A Breed Apart [Blu-ray]

Rutger Hauer is one of those actors that never really got the credit he deserved.From Ladyhawke to The Hitcher to this film, he always turned in a damn fine performance in damn fine films, yet the mainstream will always only remember him for Blade Runner.A shame, cause he did so much more.Like this film, A Breed Apart, which holds the distinction of being one of the first films to actively push an environmental message.We follow Hauer's character, a deeply wounded Vietnam vet who has taken to spending his time on an island filled with animals because he dislikes humans so much.He has a will they or won't they relationship with the lovely Kathleen Turner, a single mother and owner of the only supply shop in Miles.Hauer spends his days helping animals and riding his island, protecting it from the various poachers that think it's a good idea to piss off a slightly unhinged veteran.Complications arise when a wealthy collector hires Powers Boothe to head to the island and steal a rare Eagle egg. Boothe, a rock climber who needs money for his next expedition, proceeds to befriend Hauer and Turner so that he can get in and steal the egg.Throw in some rednecks who won't leave well enough alone, and we have our plot.While it may seem pretty thin on the surface, the film wisely spends it's time focusing on the interactions between the characters, especially in regards to Hauer.Knowing what we know now about how war can take its toll on mental health, it's fascinating to see how much of Hauer's behaviour can be put down to his mental wounds. He is a deeply sympathetic character and you can't help but root for him. Especially when he's playing with cute little bear cubs.Turner isn't given that much to do, sadly. She has some scenes where we question her intelligence, but still her chemistry with Hauer is great. Watching her and her son interact with him is awesome and gives you a semblance of hope that this man can heal his wounded soul.Boothe plays his backstabbing greedy rock climber to perfection, playing Turned and Hauer off each other to get what he wants.As for action, there is some, but it's not really well filmed or exciting. The big action scene is done at night and we get no sense of where the characters are in the scene. So it becomes people moving about in the dark and throwing bombs and shooting.Then again, you don't watch this movie for the action. It's for Hauer's character, as he pulls you in with his performance and makes you root for him. You want him to be okay and to heal.Give this a go, especially if you like Hauer. This is another fine performance from him.Although not the best movie in the world, it's fun to watch, has some gorgeous scenery, and Hauer plays with bear cubs.What more could you need?

If you're a fan of Rutger Hauer as I am, this movie will not disappoint you. It is an older movie, but still, a great movie. Sad that he's gone, but his movies will live on.

A classic finally on blu-ray. It hasn’t aged the best, but still enjoyable.

I remember this movie from when I was younger and it is still a fun movie to watch. I purchased because I like Rutger Hauer as well as Powers Booth. It is really unfortunate that Mr. Booth passed. I have always like his performances.

Did not play in Blue Ray player or work....

I saw this movie in 1984 and was captivated. I have been waiting for a copy of it to be released for decades, well worth the wait! Picture and sound quality are outstanding.

Beautiful print in camparison to the VHS print recorded in LP. This is a crisp print. Now if someone would release CLEARCUT

Loved the movie!!!!

perfect for the value. Have been looking for this for a while now. so nice to have gotten it right away.

de levering was ok,dus zeer tevreden

Bought as present, old film they enjoyed watching it. Perfect quality

Great service, great product

A good action film with a young Rutgers Bauer.