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News'Extraordinary' movie deemed 'timeless' to be axed from BBC iPlayer in daysThe cult classic has been hailed as one of the greatest action movies of all

timegetsurreyBookmarkShareCommentsNewsByMaria Leticia GomesGAU WriterAndrea OldereideGAU Content Editor12:00, 5 JUN 2025BookmarkThe film stars Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod, a

Scottish Highlander born in the 1500s (Image: Mirror Syndication International)Get the latest Surrey Live breaking news on WhatsApp

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Fans of science fiction and fantasy are in for a nostalgic treat as the "visionary" and "extraordinary" cult classic Highlander prepares to bid farewell to BBC iPlayer.

There are just a few days left for aficionados or first-timers to immerse themselves in one of the most innovative genre fusions of the 1980s.

The 1986 film, Highlander, helmed by Russell Mulcahy, is hailed as a defining piece in its genre, melding sword-and-sorcery aesthetics with edgy, contemporary action.

It features Christopher Lambert in the lead role as Connor MacLeod, a Scottish Highlander from the 1500s who realises his immortality after surviving what should have been a mortal wound

during combat.

Coached by the suave Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez, portrayed by Sean Connery, Connor comes to terms with his eternal life, learning that he and others like him are destined for immortal

combat until only one remains, earning “The Prize” – an enigmatic boon promising limitless power and enlightenment.

Set against the backdrop of both medieval Scotland and 1980s New York, the tale of Highlander is woven through gripping flashback sequences and intense swordplay, plunging into themes of

love, bereavement, and the burdensome reality of outliving one's kin.

Director Russell Mulcahy imparts a unique visual spark to the movie, leveraging his experience with music video production for icons like Duran Duran and Elton John in the 80s.

However, it is Queen’s stirring soundtrack that truly amplifies the cinematic appeal of Highlander, reports the Express. The band contributed several tracks to the film.

These included the powerful 'Princes of the Universe' and the poignant 'Who Wants to Live Forever', both songs cementing their place in the hearts of the film's

enthusiasts and within Queen's enduring legacy.

As time passed, Highlander achieved a cult following. It boasts a 69% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where fans have shared their fondness for the film.

One admirer said: "Highlander is a visionary action/sci-fi film which deftly explores themes of eternal life, the temptation of power, and true love."

Another lauded its uniqueness and daring approach: "It's THE fantasy movie. No movie has ever done sword and sorcery in a modern day setting like Highlander.

"Not even close. I'm going to go ahead and call a spade a spade: this is the greatest action movie of all-time.

"Queen's score, Clancy Brown, Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Roxanne Hart, Beatie Edney... Russell Mulcahy's revolutionary, music video-style directing; this is as good as

movies get."

A third chimed in adding: "Certainly better than anything else that's came out in the past decade."

Some fans also attribute its lasting popularity to Queen's devoted followers: "An extraordinary cult classic movie that will endure for so many many generations. Not only with the

cinema fans but also Queen fans."

Despite its initial struggle at the US box office, Highlander spawned a series of sequels, a television show, and comic books. There has been talk of a reboot for years, with John

Wick's Chad Stahelski recently linked to the project.

Highlander (1986) is currently available on BBC iPlayer, but it will be taken off the platform on June 9.

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