Highlander
Year: 1986
Director: Russell Mulcahy
Cast: Christopher Lambert, Roxanne Hart, Clancy Brown, Sean Connery .
Set Locations:
Scotland: Spectacular Glencoe in Argyll was used as was Fort William in the Highlands
Highlander was released in 1986 and signalled the opening of the
'Highlander Universe', which spawned several films and a long running
spin-off TV series. For many, however, this was the first and always
the best of the Highlander series.
The tale begins with Connor MacLeod, born in Scotland in 1518. His
clan are fighting with the Fraser clan. During his first battle with
them in 1536 he becomes aware that he is not like the rest of his
clan. The Fraser clan have an immortal called Kurgan fighting for
them. He is aware that Connor is immortal like him and is seeking him
out in the battle specifically to kill him before he realises what he
is. Kurgan mortally wounds Connor MacLeod. But he fails to decapitate
Connor and this is the only way an immortal can be killed. The MacLeod
clan are already mourning his death when he recovers miraculously.
Unfortunately, his clan are unable to accept this recovery and accuse
him of witchcraft, driving him out of the village. He meets another
immortal Ramirez (played by Sean Connery) who trains him in the ways
of the immortals and helps to improve his swordsmanship. He tells him
that all immortals are destined to fight until there is only one left.
The key slogan of the film is 'There can be only one!'. Kurgan later
returns and finds Ramirez at Connor's home with Connor's wife Heather.
He kills Ramirez and rapes Heather.
In modern day New York City, the final confrontation approaches; 'The
Gathering', where the last few Immortals battle it out for 'The
Prize'. Connor finally gets his revenge on Kurgan and wins 'The
Prize', which includes mortality and the ability to have children
(something denied to Immortals) as well as other powers.
Although MacLeod ends up in New York, he spends many mortal lives in
Britain before he gets there. The early scenes in Scotland are filmed
at various locations including Eilean Donan Castle , at Kyle of
Lochalsh in the Scottish Highlands. This beautiful castle stands on an
island off the west coast of the Scottish Highlands, connected to the
mainland by a bridge.
The first battle scene took place at Glencoe , a breathtakingly
picturesque part of the Highlands. It was the scene of the Glencoe
Massacre in 1692 but today is a popular tourist destination for its
rugged beauty. Surrounded by wild mountainous countryside, it has been
described as one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
Macleod also spent time in Greenwich in London. If you are visiting
Greenwich the Royal Naval College and Maritime Museum are a must for
your itinerary. Greenwich also has the famous clipper ship, the Cutty
Sark, as well as the Royal Observatory (home of Greenwich Meantime)
and the delightfully expansive Greenwich Park.
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