Directed by:
Russell MulcahyCinematography:
Gerry FisherComposer:
Michael KamenCast:
Christopher Lambert, Roxanne Hart, Clancy Brown, Sean Connery, Beatie Edney, Alan North, Jon Polito, Sheila Gish, Hugh Quarshie, James Cosmo, Celia Imrie (more)VOD (2)
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Russell Mulcahy's original saga of immortal Scotsman Connor Macleod, one of a race of immortals who can only be killed when beheaded with a sword. After living in peace for four centuries, he is challenged by an old enemy named Kurgan. During a fierce sword battle in the 1500s, Connor MacLeod, a simple Scotsman known as a poor fighter, is mortally wounded - but he does not die. MacLeod learns from the mysterious Ramirez that he is of a race of immortals. These rare knights never age and never reproduce, they can only meet death by the blade of another of their kind. Leaping back and forth through the centuries, MacLeod once again meets the evil Kurgan who nearly killed him 500 years ago. (Lionsgate Home Entertainment)
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Reviews (11)
With Christopher Lambert coming to Comic-Con in 2022, I wanted to revisit his most iconic role. The last time I watched it was as a kid, and I remember finding it pretty complex back then. The plot does start off a bit confusing, but it picks up, and the 80s vibe is charmingly naive and a joy to watch. Yes, it's very much a product of its time, but if you love films from that era, you won't be disappointed. Highlander is a legend—maybe a slightly dated one, but still legendary — with the neon-lit atmosphere of 80s New York that only that decade could deliver.
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This film has one great thing: the beautiful Scottish landscape and the mysticism of the flashbacks. The story taking place in the present is predicable and boring, and it’s not even helped by the B-movie like performances, which in this case I found incredibly annoying. To be fair, though, I’ve never liked fantasy in any form, not only in film.
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An interesting and original plot plus solid technical execution, those are the main strengths of Highlander. The story is well presented and full of mystery, the flashbacks to the past are very intriguing, the music is captivating and, oddly enough, Queen's famous song fit perfectly here. And that's what the viewer needs and expects from a film of this type. At least that's how it was for me. It's also worth mentioning Sean Connery and the demonic Kurgan portrayed by Clancy Brown.
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A classic mainstream adventure with a perfect cast, impressive production design and a great premise, which, however, also became a stumbling block. It’s one thing to play with ideas of immortality and jump from the 16th century to the present day with a snap of the fingers, and something else is to tell a story detached from emotions, with clumsy effects and highlights in the form of static sword fights. Lambert is excellent in one of his few major roles, the music of Queen is fantastic and Connery is downright iconic. With a more elaborate and imaginative script, a remake should be a safe bet. 3.5*
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It's almost surprising that Highlander isn't based on a novel. I can easily imagine it as an 800-page epic fantasy, later adapted into a film that, while simplified, retains a stylish, B-movie charm. Highlander blends epic storytelling, romance, destiny, and a mix of seriousness and humor, all while being incredibly entertaining. Christopher Lambert might be stiff as a board, but his awkward performance somehow grows on you. Of course, Sean Connery's appearance as the Egyptian-born Spaniard, Ramirez, is a highlight, even if his role gets overshadowed by the scene-stealing villain Kurgan, played by Clancy Brown. Every moment Kurgan is on screen is a treat. I've had Highlander on my watchlist for ages and finally decided to watch it after a vacation in Scotland, where I visited the stunning Eilean Donan Castle featured in the film. You might think I am biased from the fresh memories of my trip, but I genuinely believe Highlander would have impressed me regardless. It combines everything I love about movies like this with exceptional editing, great cinematography, and an awesome soundtrack by Queen. Watching Highlander is truly a kind of magic!
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