most, as that is the "continuation" - of a sort - which REALLY digs into the logic of the immortals the most AND it uses the historical flashback device from the movie and the interplay of past and present absolutely beautifully! You get to see every cool, and interesting historical period you could imagine and it all serves the development of the story and the characters. And it has just SO many more awesome immortals! Amanda, Methos, Darius! Oh, Darius! It's a very 90's TV production, but it's great!

[@Zarkarian64]

🎬Kurgan wasn't insane ...just evil. You're looking at him through the care, perspective and sensibilities of a mortal. You die, therefore you value life. From his perspective, he's having fun. 🎬Knowing how mortals value and are terrified of losing their life, he took a sadistic pleasure in terrorizing and killing them. If you value life like Connor did, you enjoyed and thrived as an immortal. As his immortal friends did as well. 🎬When you're evil and have no care or purpose in life, the only way to amuse or pleasure yourself is through the pain and suffering of others. Otherwise, you would always be alone ...throughout eternity.

[@serelryk5365]

"I am the one. The only one. I am the god of kingdom come. Just give me the prize! Just give me the prize!" With the way the prize was described, those lyrics actually make a lot of sense. Connor can basically guide mankind into a golden age of peace. Whereas the Kurgan probably would have kicked off WWIII just for fun. I think it's why men like Ramirez took men like Connor under their wing. That way even if they themself aren't the one left at the end, they can still increase the chances that whoever it is will be someone with a good heart. So in a way they do it for the future of humanity. That's just my interpretation anyway. Highlander. One of my favorite "good bad movies" of all-time XD

[@JnEricsonx]

Then they made Higlander 2 and it went to shit.

[@serelryk5365]

@@JnEricsonx Multiple versions of Highlander 2, and every sequel just seemed to get even worse haha. Personally I only really acknowledge the original movie and the TV series (which kind of had to retcon the end of the movie in order to work, but it was still enjoyable imo, though admittedly often as a guilty pleasure lol).

[@JnEricsonx]

@@serelryk5365 I think The Source was even shittier than Highlander 2. At least in that everyone seemed to be having fun-hell, Connery came back only because Lambert asked him to, and they became good friends during the first movie filming.

[@serelryk5365]

@@JnEricsonx I didn’t see The Source. I spared myself 😆. But saw enough clips of it out of curiosity to know that I had no interest in it. I saw Highlander 2 (a long time ago and remember not liking it, but I never saw the Renegade/Director’s Cut), Highlander 3 (and just remember Mako), and Endgame (which I didn’t care for either). It’s been years since I watched the show, but I remember enjoying it a lot for the most part.

[@thomasduffy6587]

re: The Kurgan's insanity--there's that great line from Rachel when her and Connor are listening to the message on the answering machine--"The endless killing's driven him mad." I missed that the first probably dozen times I watched this movie but so relevant to the Kurgan's state of mind towards the end.

[@TrentRidley]

That and the passage of time I think. He's clearly also obsessive in his desire to be "the one."

[@JCG52577]

If you enjoy Clancy’s performances I’d suggest checking out “The Bride”. His role is the subplot but his scenes are pretty much the best thing about the film.

[@Caredroia]

LOVE the Music Video for this; Princes of the Universe - you even have a fight between Freddie Mercury and Christopher Lambert on top of the Silvercup Sign. Other two songs by Queen for this film was "It's A Kind Of Magic" and "Who Wants To Live Forever" still can't find Mercury's New York New York. Love 80's Films. The high-point of Practical FX. For another great 80's Queen written soundtrack - Flash Gordon!

[@TheZeroAssassin]

It's a classic, and brilliant, and i'm glad they made only one, and there are no cheap sequels. Yep, just this one. Love it

[@gregoryjackson8124]

Highlander II The Quickening 1991 , Highlander III The Sorcerer 1995 and Highlander The Source 2007 Yep just the three cheap SEQUELS Do not watch them complete suckfest

[@TheLORDofTOXICITY]

Omg u guys never cease to surprise me!!!! I'm just about to go to bed and you guys post a video from one of my fav movies ( and tv shows ) of all time!!!

[@adgato75]

There ARE female immortals ! There was a female immortal that was a beloved guest star in the TV series , and even got a spinoff show of her own for 1 season. And all of the film sequels are wretched , but the TV series is actually pretty good.

[@lowkee1205]

I love Amanda from the series. She and Duncan have excellent chemistry, and I generally love her character.

