Release: 1984-10-26
Runtime: 1h 48m (108 minutes)
In the post-apocalyptic future, reigning tyrannical supercomputers teleport a cyborg assassin known as the "Terminator" back to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son is destined to lead insurgents against 21st century mechanical hegemony. Meanwhile, the human-resistance movement dispatches a lone warrior to safeguard Sarah. Can he stop the virtually indestructible killing machine?
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Genres: Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lance Henriksen, Linda Hamilton, more
Arnold Schwarzenegger
as Terminator
Lance Henriksen
as Vukovich
Linda Hamilton
as Sarah Connor
Bill Paxton
as Punk Leader
Michael Biehn
as Kyle Reese
Brian Thompson
as Punk
Earl Boen
as Silberman
Shawn Schepps
as Nancy
Marianne Muellerleile
as Wrong Sarah
Dick Miller
as Pawnshop Clerk
Paul Winfield
as Traxler
Rick Rossovich
as Matt
In the post-apocalyptic future, reigning tyrannical supercomputers teleport a cyborg assassin known as the "Terminator" back to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son is destined to lead insurgents against 21st century mechanical hegemony. Meanwhile, the human-resistance movement dispatches a lone warrior to safeguard Sarah. Can he stop the virtually indestructible killing machine?
Your future is in its hands.
The Terminator is a classic American sci-fi action film released on 26 October 1984. Directed by James Cameron, the movie explores themes of time travel and artificial intelligence. It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as a relentless cyborg assassin known as the Terminator, who is sent back in time to kill Sarah Connor, played by Linda Hamilton. The film’s screenplay was written by Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd.
The plot revolves around a future where an artificial intelligence called Skynet is determined to eliminate humanity. The Terminator is sent back to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son will lead the resistance against Skynet. In a twist, a soldier named Kyle Reese, played by Michael Biehn, is also sent back in time to protect her.
The film is noted for its groundbreaking special effects, including stop-motion animation and miniatures, expertly crafted by special effects artists Stan Winston and Gene Warren Jr.. Despite modest expectations ahead of its release, The Terminator became a box office success, grossing approximately $78.3 million against a budget of $6.4 million. It significantly boosted both Cameron's and Schwarzenegger's careers.
The film's unique blend of action and suspense, along with its themes of technology and humanity, resonated deeply with audiences. Critics praised its thrilling pace and innovative storytelling. Orion Pictures distributed the film, and it quickly became a cultural touchstone, eventually leading to several sequels, a television series, and various media adaptations.
In addition to its commercial success, The Terminator received critical acclaim. It holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been recognized in various film preservation programs, including selection for the United States National Film Registry for its cultural significance.
The characters in the film left a lasting impact on popular culture, with Arnold Schwarzenegger's line "I'll be back" becoming one of the most famous movie quotes of all time. This film's legacy continues to influence the sci-fi genre and shapes discussions about the implications of artificial intelligence in our society.
The film features a talented cast, including:
The film is more than just an action-packed spectacle; it serves as a reflection on the relationship between man and machine, highlighting fears about the future of technology. As audiences revisit this iconic film, its relevance in discussions about AI and its potential risks remains as important as ever.
