Outlander fans urged to watch 'one of the best fantasy films ever made' as it streams for free
A historical fantasy drama with a cult following is set to arrive on BBC iPlayer, and fans of Outlander will not want to miss this free streaming opportunity.
The film, titled Highlander, is a surreal action-adventure that tells the story of an age-old war between immortal warriors. The narrative weaves together past and present-day storylines, focusing on Connor MacLeod, a man born in the Scottish Highlands in the 16th century.
Christopher Lambert stars in the leading role, alongside Roxanne Hart, Clancy Brown, and James Bond legend Sean Connery.
Despite being a commercial flop upon its initial release, the film has since gained cult status and has inspired several sequels and television spin-offs.
Rotten Tomatoes provides the following synopsis: "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.
"After brilliant forensics specialist Brenda Wyatt (Roxanne Hart) recovers evidence of the mysterious weapon, she and her partner, Lt. Frank Moran (Alan North), embark on an investigation of Nash that will land them in the middle of a dangerous, centuries-old feud between powerful immortals."
While parts of the film are set in 1980s New York, there are also flashbacks to the Scottish Highlands in 1536, where Connor fights against the rival Fraser clan as a warrior of the MacLeod clan, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
Outlander enthusiasts surely know the Fraser name well, as the series stars Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe as Jamie and Claire Fraser in the enchanting tale.
Similar to Highlander, Outlander traverses different eras, starting in 1946 post-World War II Britain and then travelling back to 1743 on the cusp of the Jacobite Rebellion in Scotland.
Decades on, Highlander maintains a 69% fresh rating from critics and a 79% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, where viewers continue to discuss the film.
The Telegraph penned: "Made with such superstyle Highlander does have entertainment value but this can only be a one-off."
The Financial Times opined: "Close your brain to the illogicalities of the time-chopping structure and there is much to marvel at.
"A truly heroic stomp through time and space," the BBC added, with the Chicago Reader commenting: "Lambert, with his beetle brow, broken nose, and vaguely crossed eyes, remains an amiable oddball presence, and Sean Connery radiates charm and nobility in a bit as an elder immortal who shows Lambert the rules of the game."
Some critics were less impressed, as the Guardian wrote: "Even Gerry Fisher's camerawork can't convince me that this is other than the most inutterable tosh."
The New York Times expressed: "Since none of the characters makes sense even on the movie's own terms, Highlander keeps on exploding for almost two hours, with nothing at stake."
Empire Magazine offered a more measured approach, adding: "Don't go in expecting too much and you should be ok."
Fans have been sharing their heartfelt endorsements, with one writing: "Growing up there were many movies of action and adventure and dragons and sorcery and this movie took the fantasy genre for me as a child and expanded it into the future of possibilities."
Another fan, expressing admiration for Queen's contribution to the film's music, said: "An extraordinary cult classic movie that will endure for so many many generations. Not only with the cinema fans but also Queen fans."
A third admirer commented on the film's overall impact, commenting: "An excellent epic fantasy film with a great soundtrack by Queen and plenty of action. Not boring in anyway. One of the best films ever made with a nice Scottish Theme."
One more stated: "One of the greatest sci fi action movies of all time even the out dated effects work here and awesome story, excellent plot."
And yet another viewer praised the film enthusiastically, adding: "A fantastic film. Story, acting, score, an action. It has it all. Clancy Brown plays a fantastic villain one of the best performances to date. Highlander is a true classic."
Highlander will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer from May 9.
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