Highlander

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation | Release Date: March 7, 1986

7.8	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 122 Ratings

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Compi24Mar 1, 2016

Possessing both imaginative and cliched moments of narrative substance, poorly and finely edited sequences, brilliant and terrible uses of special effects, as well as both silly and exemplary displays of camerawork, "Highlander" is quite anPossessing both imaginative and cliched moments of narrative substance, poorly and finely edited sequences, brilliant and terrible uses of special effects, as well as both silly and exemplary displays of camerawork, "Highlander" is quite an odd movie to swallow. Though, after watching the film, one cannot deny these two things; #1 - sword-fighting is the most entertaining when conducted at night in the middle of downtown New York City; and #2 - this movie might just contain one of the best performances from ol' Captain Byron Hadley/Mr. Krabs himself -- Clancy Brown. Proceed with optimistic caution, for the cheese is strong in this one.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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Voodoo123Feb 15, 2018

This film is all about town levels of bizarre... and yet there is something very watchable about it! Great cast, memorable soundtrack from queen. It plays like a 2 hour 80's coca cola advert with evil mr crabs as the lead villan. ChristopherThis film is all about town levels of bizarre... and yet there is something very watchable about it! Great cast, memorable soundtrack from queen. It plays like a 2 hour 80's coca cola advert with evil mr crabs as the lead villan. Christopher Lambert is mesmerizing as McLeod with a great supporting cast overacting their nuts off. It really is so crazy that you cant not enjoy at least some of what is happening. The lack of exposition explaining plot really helps this film!… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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TyranianNov 12, 2019

Somewhat entertaining in a ridiculous sort of way but also utter baloney. Lambert isn't great.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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gracjanskiJan 11, 2021

The story is interesting and gives the opportunity to show many world from different times. But on the other side, some of the visual effects were cheap. The duels were a bit to weak, although you can expect sword masters with experience ofThe story is interesting and gives the opportunity to show many world from different times. But on the other side, some of the visual effects were cheap. The duels were a bit to weak, although you can expect sword masters with experience of hundred years.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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arunscriptJun 29, 2022

Anyone who thinks this is some kind of under-rated masterpiece is not right in the mind. This is a barely average B movie.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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frederik1478Aug 19, 2020

Biggest problem with the film was the editing and now time, I enjoyed it when the movie was in the past, i no have so much to say about it just that it has enough positive things about it so I can give it a bad score

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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FilipeNetoApr 14, 2018

This is one of the most iconic films of the eighties and has one of the most interesting original soundtracks of the decade (by Queen, with some of their biggest successes, such as "Who wants to live forever"). The main character is theThis is one of the most iconic films of the eighties and has one of the most interesting original soundtracks of the decade (by Queen, with some of their biggest successes, such as "Who wants to live forever"). The main character is the Scottish Connor MacLeod, born in the sixteenth century and expelled from his own clan when it was found that he could not die. Later he met Ramirez, a Spanish courtier who suffered from the same condition and that helped him to understand his purpose in world: defeat other immortals, assimilate their energy until only one remains. Why does this happen? The film never gives an explanation, it seems that the immortals themselves don't know. But the ultimate prize is desirable.

The film makes extensive use of flashbacks to show events in the past, and can not always avoid plot holes. But the quick rhythm of the action and the amount of action scenes help public not to think about it. None of the characters seems to have a sufficiently well- developed personality. Even the villain, the evil Kurgan, never fully shows who he is. The action scenes are based on duels, with large swords. Fencing movements would not be able to bring victory to any serious fencer, but are sufficiently good on screen to deceive the public. The film includes some romance, but it's so basic and uninteresting that ends up having no value for the plot.

The cast is headed by Christopher Lambert (as Connor), Roxanne Hart (as Brenda), Clancy Brown (as Kurgan) and Sean Connery (as Ramirez). Undoubtedly, the cast does a pretty good job and fulfills its role without major errors, but without great brilliance as well. The exception is Sean Connery, who makes a very good performance and helps a lot to the quality of this movie. The scenarios are good, even the historical ones. The special effects, particularly at the end of the film, are quite impressive, considering the time when the film was made.

This film is not at all one of the best I've seen in terms of quality. But it is a film that, despite its weaknesses, works well because its nice to see and entertains the audience very well.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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clem666Jul 31, 2023

'Highlander' is a film that holds some nostalgic value for fans, especially with its epic soundtrack featuring Queen's music throughout the movie. The memorable tracks by Queen certainly elevate the film's atmosphere, adding a touch of'Highlander' is a film that holds some nostalgic value for fans, especially with its epic soundtrack featuring Queen's music throughout the movie. The memorable tracks by Queen certainly elevate the film's atmosphere, adding a touch of greatness to an otherwise lackluster experience.
The movie does boast stunning landscapes and environments, transporting the audience to various historical periods. From the Scottish Highlands to modern-day New York City.

Additionally, the costumes are undeniably cool, especially those worn by the immortal characters, giving them a distinct and imposing presence on screen. While the acting is generally decent, it falls short of delivering the emotional depth needed to fully engage the audience. Some performances feel flat, leaving viewers wanting more. However, Highlander disappoints when it comes to its female characters. The portrayal of women is bad, with the female lead seemingly reduced to a mere function-character, lacking substantial development and agency while the nemesis, The Kurgan, comes across as a clichéd and unoriginal antagonist. His motives and personality lack depth, making him feel like a caricature rather than a compelling villain.

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of Highlander is its unclear rules surrounding immortality and the often mind-numbing and convoluted scenario. The lack of consistent explanations creates confusion and disconnects viewers from the plot.
Surprisingly, the film has garnered a dedicated fanbase over the years, but it's difficult for me to see why. The plot and execution fall short, making it hard to understand why it is praised so fervently by its admirers.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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DawdlingPoetNov 27, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is very much a cheesy and seedy film - very much a 1980s film. Its got cult status and I can see why. The first comparison that sprung to mind, within having seen the first 10 minutes or so, I suppose plot-wise, was Outlander but Outlander this is definitely not. I suppose it's like a mashup of a 1980s fantasy film and Outlander but I'm not sure if that would more confuse you or actually help to paint a picture of it?. The special effects are quite dated but that's to be expected given its age. There's a certain charm to it I suppose and the acting is less than constantly top-notch, I'd say but it's watchable (if only just). An amusingly silly fantasy/drama/thriller film not to be taken too seriously, this is worth a quick glance if it sounds of interest, otherwise perhaps not. Oh and I'd, more specifically, say it's worth watching to see Sean Connery in his role (wearing Scottish garb) if nothing else. I'm not quite sure it'd be entirely fair to classify this as a parody film or not but it's certainly entertaining regardless. I suppose if screaming or loud noises bothers you much then this is probably a film best avoided because it is a bit loud at times and there's a female character who does the typical damsel in distress, shouting and looking helpless type of act towards the end, which may frustrate or annoy some people possibly (in terms of the whole cliche as well as the loud audio element!).

You could say it's (as Americans may say) 'trashy but fun' and also the fact that Queen do the soundtrack is a plus - can't beat a bit of Queen music in my book (or ears) but that may not appeal to everyone. It's not quite what I'd regard a particularly good film as such, in terms of being especially thoughtful or memorable but its a solid 'ok' from me.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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