That film cost $16 million to make, but only brought in $13 million worldwide. [3], On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 69% based on 36 reviews, with an average rating of 6.30/10. It is played over the film's opening credits, and was later used as the opening theme for Highlander… Furthermore, a rearrangement of an excerpt from Kamen's score (specifically, the beginning of the track "The Quickening") was used as the theme music for New Line Cinema's logo ident in the late 1990s and early 2000s. When he is wounded in battle but does not die, he is banished from his village. How do you cope with that pain? "[9], Widen had originally envisioned Connor as a very serious, grim character following centuries of violence and loss. Widen sold the script for US$200,000. He was much more tortured. The book expands the ending following Connor's last battle with the Kurgan. It expanded the events of the movie by revealing details such as Heather finding out about Connor's immortality from RamÃrez, the Kurgan's First Death, and the villain's training with an Arabian immortal known as "The Bedouin" (whom he eventually kills). [38] The theatrical release of Highlander II: The Quickening in 1991 significantly increased the rental activity on Highlander even though the sequel was not a box-office success. It has since become a cult film in both domestic and non-domestic markets, leading to four sequels, a television series, and various other spin-offs. That made him much more serious â in a weird way, a sympathetic bad guy." He marks Heathers grave with his clan sword and adopts RamÃrez's katana sword as his own, a unique weapon made by a Japanese "genius" in 593 BC. The novel depicts Connor and Kastagir as having a more somber relationship, the two comfortable talking and confiding in each other about their fears. Brenda investigates "Nash" and finds evidence he has lived for centuries, including faking his death every so often and having lived at the same address for over two hundred years. On Heather's birthday, Connor lights a candle for her in a Roman Catholic Church, as he has done every year. When Robin and his Moorish companion come to England and the tyranny of the Sheriff of Nottingham, he decides to fight back as an outlaw. Highlander: Endgame September 1, 2000 Immortals Connor and Duncan Macleod join forces against a man from Connor's distant past in the highlands of Scotland, Kell, an immensely powerful immortal who leads an army of equally powerful and deadly immortal swordsmen and assassins. A loose science fiction adaptation and sequel of the original film, the series imagines a meteorite causing an apocalypse on Earth. ... Highlander is certainly a classic film that will continue to be cherished and watched as the world of movie making continues to grow and change. Packed with a great soundtrack, an intriguing lore, and tons of awesome swordplay, Highlander defined urban fantasy for a generation. Other elements were changed during the rewrite. The Kurgan is known as the Knight, using the alias Carl William Smith. In the future, Highlander Connor MacLeod must prevent the destruction of Earth under an anti-ozone shield. Highlander Endgame: VHS (2000) Movie Christopher Lambert Adrian | NEW SEALED. After spending the night together, they part company (due to Connor's immortality making him sterile and him not wanting to lose somebody else), but the Kurgan finds Brenda and kidnaps her to draw out Connor. After dying on the battlefield in 1536 and returning to life fully healed, Connor is mentored by an Egyptian swordsman calling himself Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez (Sean Connery). Lambert turned down the role, so the series became a spin-off, introducing a new character Duncan MacLeod played by Adrian Paul. It became the first draft of what would eventually be the screenplay for the 1986 film Highlander. [2] When brought to Russell Mulcahy, the title was The Dark Knight. Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. "[18], The filming of the parking garage scene took place in two different places. After Connor hides his sword in the garage's ceiling, NYPD officers detain him for murder, with one officer, Sergeant Garfield, abusing his power, but later release him due to a lack of evidence. [23] The film had a 116-minute running time in the United Kingdom and a 111-minute running time in the United States. On one occasion, Connor returns to the Scottish Uplands alone and stares at the remnants of his home with Heather. According to New York location manager Brett Botula, "the garage exterior is Manhattan, across from Madison Square Garden, and the interior is 'somewhere in London. The Frasers are aided by the Kurgan (the last of the Kurgan tribes) in exchange for his right to slay Connor. Finding two timbers and fashioning a crude cross, Connor tells Heather that she would like Brenda because "she is much like you.". However, there is a certain appeal to the film that brings back many for a second or third helping. After Duncan discovers he is immortal, Connor finds him and trains him before going his separate