[@adgato75]

@@lowkee1205 Yeah , she was an awesome character. Hell , the TV series had a lot of great characters. Like the guy from "The Fine Young Cannibals".

[@lowkee1205]

@@adgato75 Yup, Roland Gift, he played Xavier St. Cloud. Also Roger Daltrey, lead singer of the Who, played Duncan's friend Hugh Fitzcairn.

[@adgato75]

@@lowkee1205 And Bull from "Night Court" and that one guy from "Breaking Bad" lol

[@MarkTarsis]

Yeah, this. The other movies where horrible, but in 1992 there was a Highlander TV series that was quite good and went for 6 seasons. That show spinned off another show in 98 called The Raven which went for 1 season(22 episodes). The Highlander TV series did a lot to expand out the lore of the universe.

[@vcancer]

The part with him in world war 2 with Rachel was never shown in the theater cut, it was released on the special edition DVD and Blueray. I like that you get a little back story of how they met, originally you thought that they were lovers at some point when he was leaving but it's actually like a father-daughter kind of thing.

[@alanmackie7012]

I'm pretty sure it was in the UK cinema cut. Or am I experiencing the Mandela Effect?

[@vcancer]

@@alanmackie7012 Here in the states, this cut was never shown in the theaters.

[@Doctor_Kissworthy]

One of my Top Ten favourite movies! In August I moved from Essex to the Scottish Highlands, where much of the footage was shot. I'm having a blast exploring the wonderful fairy-tale scenery and have even bought a replica of MacLeod's samurai sword to put up on my wall once I can find somewhere to live. Great commentary and reaction, guys. Thank you!

[@germandavid1290]

Congratulations!!! A dream come true 🥳

[@lowkee1205]

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Everything was fantastic, the casting, the cinematography, the soundtrack, this movies deserves more love than it gets.

[@ca9968]

The Kurgan, best villain EVER! "MOM!!!" Edit: I still say a spin off of what The Kurgan was up to all through the years would have been such a great film!

[@TheLORDofTOXICITY]

I love Samantha confused look during the Quickening

[@dzl8596]

Great movie. This is one of the few that has valuable info in the director's cut. Rachel's backstory is very touching and adds depth.

[@lauce3998]

I am not fan of Queen, but the moment of "Who wants to live forever" break my heart. For me is their best song.

[@MST3Killa]

Hah, just realized the guy at the beginning who says, "I peed my kilt the first time I went into battle!" is the same guy in Braveheart, the father of William's friend. Names escape me right now. Funny that he's pretty much in the same costume for both movies.

[@pappajudas9267]

James Cosmo

[@michaelnolan6951]

@@pappajudas9267 He's great in everything he's ever been in.

[@JnEricsonx]

Also, Game of Thrones.

[@Mr_Incognito113]

He was Renton’s dad in Trainspotting also

[@pappajudas9267]

@@michaelnolan6951 one of my favourites was a small role he did in a direct to DVD film called The Hammer of the Gods.

[@channelwacke]

If you liked this movie, you NEED to see "The Brotherhood of the Wolf". It has a similar tone and level of stylization. And it even shares an actor with The Highlander (the French nobleman from the duel scene - he's one of the main characters!)

[@DanielOrion74]

An absolutely incredible flick that's not on enough people's radars. Would LOVE to see a reaction to this.

[@JnEricsonx]

Different actor BTW. Samuel Le Bihan-Fronsac, is not the guy from the "famous duel on Boston Commons"

[@chadfalardeau5396]

Its loosely based on a wierd incident in France shortly before the Revolution

[@bartlebyscriviner6456]

So happy you guys managed to get this out tonight despite all the technical issues, I really wanted to watch this ASAP. This is like my dad's all time favorite 80s movie and one of the things that we bond over. Great review!

[@scope40k]

Yeah, Thomas Jane was a huge revelation to me, since I never watched the old Punisher, and only saw him first time in The Expanse series. And then he looked me pretty close to Christopher Lambert's Raiden, so I found they similarity in a different way. And they're only 12 years apart in age, wow.

[@shawnkroll3950]

To clairfy the "Prize" is whatever the immortal desired most....for Kurgan it would have been power...for McCloud..just from story you could see the hurt in his eyes and tone....he was tired of losing those he loved because he would outlive them....so his wish was to be mortal...he desired peace so being able to hear what people are think would help him bridge gaps and save nations.....