Robocop

1987 • 103 minutes

About this movie

Set in Old Detroit, a crime-ridden ghetto of the not too distant future, a cop killed in the line of duty is robotized then dispatched to fight crime. But Robocop is haunted by snatches of memory and dreams of who and what he used to be. As Robocop discovers his past, he uncovers a murder conspiracy at the highest level of police management.

Ratings and reviews

I watch this for the first time since my youth and - even at 40 years old - had a hard time watching some of the scenes... I didn't remember it being so graphically violent. I did a search on Wiki and I think I found out why - this version appears to be the "uncut" version that was originally rated X. Here's what they say about it: The following scenes are presented in the uncut version of the movie which originally received an X Rating: During the boardroom meeting, ED-209 continuously shoots Kinney, who falls back on a table. This scene is now extended slightly to show additional shots being fired and Kinney's body reacting to them. There is also a quick shot of ED-209's programmer unsuccessfully trying to shut it down by ripping out its power cord. A brief alternate shot of Bobby being shot in the leg and the impact that follows before he's tossed out of the getaway van. Murphy's death scene is the most altered scene in the movie. When his hand is shot off, Murphy gets up and a stump is seen where his hand used to be. His right arm is shown being shot off completely (in the theatrical version, Murphy is shown with one arm without any explanation). In the final seconds of his murder, the camera spins around Murphy as he writhes in pain, Clarence shoots him in the head, and a hole appears. This shot was achieved using a sophisticated animatronic puppet of Peter Weller controlled off-screen. An overhead shot also shows the bloody aftermath of what has happened to Murphy as Lewis looks on shocked at his dead body. When Clarence Boddicker is stabbed in the neck, there is an alternate shot of him holding his neck as he turns around and blood spurts from the wound. I believe Google should advertise that this is the extended version so that people know what they're getting themselves into.

I have to say that from a technical aspect this film is genius. Paul Verhoeven had a knack of taking actor's and flipping their type cast he done it with Ronnie cox and Nancy Allen with great results. But the best thing he ever done was let Peter Weller play Robocop. In pre release screenings they knew they nailed it. When the old man says nice shooting son what's your name. The crowd shouted Murphy !!! Worth a mention is Curtwood Smith as the main baddy Clarence Bodiger he's just outstanding.

A movie way ahead of its time and is truly a masterpiece. Robocop is a classic, the plot is amazing and plays out with very clever character story lines. The title is simple but the movie is far from it. Peter Weller does an amazing job as RoboCop and the entire cast is brilliant, giving real depth to their characters. Its Packed with amazing action scenes, satire, dark humour and a distinct sound score. Directed by Paul Verhoeven with his ingenious perception on story telling RoboCop is a Must watch. *****