Highlander: Search for Vengeance DVD review

Highlander, The Search For Vengeance, is an attempted revitalized installment of the Highlander Series. It is set against a backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world that has been despoiled by the effects of global warming and widespread terrorism. However, despite the film’s initial explicit pronouncement that the world of 2185 has been hurled into turmoil, due to these very real threats, no mention appears to surface of these cataclysmic, catastrophes throughout the rest of the film. There is here an opportunity to engage in a reflective contemporary social commentary of the world at large; but instead, the film neglects these destructive causes and appeals to mere vagueness—which seems to be a recurrent theme that engulfs the film.

The audience is immediately cascaded to this wormwood to observe the main protagonist, Colin MacLeod, partake in a neoclassic immortal battle in a New Jersey that is entirely disheveled with dilapidated infrastructure and mobsters (which is not an entire stretch). This scene triggers moments of nostalgia within viewers (those who have watched the television series and films of Highlander will know of those moments). For example, prior to the conflict, Colin experiences a sense that there is an immortal close by, which reminds viewers of the cheesy panoramic camera angles and sounds which occurred in the series. The immortal with which Colin is engaged, also throws out a sentimental phrase that resonates with Highlander fans: “There can be only one”. The coalescences also attempt to carry over to the history of the character as well, by endeavoring to merge Colin to the original MacLeod clan via an adoption. However, these and further nostalgic libations to Highlander fans become rather forced, and at times unfitting–do high-tech robotic creatures of the future with vast arrays of munitions really need to carry swords?

The overall plot of the film provides an interesting story, yet, is seemingly repetitive. A Roman Elite name Marcus Octavius (who is a fellow immortal) takes the life of Colin’s love Moya in the 2nd century. This is the catalyst for Colin’s epic quest for vengeance. His search for Marcus takes him through pivotal moments through history, such as the Scottish Wars of Independence to the Second World War. However, despite this rather interesting battle that continues throughout the eons, it is smeared with the stains of repetition. In almost each encounter with Marcus, Colin will either break his sword or luckily land upon holy ground and will ultimately belong to the side of the underdog. Although, the film is able to maintain rather strong parallels between Colin’s past and present. And, its ending provides a satisfying full circle.

A character that must be noted is that of Amergan. Amergan is a dead druid that attempts to act as Colin’s sherpa and conscience. However, there is absolutely no explanation why this imitation of the Great Gazoo appears and tries to save Colin. There is no connection between the two characters and the persona, which simply detracts from the film. This druid is merely implanted into the film to provide some form of comic relief, but, unfortunately simply provides confusion and annoyance.

Technically, in terms of artwork, the integration of CGI and voice acting of the film does not fail. In fact, director Kawjiri of Ninja Scroll, has presented an excellently crafted animated painting, but in terms of characters, plot and originality, the story lacks much dimension and perhaps should have been as dedicated to the story as it was to its art.

Join our mailing list