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[J_ToSaveTheDay]

Seen this film twice now and still can't stop thinking about it. I may have found a new personal favorite of mine. It's been a long time where I feel like I love the details of a film enough to feel like I can step into its world, and that's totally the takeaway I have with 2049.

I liked the original a lot, but I think this is actually a better film and a far more effective story at communicating the core themes of Blade Runner.

I was a heavy, heavy doubter of this film right up until the reviews came out. It's not that I instantly agreed with the reviews, either, but at that point forward, it was much less an attitude of "Blade Runner doesn't need and can't have an effective sequel" to "how the hell did they manage to pull off a Blade Runner sequel that people can actually enjoy?" Well, I found out... And I'm so glad I was wrong.

 

[5taquitos]

Whew.

Finally saw this. Went in blind and I'm so glad I did.

What an amazing experience, this may enter my top Sci-Fi pantheon.

I only wish I hadn't known Ford was actually in it, but that would have been virtually impossible considering he's on the marquee. I just feel like the reveal would have had an absolutely enormous impact had I not known, considering it takes 2 hours for him to show up.

The cinematography, the writing, DAT SOUNDTRACK.

Whew.

 

[Azzanadra]

Just came back from seeing this.

Great fookin movie mates, as someone who thought the first had great potential as a concept but was ultimately an incoherent mess, I was thoroughly impressed by the world of Blade Runner becoming fully realized in this installment. I did, however miss the "street" scenes that were present in the first, that "high tech, low life" aspect of cybeprunk that was present in the first was sorely missed here. I mean it was there, but nowhere near as much as the first and as I would have liked.

Just wanted to ask a few questions though. Did K/Joe die in the end? I thought he survived to be quite honest, but afterwards a friend told me died?

Another question, what exactly was Stelline's situation? Was she known as a replicant or human to the outside world? was she some kind of prisoner? I missed some of her dialogue when she was talking to K.

Is Deckard confirmed to be either human or replicant? Personally he works better for me as human.

 

[BorkBork]

He's dead. Tears in the Rain, the same piece of music that played during Rutger Hauer's monologue in the original, plays while K is lying on the steps.

Stelline is the miracle child. Freysa seems to be the only one to know her identity alongside k and Deckard. It's left ambiguous whether Stelline herself is aware (I personally think no) or really has an autoimmune disease.

 

[Heckler456]

Just came back from seeing this.

Great fookin movie mates, as someone who thought the first had great potential as a concept but was ultimately an incoherent mess, I was thoroughly impressed by the world of Blade Runner becoming fully realized in this installment. I did, however miss the "street" scenes that were present in the first, that "high tech, low life" aspect of cybeprunk that was present in the first was sorely missed here. I mean it was there, but nowhere near as much as the first and as I would have liked.

Just wanted to ask a few questions though. Did K/Joe die in the end? I thought he survived to be quite honest, but afterwards a friend told me died?

Another question, what exactly was Stelline's situation? Was she known as a replicant or human to the outside world? was she some kind of prisoner?

He definitely died. That was the Tears in the Rain song playing in the background while he lay there. Also, he visibly stops breathing too, I believe.

As for Ana, that's where she was hidden. Whether the whole immune system thing was a ruse, we don't really get to know. She's basically there so that no one can really get too close to here, and figure out she's a replicant baby - a great visual metaphor for "hidden in plain sight" imo.

 

[Azzanadra]

He definitely died. That was the Tears in the Rain song playing in the background while he lay there. Also, he visibly stops breathing too, I believe.

As for Ana, that's where she was hidden. Whether the whole immune system thing was a ruse, we don't really get to know. She's basically there so that no one can really get too close to here, and figure out she's a replicant baby - a great visual metaphor for "hidden in plain sight" imo.

Oh I got that, my question more pertained to what the "excuse" was as to why she was there. Like I couldn't hear that whole conversation betwene her and K, she said something about Wallace wanting to buy her out, but that was it. Do you mind expanding on the "immune system" thing you mentioned? I didn't catch any of that.

 

[5taquitos]

Oh I got that, my question more pertained to what the "excuse" was as to why she was there. Like I couldn't hear that whole conversation betwene her and K, she said something about Wallace wanting to buy her out, but that was it. Do you mind expanding on the "immune system" thing you mentioned? I didn't catch any of that.

I believe she says her parents put her there when she was 8 because she had a nonworking immune system. She is a subcontractor for Wallace, and she's good at what she does, but that's about all they give us.

 

[Heckler456]

Another good interpretation of the tear Luv lets drop during the replicant scene with Wallace is that it's one of relief, in that she's relieved she isn't being supplanted as "the most special angel" as she would be if that replicant were to be able to... well, replicate.