way. Everyone is well cast, from the major roles (Lambert, Brown, Connery, Hart, and North) to the minor roles (Peter Diamond, Hugh Quarshie, Sheila Gish, and Christopher Malcolm, among others). [14] The opening sequence was originally intended to take place during a National Hockey League game, but the NHL refused because the film crew intended to emphasize the violence of the match. Immortals wage a secret war, fighting each other until the last few remaining will meet at the Gathering to fight for the Prize. Movie Info When the mystical Russell Nash (Christopher Lambert) kills a man in a sword fight in a New York City parking lot, he leaves a sliver of an ancient weapon lodged in a car in the process. Further, the immortals dispute a game killing each other and in the end only one survives receiving a prize with the power of the other immortals. Audio problem: The sounds of the weapons being used in the movie are evidently inserted in most cases. His alias is Richard Tupin and his weapon is a custom broadsword. Highlander is an 80s treasure ripe for a remake, so let's hope that, even after all this time, Stahelski can get things moving. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. Highlander enjoyed little success on its initial theatrical release, grossing over $12 million worldwide against a production budget of $19 million, and received mixed reviews. Highlander Releases: March 7, 1986Director: Russell Mulcahy Starring: Christopher Lambert, Clancy Brown, Roxanne Hart, Beatie Edney, and Sean Connery Highlander is a 1986 fantasy action-adventure film directed by Russell Mulcahy and based on a story by Gregory Widen. The Kurgan, in disguise, arrives and confirms that he and Connor are now the last remaining Immortals. Then it was changed to an amusement park and finally changed to the rooftop of the Silvercup Studios building. stand with The Walt Disney Company, parent company of theatrical distributor 20th Century Fox. Then he meets Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez, who explains that he is immortal unless he is beheaded. It stars Christopher Lambert, Roxanne Hart, Clancy Brown, and Sean Connery. The third time you turn away and you say, 'That's the last take you're doing. An insurance agent is sent by her employer to track down and help capture an art thief. Nevertheless, it became a cult film and inspired film sequels and television spin-offs. [6][7], Gregory Widen wrote the script for Highlander, as a class assignment while he was an undergraduate in the screenwriting program at UCLA. He is also now "at one with all living things," able to read the thoughts and feelings of people all around the world. The Kurgan in Highlander as it is pretty much like Freddy [Krueger] â he's just a cackling psychopath. Fantasy When a Scotsman discovers his immortal identity, he embarks on a quest, leading him to modern-day NYC and a titanic showdown with a brutal rival. [14] The cut Mulcahy found most objectionable was the deletion of the scene showing how Connor met Rachel, because he could see no reason for its removal and believed that the relationship between Connor and Rachel was incomprehensible without it. There are three movies on Highlander, including the Highlander (part 1), the Highlander II (the Quickening), and the Highlander III (the Sorcerer). After they part ways, the Kurgan duels Kastagir, beheading him. "[30] Christopher Null of FilmCritic.com gave the film four and a half stars out of five, writing: "Highlander has no equal among sword-and-sorcery flicks. He also reveals he raped Heather after killing RamÃrez, believing she was the Egyptianâs woman, but is delighted to find out she was Connorâs. I thought the water would be cold, but not that cold. [15], In preparation, actor Christopher Lambert spent months working with a dialect coach (four hours in the morning) and sword-training with Bob Anderson (four hours in the afternoon) who had been a Darth Vader stunt double in the Star Wars franchise. While by no means perfect, it features fun performances, a cool story concept, stylish direction, a dose of 80's cheese and a great soundtrack by Queen. Born in the Highlands of Scotland in 1518, Connor Macleod is immortal. One of the reasons that the film has that “80’s Music Video Vibe” during some… Such integral "flashback storytelling" would later be borrowed by many movies and TV shows (the Highlander series itself, Forever Knight, and Outlaws among the latter). In November 1984, the Soviet Union's best submarine Captain in their newest sub violates orders and heads for the U.S. Is he trying to defect or to start a war? Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. MacLeod refused to leave his wife, though he continued to train under Ramírez, who al… Duncan MacLeod is Immortal, and must live in modern society, concealing his true nature while fighting other Immortals. In 1985 (and later 1986), Connor MacLeod is confronted by an old enemy, Iman Fasil, in the parking garage of Madison Square Garden. Use the HTML below. [4][5] The tagline, "There can be only one", has carried on into pop culture. Duncan MacLeod and his fellow Immortals quest to locate the Grail of their world. I have learned to appreciate the film over the years, [and] the film's story is unique and entertaining. As he sense another immortal nearby, the ending implies this is simply one of many battles the Game continues. $9.99. [5] Brian May was inspired to write "Who Wants to Live Forever" after watching the love scenes between Connor and his wife Heather, and the song ultimately accompanied on the film.