Directed by Denis Villeneuve, and taking place 30 years after the original Blade Runner, Blade Runner 2049 follows a blade runner called K, who uncovers a buried secret that could change the fabric of society.
4 ½ stars
Movie review
Blade Runner 2049 is one of the best looking films in the history of cinema. That's not to say there aren't movies that compare to it, but whenever a discussion of brilliant aesthetic (whether it be cinematography or score or world) comes up, Blade Runner 2049 should be there.
Off the top of my head, I think this is Deakins’ most beautiful work. The musical score by Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch is equally masterful. And this leads to an incredible ambience throughout the film.
The story is interesting too. It carries over themes of loneliness and isolation that were started in the first Blade Runner movie, but expands on them, allowing Ryan Gosling's K to have a true character arc (thanks in no small part to a fantastic supporting role by Ana de Armas).
The longer runtime also allows the movie to flesh out plot details and character motivations more clearly than the original film.
I’m in the admittedly smaller camp of people that like this movie more than the original Blade Runner, but I do genuinely think it’s a better film. I found the story more impactful and the visuals more striking. That said, I don’t know if this movie could have been made well had Blade Runner not already done such an incredible job at building a massive moving world for this sequel to live in.
Are there any animals in Blade Runner 2049
Yes. For more information check out Does the dog die in Blade Runner 2049.
Should you watch Blade Runner 2049
If you're a fan of science fiction, the Blade Runner movies are essential viewing (you don't need to watch the short prologues though, they don't add much to the experience). Personally, I think Blade Runner 2049 is incredible and should be required viewing for every sci-fi fan (however the filmgoing jury is split quite strongly divided on this one with some -my wife- finding the film too long and uninteresting).
4 ½ stars.
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