 

[Blade30]

Another good interpretation of the tear Luv lets drop during the replicant scene with Wallace is that it's one of relief, in that she's relieved she isn't being supplanted as "the most special angel" as she would be if that replicant were to be able to... well, replicate.

Speaking of the tears, that wasn't actually intended (at least for Luv) as Sylvia Hoeks just did it and Villeneuve went with it because he liked it.

 

[N7.Angel]

Another good interpretation of the tear Luv lets drop during the replicant scene with Wallace is that it's one of relief, in that she's relieved she isn't being supplanted as "the most special angel" as she would be if that replicant were to be able to... well, replicate.

Interesting theory, can't wait for the Blu-ray to watch the commentary version, I hope it'll release before February.

 

[CecilRousso]

Man, this soundtrack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcLzUZSGT6Q

 

[N7.Angel]

Man, this soundtrack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcLzUZSGT6Q

Sea Wall is my favorite

 

[NateDog]

Man, this soundtrack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcLzUZSGT6Q

Hah I've literally had this in my head all day since I woke up, was listening to this and JOI on repeat last night. It really is a really good soundtrack. I can get some people not liking it for not being as similar as Blade Runner's, but I think it feels like a very natural progression from it.

 

[-Plasma Reus-]

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bladerunnersequel.htm
160M WW.

Is this good?
I watched a video of Kermode talking about how 2049 will be received years from now. He said that it already made more money than Mad Max Fury Road in the UK.

 

[Einchy]

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bladerunnersequel.htm
160M WW.

Is this good?
I watched a video of Kermode talking about how 2049 will be received years from now. He said that it already made more money than Mad Max Fury Road in the UK.

You gotta take into account the marketing and the theater's cut. I doubt they'll break even but who knows how much they'll loose by the end, hopefully not too much.

 

[Baron_Calamity]

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bladerunnersequel.htm
160M WW.

Is this good?

No. It needed to hit 275 international and 150 million US for a WW of $425 million just to break even.

 

[Tunesmith]

For the theory to work, he has to be an N7. There's only one confirmed N7 and we're not shown how she ages. I agree that it's messy and doesn't make a ton of sense. But K being a replicant known to Deckard/Rachel/resistance protecting Ana and having his memories changed to be a decoy (especially since this is apparently Ana's specialty, she learned it from someone) makes a little bit of sense. It seemed to be what the movie was implying and that would make the connection to Deckard sweeter.

K just being a run of the mill replicant that happened to have some real (illegal) memories that then stumbles into the conspiracy is still fun as well.

If K's coat is a N7 serial number, I'll like to think he either found a N7's coat, or customized the coat to memorialize the N7 line.

I got the impression he's a N7.

Didn't K specially say he's an older model when talking to Sapper in response to "him retiring his own kind"?

 

[curls]

Sea Wall is my favorite

Wallace

 

[tonysidaway]

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bladerunnersequel.htm
160M WW.

Is this good?
I watched a video of Kermode talking about how 2049 will be received years from now. He said that it already made more money than Mad Max Fury Road in the UK.

Possibly the most popular art film ever made (and I think that's a great thing.) It's never going to break even, though. The writing is clever, the cinematography is gorgeous, and the actors turn in great performances. But it's too long for most audiences, the script demands multiple viewing, and no effort is made to appeal to viewers under 30.

 

[firelogic]

I don't think WB expected to make money on it and kudos to them for letting Denis make the movie he wanted. It was clearly not a crowd pleaser and they still went ahead with it. WB gets a lot of hate for the DC movies but even those are trying to be different and they were behind them all the way. And of course Fury Road. I love WB.

 

[Alastor3]

so, I just read that there's a movie spin off called Soldier http://bladerunner.wikia.com/wiki/Soldier and is the story of the Tannhauser Gate and Shoulder of Orion.

and it's writing by the same guy who co-wrote the script of the first BR. I wonder if it's any good.

 

[Ghazi]

I got the impression he's a N7.

Didn't K specially say he's an older model when talking to Sapper in response to "him retiring his own kind"?

No, he was referring to Sapper being an older model: "My kind doesn't run, unlike you older models."

 

[Red]

.

 

[Master Nairb]

2049 opens tomorrow in China and Japan and I'm praying for a miracle of money to push this thing to break somewhat even. Then we might get the live-action Jared Leto spinoff this series deserves!!!

 

[Afrikan]

So after all my worries leading into last week, I was able to finally get Blade Runner in 4k HDr... watched that on my OLED....After aaaalll these years, finally watched F'n Blade Runner.

Then... a few days later, caught the last showing of Blade Runner 2049 on IMAX (thought last week was it, but thankfully not). It was at 11pm....but I had coffee AND snuck in a RedBull to keep me up through the 3hrs.

LOVED THE BOTH MOVIES!

My favorite soundtrack is still from the first. https://youtu.be/uXXo1YDA9tE Blade Runner Blues.

