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There can be only one
If you asked my wife, she would tell you that one of the greatest films ever made was The Highlander. Starring Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, and Clancy Brown, the 1986 film mixed sword and sorcery with multiple time frames. Mix that with a Soundtrack that features songs by Queen and you had a film that has grown on people over the years. Even though it was not greatly received when released. So much so that it has had sequels, and a television series based on it. Myself, I think my wife’s love of the film has to do with Sean Connery. She has always loved him. But let’s look at the original:
The Highlander
The premise of the film chronicles the climax of an ages-old battle among immortal warriors. It tells a tale depicted through both past and present-day story lines. Christopher Lambert plays swordsman Connor MacLeod from the Scottish Highlands, known as the Highlander. He is one of a number of immortal warriors who can be killed only by decapitation. During a skirmish with another clan, lead by an immortal named Kurgan, MacLeod is mortally wounded. But he does not die, being immortal and all. Because of this, he is exiled from his clan under the suspicion of being in league with the devil. During his exile, he encounters Ramirez (Sean Connery), who trains him in swordplay and about the nature of the immortals.
The Prize
As times passes, MacLeod lives on for several centuries, eventually settling in New York City. There he manages an antiques shop under the name of Russell Nash. In 1985, he falls in love with a police forensic scientist named Brenda who has been tracking him. She did this while investigating the series of beheadings in the city. During this time, he also learns that he must once again face his greatest enemy, Kurgan (Clancy Brown). Kurgan wishes to kill MacLeod and to obtain “the Prize” – a special ability which is given to the last living immortal warrior. This “Prize” includes vast knowledge and with it, the ability to enslave the entire human race. This is why Ramirez warned him back in time that Kurgan could not be allowed to claim “The Prize.”
The Climax
As Kurgan looks to eliminate the remaining immortals, he realizes that MacLeod is the only one left and he captures Brenda to force MacLeod to meet him. A lengthy battle ensues, in which Kurgan almost gains the upper hand. Eventually however, Connor defeats and beheads the Kurgan. Upon his death, he receives the Prize, which manifests itself as a massive Quickening. The results of this makes Connor now mortal and capable of having children. He then returns to Scotland along with Brenda. Another result of the Quickening is that Connor now can read people’s thoughts around the world. It is his hope to use his gift to encourage cooperation and peace.
Inside the Reactions of the Film
As previously mentioned in the opening, The Highlander was not very well received upon its release. It grossed over $12 million worldwide. Considering it’s production budget of $19 million, that would have seemed to be the end of the story. Nevertheless, in time (as it sometimes happens) it became a cult film. It’s renewed popularity inspired film sequels and television spin-offs. While I have not watched the follow-up films to the original, or the television series for that matter, I did like the original. It was not a great film (contrary to my wife’s opinions) but it was entertaining and the swordplay was well done. I give it a 3 out of 5. Perhaps if I watched it as much as someone else I know, I might have given it a higher score.
For those of you who are fans and have watched The Highlander, how do feel it has held up for the past 30 years? Does it warrant it’s cult status? Share your thoughts with us at Geek Vibes Nation.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/vT13a8KzBRM” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