[9]. That is what amazed me about him the most... Itâs difficult living through one life but to see all the people around you dying over and over. Read our editors' picks for the movies and shows we're watching in March, including "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," Boss Level, and Zack Snyder's Justice League. Initially, immortals could have children; in the draft Connor is said to have had 37. The movies Highlander: Endgame (2000) and Highlander: The Source (2007) follow the continuity of the TV show Highlander: The Series. [26], The film grossed $2.4 million on its opening weekend and ended with $5.9 million in the US. Release Calendar DVD & Blu-ray Releases Top Rated Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Showtimes & Tickets In Theaters Coming Soon Coming Soon Movie News India Movie ... Highlander (1986) Full Cast & Crew. The film portrayed MacLeod as a person who has suffers loss and fears new attachment but doesn't deny the possibility of love, maintains a sense of humor about life, and tells his adopted daughter to have hope and remain optimistic. Highlander 2 The Quickening VHS VCR Video Tape Movie Sean Connery Used. An immortal Scottish swordsman must confront the last of his immortal opponent, a murderously brutal barbarian who lusts for the fabled "Prize". The use of flashbacks within the story is perhaps not unique, but the concept sees its full fruition here. The film was followed by two direct sequels. We were all trying to make a good movie, and the producers were trying to make money any way they could, so there were a lot of things we had to work around, do on the cheap because of those producers. I think its appeal is the uniqueness of how the story was told and the fact it had a heart and a point of view about immortality."[11]. Ramirez then explains the overriding belief of all immortals: "In the end, there can be only one". The original film Highlander, directed by Russell Mulcahy, was released on March 7, 1986, with the tagline "There Can Be Only One." Seller 100% positive. It is also known for songs recorded by the rock band Queen, with "Princes of the Universe" also used for the title sequence in the television series. Upon sustaining a mortal injury in a battle, and subsequently not dying, MacLeod is banished from his clan for being in league with the devil. [citation needed], The opening voice-over by Connery has an echo effect because it was recorded in the bathroom of his Spanish villa, where he had been working on his Spanish accent for the film with a voice coach. Lambert did not appear in any other episode, but he and Duncan meet again in the movie Highlander: Endgame. Christopher Lambert was offered a chance to return as Connor MacLeod in a TV series adaptation. "[27] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 24 out of 100 based on 7 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews". Smith said, "I stuck part of a drain pipe above Chris's kilt out of camera range, and fed live trout down the tube. Widen also used Ridley Scott's 1977 film The Duellists as inspiration for his story. An intellectually nonconformist friar investigates a series of mysterious deaths in an isolated abbey. Connor decides it is time to leave behind the "Russell Nash" identity, regardless of his survival. Widen's original draft of the script differed significantly from the film. The Role Was Originally Offered to Kurt Russell. In New York City, the owner of a sophisticated antique shop Russell Edwin Nash is challenged to a sword fight in the parking lot of the Madison Square Garden by a man called Iman Fasil that is beheaded by Russell. Connor likes her, but tells her to leave him alone. In the same year that Highlander: The Source hit The Sci-Fi Channel, an animated Highlander film was released on home video. Director Russell Mulcahy was flipping through a magazine and saw a photograph of Christopher Lambert from his recent role as the title hero of Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes. The film was directed by Russell Mulcahy. He couldn't speak English. Connor returns to Scotland with Brenda and reveals that he is now a mortal man who can age and have children. "He also explained that Immortals were incapable of having children. Widen sold the script for US$200,000. Highlander: The Animated Series aired 1994 to 1996. And the swordfights are terrific. Seller 99.9% positive. In the early draft, there is no release of energy when an immortal kills another nor is there any mention of the Prize. He hides his sword and is arrested by the police while leaving the stadium. Highlander II: The Quickening was released in 1991 and met with an overall negative response, with some considering it among the worst films ever made. "Hammer to Fall", a Queen song heard playing from a car radio in one scene, was from an earlier album, The Works. Further, the immortals dispute a game killing each other and in the end only one survives receiving a prize with the power of the other immortals. