Highlander is a 1986 fantasy-action film directed by Russell Mulcahy. The movie tells the story of Connor MacLeod (played by Christopher Lambert), a Scottish swordsman born in the 16th century who discovers he is one of the immortal Highlanders. Immortals can only be killed by beheading, and they must fight each other in a deadly competition known as “The Game” until only one remains. The film alternates between two timelines: Connor’s past in 16th-century Scotland, where he learns about his immortality, and his present-day life in 1980s New York, where he faces a powerful and malevolent adversary, the Kurgan (played by Clancy Brown).
As Connor grapples with the burden of his immortality, he receives guidance from his mentor, Ramirez (played by Sean Connery), and falls in love with a mortal woman, Brenda Wyatt (played by Roxanne Hart). The movie builds to an epic showdown between Connor and the Kurgan, culminating in a battle to the death with the fate of the last remaining immortal at stake.
Highlander is known for its memorable sword fights, a rock-infused soundtrack by Queen, and its unique blend of historical and contemporary storytelling. It has since gained a cult following and inspired sequels, a TV series, and various adaptations, becoming a classic in the fantasy genre.
