Highlander Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Scottish dude finds out he can’t die, so he has sword fights with other dudes who also can’t die until there’s only one left, because reasons.

🍿 Highlander: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Gathering Begins

In 1985 New York City, Russell Nash, an antiques dealer, is revealed to be Connor MacLeod, an immortal from the Scottish Highlands. He’s drawn into a sword fight with another immortal in a parking garage, setting off a chain of events that attracts the attention of the police and forensic scientist Brenda Wyatt.

Flashbacks to 16th Century Scotland

The movie uses flashbacks to depict Connor’s life in 16th century Scotland. He’s mortally wounded in battle but survives, leading his clan to believe he’s cursed. He meets Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez, an immortal who reveals the truth about their kind: they are immortal unless beheaded and are destined to fight each other until only one remains. Connor begins training with Ramirez to prepare for the inevitable battles.

The Kurgan

The story introduces the Kurgan, a brutal and powerful immortal, as Connor’s main antagonist. He is also from the past and is a ruthless killer who wants to win ‘The Prize’. He represents the antithesis of what Connor stands for. He embodies chaos and destruction.

Brenda and Connor

In the 1985 timeline Brenda J. Wyatt, a forensic scientist, investigate the sword fight between Connor and Iman Fasil. As they investigate, they develop feelings and a connection with one another.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert): An immortal Scottish swordsman battling other immortals through the centuries to prevent a barbaric villain from winning the Prize.
• Kurgan (Clancy Brown): A brutal and murderous immortal barbarian who seeks the Prize to gain ultimate power and enslave humanity.
• Ramirez (Sean Connery): An immortal Egyptian swordsman who mentors Connor MacLeod, teaching him about his immortality and the Game.
• Brenda Wyatt (Roxanne Hart): A forensic scientist who becomes entangled with Connor MacLeod as she investigates a series of beheadings.
• Heather (Beatie Edney): Connor MacLeod’s mortal wife in 16th-century Scotland, who experiences a full life while he remains eternally young.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Kurgan: “I have something to say: It’s better to burn out than to fade away!” – Said by The Kurgan during the final battle, quoting the Neil Young song to taunt MacLeod.
• Ramirez: “There can be only one!” – The iconic tagline explaining the immortals’ battle, repeated throughout the film.
• Ramirez: “MacLeod, you are immortal!” – Ramirez reveals the truth about Connor’s nature and his place among the immortals.
• Kurgan: “Happy birthday, Highlander!” – The Kurgan says this line to taunt MacLeod during the final battle in the Silvercup Studios, knowing that MacLeod is lighting a candle for his first wife Heather’s birthday.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $16,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,900,000
• Worldwide Gross: $5,901,480

💥 Highlander Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching Highlander as a kid and being completely blown away. The idea of immortals battling throughout history was so cool! The Kurgan scared me half to death, but I loved the bond between Connor and Ramirez. The music by Queen still gives me chills. Every time “Who Wants to Live Forever” plays, I get a little choked up. It’s a flawed movie, but it holds a special place in my heart.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 80s action movies”
  • “Sword fight enthusiasts”
  • “Fantasy fans”
  • “Queen fans”
  • “Those who enjoy cult classics”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Sword fights”
  • “Some nudity”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Empire Magazine: “Highlander is a stylish, imaginative, and utterly unique slice of fantasy action. Connery is a delight, Brown is menacing, and the Queen soundtrack is legendary.
• Variety: “A muddled but entertaining film elevated by stunning visuals, a powerful soundtrack, and Clancy Brown’s wonderfully over-the-top performance. The convoluted plot is forgivable for the sheer spectacle.
• RogerEbert.com: “Though it has a confusing plot, the movie’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious. Queen’s music is an integral part of the experience, giving the film a unique and memorable feel.

Audience Reactions

The unique blend of fantasy, action, and 80s rock music created an unforgettable movie experience.: The Queen soundtrack and Clancy Brown’s performance as The Kurgan were universally praised.

The bond between Connor and Ramirez was a highlight for many viewers.: The chemistry between Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery resonated with the audience, and the training montages were a fan favorite.

Overall Consensus: Highlander is a cult classic with a unique style, memorable characters, and an iconic soundtrack that has captivated audiences for generations.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sean Connery’s scenes were all filmed in just one week due to his busy schedule. He reportedly earned $1 million for his week’s work.”
• “The film was a box office disappointment in the US, but became a cult classic thanks to home video and international success.”
• “Director Russell Mulcahy was primarily known for music videos before helming ‘Highlander’, which influenced the film’s visual style and editing.”

🖥️ How to Watch Highlander?

Highlander is available for streaming purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings as it occasionally appears on cable or satellite on-demand services. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can be purchased through major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Highlander, you might like these similar films:

• Conan the Barbarian (1982): Both films feature a hero battling against seemingly insurmountable odds with a sword and a mystical quest.
• Beowulf (2007): Beowulf shares themes of legendary warriors, epic battles, and the struggle against monstrous forces.
• The Old Guard (2020): A modern take on immortal warriors battling through the ages, dealing with similar themes of loneliness and purpose.
• Army of Darkness (1992): While comedic, it shares the element of a character from a different time battling evil forces with a sword.

🛒 Highlander Related Products

• Highlander: The Immortal Edition [Blu-ray]: A high-definition remastered edition of the original film, featuring bonus content like behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Highlander Katana Replica: A meticulously crafted replica of Connor MacLeod’s katana, made with high-quality materials and attention to detail. Display stand included.
• Highlander Graphic Novel Series: Explore the extended universe of Highlander with a series of graphic novels that delve deeper into the mythology and the stories of other immortals.
• Highlander T-Shirt ‘There Can Be Only One’: A high-quality, comfortable T-shirt featuring the iconic quote from the movie. Available in various sizes and colors.

🎧 Soundtrack

Highlander features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Princes of the Universe” – performed by Queen
• “A Kind of Magic” – performed by Queen
• “Who Wants to Live Forever” – performed by Queen
• “Gimme the Prize” – performed by Queen

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Highlander Doesn’t Need A Remake

Curious about why the original ‘Highlander’ doesn’t need a remake? Join The Critical Drinker as he dissects the film’s greatness and why it still holds up today.

Highlander (1986) Retrospective / Review

For a nostalgic trip down memory lane, check out Oliver Harper’s retrospective review of ‘Highlander.’ He provides a thorough analysis of the film’s enduring legacy.

Highlander: Immortals Explained

Want to know more about the immortals in ‘Highlander’? ComicgeddonTV breaks down the lore and explains their significance in the movie’s epic narrative.

✨ Rate