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. It became the first draft of what would eventually be the screenplay for the 1986 film Highlander. And people love it for the same reasons. (1986). He says goodbye to Rachel and confronts the Kurgan at Silvercup Studios in Queens, rescuing Brenda in the process. He hides his sword and is arrested by the police while leaving the stadium. These movies can be called three different seasons. The performances aren't bad either, especially Brown and Connery, who are so far over the top they're practically in the next trench. How did the ex-marine Kirk Matunas not die when the Kurgan stabbed him in the chest and lifted him off the ground? Here are four documentaries from 2020 with powerful and unique takes on unraveling true crimes. The initial story was darker and more violent. "[9], According to William Panzer, producer of Highlander: The Series, "And that's where everything fell into place â the idea that there are Immortals and they were in conflict with each other, leading secret lives that the rest of us are unaware of. After reading the script, Widen's instructor advised him to send it to an agent. The Highlander franchise is one of the greatest cult properties to come out of the ‘80s. In 1985, it is the time of the Gathering, and the Kurgan is compelled to come to New York, where Connor now lives as an antique dealer under the alias "Russell Nash," working with his confidant Rachel Ellenstein. I would save you that pain. For the film franchise, see. Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In March 2008, Summit Entertainment announced that it had bought the film rights to Highlander and was remaking the original film. The event in the film is supposedly held at Madison Square Garden, but was actually shot at Brendan Byrne Arena in New Jersey. When an escort girl is found dead in the offices of a Japanese company in Los Angeles, detectives Web Smith and John Connor act as liaison between the company's executives and the investigating cop Tom Graham. [41] On the June 17, 2009 French distributor StudioCanal issued the film on Blu-ray[42] with identical releases following in Germany,[43] UK,[44] Holland, Australia and Japan. The film chronicles the climax of an ages-old war between immortal warriors, depicted through interwoven past and present-day storylines. As one of the immortals, entities who have waged a war between good and evil for centuries, a 400-year-old Scotsman fights for his destiny. [1] Roughly eight minutes of footage was cut from the film for its U.S. theatrical release. The Kurgan in Scotland. RamÃrez reveals that immortals cannot have children and believes they must ensure evil people like the Kurgan do not win the Prize, or else humanity will suffer an eternity of darkness. This is the 1986 film that launched the Highlander franchise. [9], In a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" session in 2014, Clancy Brown said "It was a strange set. Taken from the film, Highlander, Duncan MacLeod, clansman of Connor in the film also finds he is being stalked by not only other immortals trying to kill him before the time of the gathering, but also a secret society of mortals who call themselves 'The Watchers' and also seem intent on killing him but "The Watchers" observe and record and never interfere. In a 2016 interview with HeyUGuys, Lambert said part of what he found appealing about Connor MacLeod was the man still having humor and hope despite his long life and many losses. Storyline In New York City, the owner of a sophisticated antique shop Russell Edwin Nash is challenged to a sword fight in the parking lot of the Madison Square Garden by a man called Iman Fasil that is beheaded by Russell. "Itâs the only role that I have played that is touching on the subject of immortality, through a character carrying five hundred years of violence, pain, love, and suffering on his shoulders, who is still walking around and being positive. It is a triumphant example of the art of cinema, and watching it reminds us all of why we like going to the movies in the first place. "[25], Upon initial U.S. release, Highlander was not well-received, but it gained wide and persistent popularity in Europe and other markets, as well as on home video. but made with medieval-era methods. As of May 2020, the filming for the remake has not yet begun.[50]. [47][48][49] Chad Stahelski was announced as a new director of the reboot which has been described to be John Wick with swords with the reboot planned as a possible trilogy. He tells him to use his âbeyond imaginationâ power well and not to âlose his head.