 

[mortal]

Ever since I've seen this film, I cannot stop thinking about it lol.

Seen it in IMAX, most likely going to see it again. So much to unpack from that experience. So many interesting details that make up the world.

One of the best films I've seen in recent memory. Never doubted Villeneuve & Deakins.

My God, this film. This is science fiction. I'm certainly getting the artbook to dig even deeper.

 

[KSai]

Today I couldn't help but think what if K's relationship with Joi were like in the movie Only God Forgives.

 

[Any Questions]

So after all my worries leading into last week, I was able to finally get Blade Runner in 4k HDr... watched that on my OLED....After aaaalll these years, finally watched F'n Blade Runner.

Then... a few days later, caught the last showing of Blade Runner 2049 on IMAX (thought last week was it, but thankfully not). It was at 11pm....but I had coffee AND snuck in a RedBull to keep me up through the 3hrs.

LOVED THE BOTH MOVIES!

My favorite soundtrack is still from the first. https://youtu.be/uXXo1YDA9tE Blade Runner Blues.

It's a classic for sure. Great tune

 

[firelogic]

2049 opens tomorrow in China and Japan and I'm praying for a miracle of money to push this thing to break somewhat even. Then we might get the live-action Jared Leto spinoff this series deserves!!!

Not sure about Japan but it's definitely not going to do well in China. It's not an apples to apples comparison but Arrival only did $15M there. China doesn't seem to be big on slow burn sci-fi movies. Then again it's China so it could make $300M too.

 

[HariKari]

Not sure about Japan but it's definitely not going to do well in China. It's not an apples to apples comparison but Arrival only did $15M there. China doesn't seem to be big on slow burn sci-fi movies.

This one is quite a visual spectacle though, so it has that going for it.

 

[dealer-]

I still prefer the original. 2049 is too clinical and the themes and dialogue are kinda overbearing. There's too much talk of the soul, dreams, memories. The beauty of the first film was its ambiguity. There was something there but out of reach.

K's arc is more satisfying than Deckard's in the original though.

I might go again to see it this weekend to get a better perspective on it as I was really tired during the first viewing.

 

[Xisiqomelir]

So, a friend I actually trust told me this shit was good and I might actually like it.

It seems to have rapid-rewinded away from all the theatres near me though.

 

[Kadayi]

Not sure about Japan but it's definitely not going to do well in China. It's not an apples to apples comparison but Arrival only did $15M there. China doesn't seem to be big on slow burn sci-fi movies. Then again it's China so it could make $300M too.

No clue about China. A lot depends really on whether there's a big fanbase for the original I guess, but I'd of thought that Japan would be a decent market, given how influential the original has been on a lot of anime.

I might go again to see it this weekend to get a better perspective on it as I was really tired during the first viewing.

Do it. It holds up really well to repeat viewing.

 

[michaelius]

Finally saw it. Really enjoyed it. Wish the soundtrack was a little more present. I was not sold on the main plot though:

Spoiler

The Replicant army says if they can have children, they can’t be slaves. They can exist as their own society and choose their destinies. Only... they can’t. They can’t have children. Only one could. She dead. So...? If these fellas succeed in rebellion, they’re all going to die out.

I'd say that it makes sense

Spoiler

As long as they need to be manufactured they will never be free as they are forced to rely on it. But assuming new model gain ability to reproduce they would be self sufficient species even if current generation would die

 

[firelogic]

It's true that the ability to give birth wasn't some evolution or random occurence. It was specifically designed into Rachel (Nexus 7) so assuming Deckard is also a Nexus 7, Adam and Eve, the child they produced will be capable of procreation too. Except she has no one to procreate with. Then again, maybe Rachel was designed to be able to reproduce with anyone, human or replicant, in which case Ana Stelline will be able to have children.

On a related note, I like that Deckard doesn't have to be a human or replicant. It's more significant for the replicant race to be able to reproduce amongst themselves rather than require a human which keeps humans in a dominant master/slave position. The only way it doesn't is if Nexus 7's and their offspring can reproduce with replicants as well as humans in which case Deckard doesn't need to be a replicant.

I love that Blade Runner/2049 makes me think well after watching them.

Edit: Then again, it's not likely that Tyrell only created Rachel. He would have created a male Nexus 7 to experiment with. Deckard is that Nexus 7.

Edit: Then again, Tyrell was looking to make huge advancements in technology so maybe his goal was to blurr the lines between humans and replicants.

 

[The Hermit]

Finally saw it. Really enjoyed it. Wish the soundtrack was a little more present. I was not sold on the main plot though:

Spoiler

The Replicant army says if they can have children, they can’t be slaves. They can exist as their own society and choose their destinies. Only... they can’t. They can’t have children. Only one could. She dead. So...? If these fellas succeed in rebellion, they’re all going to die out.

