Ridley Scott’s 1982 sci-fi classic “Blade Runner” has long been revered for its stunning visuals, thought-provoking themes, and philosophical questions about what it means to be human. Set in a dystopian future Los Angeles of 2019, the film follows Rick Deckard, a “blade runner” whose job is to hunt down rogue replicants—genetically engineered robots that are nearly indistinguishable from humans—and retire them.

Watching “Blade Runner” nearly 40 years after its release, it’s striking how prescient the film was in exploring the ethical and existential questions surrounding artificial intelligence that remain deeply relevant today. The replicants in the film are in many ways the ancestors of modern AI systems which are powered by neural networks and fueled by massive amounts of data. While today’s AI may not yet be self-aware or indistinguishable from humans, progress is moving at an incredible pace. Systems can now generate synthetic images and videos, understand complex questions, drive cars, play games, and even write prose.

Deckard’s challenge in identifying replicants calls to mind recent questions around “ explainable AI.” As AI systems become far too complex for any single person to fully understand, how will we know if their decisions or outputs can be trusted? The replicants, designed to serve human needs, also raise questions about how we will ensure AI systems of the future are grounded and aligned with human values. Their desire to extend their short lifespans at any cost mirrors concerns about the existential risks from advanced AI if not properly safeguarded.

The massive, grimy futuristic city in “Blade Runner” deploys electronic billboards and advertisements tailored to each passerby. This dynamic and personalized advertising, reaching citizens as they go about their day, is now commonplace thanks to real-world systems that tap into data about our behaviors, interests, and preferences. The film also shows a future where biotechnology and genetic engineering are pervasive and big corporations hold significant power over society. Many of these concepts seemed distant in 1982 but resonate today, highlighting both the progress that has been made and the important challenges and decisions on the horizon.

Though a work of science fiction, "Blade Runner" explored the human condition and man's relationship to technology in a way that only becomes more meaningful over time. As AI continues to progress at an astounding pace, the questions it raises will become more pressing. But this prescient film, in all its neon-lit glory, provides an evocative case study in humanity's hopes, fears, and moral struggles in the face of advanced technology—and reminds us of what we have to lose if we’re not careful. Nearly 40 years after its release, "Blade Runner" remains a visionary classic with timeless lessons for the modern age of AI.