â, Professional wrestlers Greg Gagne, Jim Brunzell, Sam Fatu, Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, and Buddy Roberts appear as themselves in the film's opening sequence at a tag-team match. The director's cut reveals Rachel is MacLeod's adopted daughter, a child he rescued from Nazis during World War II. RamÃrez is a Spaniard born in 1100, instead of an ancient Egyptian born more than two thousand years earlier. MacLeod only wants a quiet life, having a family with Heather. This article is about the 1986 film. The film features a number of flashback scenes establishing the early history of Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) of the Clan MacLeod. The scene where the MacLeod clan sets off to battle is supposed to take place "in the village of Glenfinnan, on the shore of Loch Shiel" in the Lochaber area, but was actually filmed at Eilean Donan Castle, which is in the same general area but is really on the shore of Loch Duich, a sea loch near Kyle of Lochalsh and the Isle of Skye. The 1995 CD Highlander: The Original Scores includes five cues from Kamen's Highlander score (along with six cues from Stewart Copeland's Highlander II score, and four cues from J. Peter Robinson's Highlander III score). Critic Reviews for Highlander: The Source All Critics (4) | Rotten (4) It does seem to wrap up the story of Duncan MacLeod a bit, but then again, the original film did that. He lives with his mother and father. Then he meets Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez, who explains that he is immortal unless he is beheaded. Connor makes a complete recovery and both his lover Kate and his cousin Dougal betray and accuse him of witchcraft. Highlander Offical Convention1998 VCR VHS Tape Movie NR Used. Gregory Widen wrote the script for Highlander, as a class assignment while he was an undergraduate in the screenwriting program at UCLA. Find all 21 songs in Highlander Soundtrack, with scene descriptions. What kind of animal does The Kurgan's skull helmet belong to in the flashback battle? "[31] Null later called Highlander "the greatest action film ever made," saying that it features "awesome swordfights, an awesome score, and a time-bending plotline that only a philistine could dislike". In 1536, the Kurgan faced off with the Mongol after a battle in which they were the only two men standing. ... What the film loses through ham acting, weak narrative, and pompous macho posturing it more than compensates with in sheer fiery bravado, pace, and larger than life action. One night, while Connor is away hunting, the Kurgan finds and duels RamÃrez, who warns him MacLeod is now ready for him. Russell is released by the police, but the snoopy forensic agent Brenda J. Wyatt is attracted by the case since she found fragments of an ancient Katana and follows Russell. Connor is born in 1408 rather than 1518. Highlander Despite a typically haphazard plot, Highlander: Endgame is a marked improvement over previous sequels. October 31st, 2010. The Kurgan defeated the Mongal and took his head. He hides his sword and is … Years later, Heather dies of old age, prompting Connor to wander the Earth. Rated R for strong action violence, a scene of sexuality and some language, John Wick Co-Director's New Action Movie Classified Is Die Hard Meets Indiana Jones, Batman: Why We're Looking Forward To The Legends Of The Dark Knight Anthology Series, ‘John Wick’ Director Chad Stahelski to Direct Action-Thriller ‘Classified’ at New Line, Forever Immortal: 30 Years of 'Highlander', 20 Years Ago It Was Like This... (Part 2). Brenda Wyatt, a metallurgy expert working for the police as a forensic scientist, finds shards of Connor's sword at Fasil's murder scene and is puzzled they come from a Japanese sword dated around 600 B.C. "[12], Widen also had a different vision of the Kurgan originally. However, he surprisingly survives and his Clan believes he has a pact with the devil and expels him from their lands. Queen's 1986 album A Kind of Magic features several songs from the film (although sometimes in different arrangements): "Princes of the Universe", "Gimme the Prize (Kurgan's Theme)" (the album version includes snippets of dialogue from the film), "One Year of Love", "Don't Lose Your Head", "Who Wants to Live Forever", and "A Kind of Magic". Everything is impermanent, everything is lost. Once there, he and Brenda tour the country for two months then open an antique shop in Camden Alley. She meets with "Nash" twice afterward, hoping to learn about the paradoxical sword. What if youâd worn it all through history and were giving someone a tour of your life through it?' Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? "[citation needed], The Highlander original orchestral score was composed by Michael Kamen. It was raining that day and the crew had to use umbrellas and hair dryers to prevent water from hitting the camera lenses and appearing on the film. At the time, Russell was a former Disney kid star … What could have been a premise that breathes cliché is given a fresh approach due to Mulcahy's unique directing style and a cleverly-written script. The dialogue and performances don't quite match many of the film's concepts, though. 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