Arnold Schwarzenegger was born to play a cyborg. In this iconic role, the tight-lipped, square-headed Austrian warped into the minds of many 80s youths, such as myself, and made us truly believe there are killer robots aiming to wipe out our existence in the near future. Even today, the haunting science behind the fictitious tale of The Terminator contributes to my cynical outlook of men at war with machines.
By now, it is common knowledge that John Connor is at the pinnacle of humanity's resistance when the nuclear war begins sometimes in the 21st century. The machines, of course, fully aware of this threat, decide to send a T-800 model (Arnie) back in time to kill Connor's mother Sarah; thus, attempting to eliminate the child's existence prior to him being born. Fortunately, Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), is also sent back as one of the freedom fighters, and is prepared to protect the target from the seemingly indestructible cyborg right until the very end.
The horrifyingly original concept, combined with the memorable performances of the lead characters, make The Terminator a raw and emotional chase between humanity and its most feared creation, at the point of extinction. Schwarzenegger and Biehn are a conflict in species, which is fascinating to watch as the story develops; the T-800 shows no remorse in his killings and will stop at absolutely nothing until Connor is dead, whereas Reese is the determined saviour that we admire for his sheer humaneness in putting his life on the line.
James Cameron's underlying love story is also slickly executed, and never threatens the intense pace of the film's action. The love scene between Sarah and Reese, in particular, is so powerful that I find myself being overcome by a cold shiver down the back of my spine every time I watch it. This exploration of human character is something Cameron would develop as an ingenious trademark in his latter movies; Aliens, for example.
Compelling, relentlessly entertaining, and obsessively technophobic, The Terminator is the nation's worst nightmare and an indelible wake up call for evolution in the near future. Don't say Cameron didn't warn you.
http://www.andycarrington.co.uk
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
The Terminatorwas the film that cemented Arnold Schwarzenegger's place in the action-brawn ... more
firmament, and both his and the movie's subsequent iconic status are well deserved. He's chilling as the futuristic cyborg that kills without fear, without love,...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
In this blazing sci-fi classic, Arnold Schwarzenegger is perfectly cast as the fiercest ... more
and most relentless killing machine ever to threaten the survival of mankind! From the Oscar winning director of 'Titanic' this fast-paced, cleverly conceived, rip ...
Advantages: the best film ever? on a a great DVD?! you're damn right its true Disadvantages: the original 1984 subtitles do not appear at the beginning
Advantages: Uncommonly good storyline for an action film, super special effects, imaginative design, excellent value DVD Disadvantages: Many won't enjoy it for its occasionally-graphic violence
tom1clare 07.03.2004 (10.03.2004)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Terminator
![The Terminator (Two Disc Special Edition) [DVD] [1985]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78529423.jpg "The Terminator (Two Disc Special Edition) [DVD] [1985]")
![The Terminator [Special Edition]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/99374436.jpg "The Terminator [Special Edition]")
very helpful by (91%):
helpful by (9%):
