10 / 10. An amazing plot featuring a sword wielding Scottish immortal duelling with enemies throughout the centuries, the epitome of 1980s action Sci-Fi with a classic soundtrack

Highlander is an incredible fantasy action-adventure film directed by Russell Mulcahy, based on a story by Gregory Widen, released in 1986.

Highlander features the ingenious yet bonkers casting of Christopher Lambert (who’s French) as Connor MacLeod, a 16th century Scottish highlander, and Sean Connery (who’s Scottish) as Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez, a Spaniard with fantastic dress sense, gleefully abandoning attempts at accents other than Scottish (who’s actually Egyptian, born in 898 BC).

The story is told in present scenes, New York City, 1985, and flashbacks of Connor’s long life. In 1536, Connor is ‘fatally’ wounded during a battle between the MacLeod and Fraser clans by maniacal behemoth, the Kurgan. He’s found by charismatic swordsman Ramírez who explains that they are immortals, and invincible unless beheaded (just go with it). Immortals are scattered throughout the world at war throughout the centuries, because when one immortal kills another, the victor gains their power via “the Quickening.” Why not? They must fight until only a few remain for “the Gathering” and the survivor will attain “the Prize,” the ultimate power of all the immortals. “The Gathering” reaches its electrifying climax in New York City’s present.

Connor has a great chemistry with Rachel (Sheila Gish) and Brenda (Roxanne Hart) and the Queen soundtrack adds to the film’s awesomeness. ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’ is a beautiful, fitting song.

The beginning of my obsession with immortals and samurai swords, Highlander is the epitome of 1980s sci fi action films. It ignites the imagination, leaving you eager to learn about immortal’s lives throughout the ages. This original, fantastical immortal tale set a high bar for inventive, historical sci-fi.

The best casting choice is Clancy Brown as the barbarian Kurgan, born in what’s now Russia in 1005 BC, a hulking villain with a great voice and played to crazy perfection.

“In the end, there can be only one.”