STAR RATINGS EXPLAINED
Unmissable
Excellent
Good
Poor
Tragic

FILM DETAILS

Certificate 18

Cast Arnold Schwarzenegger Michael Biehn Linda Hamilton Paul Winfield

Directors James Cameron

Screenwriters Harlan Ellison James Cameron Gale Anne Hurd William Wisher Jr.

Running Time 108 minutes

EMPIRE ESSAY: The Terminator
Arnie corners the market in cyborg killing machines

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Plot
A cyborg assassin called "The Terminator" is sent back through time to 1984 to kill the seemingly innocent Sarah Connor - a woman whose unborn son will lead the human race to victory in a bitter future war with a race of machines. If the Terminator succeeds, mankind is doomed. Sarah's only hope is a soldier from that post-apocalyptic war, who has chased the Terminator back through time. The future of the human race depends on which one finds her first...

Verdict
As chillingly efficient in exacting thrills from its audience as its titular character is in executing its targets.


Reviewed by Clark Collis

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