Film Review: Highlander (1986)

Cinephiles, like anyone else, are likely to look at the past through rosy glasses. One such example is their view of Highlander, 1986 fantasy action epic directed by Russell Mulchahy, as one of the most iconic and popular films of its time. In reality, that film was originally viewed as failure both by critics and the box office, and its high status was result of slow grind at the home video.

The plot begins in 1985 New York when antique dealer Russell Nash (played by Christopher Lambert) decapitates swordswan Iman Fasil (played by Peter Diamond) in a duel. Flashbacks explain that Russell Nash was actually born in 1518 Scotland and Connor MacLeod and that, as 18-year old youth, got mortally wounded in a fight with rival clan. His inexplicably and quick recovery is interpreted as evil magic, so he gets banished and only after encounter with Spanish swordsman Juan Sanchez-Villalobos-Ramirez (played by Sean Connery) he becomes aware that he belongs to very special breed of people called Immortals. Ramirez, who is Immortal too, becomes his friend and mentor and explains that all Immortals may live forever unless they are decapitated by another Immortal. Centuries later, last remaining Immortals gather in New York at the Gathering to fight each for the Prize. One of them is evil Kurgan (played by Clancy Brown), which has killed Ramirez and raped MacLeod’s wife Heather (played by Beatie Edney). As Nash/MacLeod prepares for final confrontation, he becomes object of interest of Brenda Wyatt (played by Roxanne Hart), metallurgy and forensic expert that helps NYPD investigate strange decapitations.

Despite its immense popularity (which would spawn four sequels and television series starring Adrian Paul as Connor MacLeod’s cousin), Highlander, at least seen from today’s perspective, isn’t exceptionally good film. But it didn’t have to be that way. Original screenplay by Gregory Widen, partially inspired by Ridley Scott’s The Duellists, introduced some interesting ideas that allowed sword-and-sorcery plot to function in modern day setting. Concept of immortality, and its practical consequences – Immortals having to deal with inevitable loss of friends and loved ones – is also explored in somewhat convincing way. Script also refuses to deal with the actual origin of Immortals and their powers, leaving them to be mystery and the true nature of the Prize is actually narrated by Conor MacLeod at the very end.

Apart from interesting premise, Highlander benefits from very good cast. Sean Connery, although some may call his role a glorified cameo, adds a lot of charm and charisma to the film, and his chemistry with Lambert, at the time actor with limited English skills and screen experience, also helps film. Even more impressive is Clancy Brown in the role of intimidating and seemingly unstoppable villain who obviously enjoys his evil actions. Another aspect of the film, which is in many ways responsible for maintaining its popularity is music, most notably the songs written by members of Queen, with Brian May’s “Who Wants to Live Forever” justifiably earning its place among most iconic 1980s pop songs.

Unfortunately, Highlander was directed by Russell Mulchahy, Australian film maker until that time known mostly for his, rather impressive, work on music videos. Here he employed style based on quick cutting, strange angles and heavy use of music. It looks interesting in the beginning, but as the film progresses, novelty wears off and the effect becomes annoying, especially at the end when the final showdown between Macleod and Kurgan looks underwhelming. Film’s not helped by surprising special effects which haven’t aged well. Even worse is use of obligatory romantic subplot in modern day, which isn’t convincing and suffers because of lack of chemistry between Lambert and Hart. Yet, despite its flaws and many missed chances for true greatness, Highlander is still very entertaining film that could be recommended even to today’s audience. Some bad sequels were made and its reputation might be damaged with possible remake, but in the end, as the film says “there can be only one”.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

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Movie URL: https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/8009-highlander
Critic: AA