All that part of the rebellion felt off to be honest

 

[Theodoricos]

so, I just read that there's a movie spin off called Soldier http://bladerunner.wikia.com/wiki/Soldier and is the story of the Tannhauser Gate and Shoulder of Orion.

and it's writing by the same guy who co-wrote the script of the first BR. I wonder if it's any good.

Even if it is (which I very much doubt), this sounds like an early example of "Star Wars syndrome", i.e. "let's make a book, comic, game or movie spin-off based on a single line of dialogue or some side character from the original film".

The beauty of such throwaway world-building lines and references to in-universe locations is that they are completely left up to the imagination. Something that's part of the film's mythology, if you will. Having these places or characters appear in spin-off material just completely ruins the sense of mystery and wonder. It also makes the universe feel small. It's just superficial fanservice that also displays a lack of new ideas.

We don't need to see Tannhauser Gate and Shoulder of Orion any more than we needed to see the Clone Wars or Ord Mantell. Thank goodness 2049 showed restraint in this department by being a completely original story that didn't need to rely on such crutches.

 

[Robot Pants]

Seen this film twice now and still can't stop thinking about it. I may have found a new personal favorite of mine. It's been a long time where I feel like I love the details of a film enough to feel like I can step into its world, and that's totally the takeaway I have with 2049.

I liked the original a lot, but I think this is actually a better film and a far more effective story at communicating the core themes of Blade Runner.

I was a heavy, heavy doubter of this film right up until the reviews came out. It's not that I instantly agreed with the reviews, either, but at that point forward, it was much less an attitude of "Blade Runner doesn't need and can't have an effective sequel" to "how the hell did they manage to pull off a Blade Runner sequel that people can actually enjoy?" Well, I found out... And I'm so glad I was wrong.

Yea it’s top 5 favorite of all time for me. Even with the problems I have with it, one being an entire scene I actually HATE, the rest of it is done so well.

 

[jellies_two]

cool update from Hideo.

https://twitter.com/HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN/status/924152645345984512

he is a fan of the movie.

 

[DiddyBop]

cool update from Hideo.

https://twitter.com/HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN/status/924152645345984512

he is a fan of the movie.

Not surprised he is a fan, hopefully he's inspired enough to take some visual cues and implement some into Death Stranding

 

[Kimawolf]

I imagine most game developers love the movie as well. The aesthetic is sooo good.

 

[firelogic]

As predicted, it completely flopped in China with an estimated $7-$9 million opening weekend. Per Forbes

 

[Kadayi]

Fuck that guy. He's so eager to call it a flop, he's basing it on one showing...

 

[Roge_NES]

Not surprised he is a fan, hopefully he's inspired enough to take some visual cues and implement some into Death Stranding

I need to get my hands on that Japanese theater program.

 

[Heckler456]

Fuck that guy. He's so eager to call it a flop, he's basing it on one showing...

Scott Mendelson's a bit of a cunt, but I don't think he's wrong in this case... I wish the movie did better, it deserves it.

 

[Kimawolf]

Scott Mendelson's a bit of a cunt, but I don't think he's wrong in this case... I wish the movie did better, it deserves it.

Blade Runner has always been a cult classic. The original wasn't even popular when it launched as well. I think we as fans need to accept that this kind of cyberpunk genre is always a tough sell despite the quality of the movie.

 

[finowns]

Just watched this, I really enjoyed it. A lot of the imagery was cool the massive dam towards the middle of the film sticks out to me.

Why did what's-her-name put one of her memories in K?

 

[Kadayi]

Why did what's-her-name put one of her memories in K?

My take is, that it was like her sending out messages in a bottle. She's effectively trapped in her environment (which may just be a concoction by the replicants to hide her), so it's her way to try and see if her parents are out there. I get the impression K isn't the only one who's likely been given that memory, but he as a Blade Runner is in a position to act upon and investigate it.

 

[firelogic]

The biggest travesty of 2049 performing poorly is that Hollywood was already reluctant to make hard sci-fi movies and now with this result, they're going to be completely resistant to green lighting them. I guess I don't blame them since the general public doesn't want them but damn, I need more of these slow-burn big budget sci-fi movies. You can see and hear every single cent of the budget on screen.

Not in the same stratosphere but failures like Jupiter Ascending, Cloud Atlas, and Valerian don't help matters either.

Edit:
I have to hand it to WB though. At least they keep trying. Jupiter Ascending, Cloud Atlas, Mad Max Fury Road, Inception, Pacific Rim, Edge of Tomorrow, Interstellar, and Blade Runner 2049 in the last 7 years. Man, they're the go-to sci-fi producer/distributor.

 

[finowns]

Oh, and the theater I watched it at the screen was kind of blurry, so that was a bummer.