Review of Black Rain (1989) by Sarfaraz A — 14 Sep 2013

Black Rain dark film directed by Ridley Scott. Starring Michael Douglas, Andy García and Yusaku Matsuda. Yusaku died after completing the film due to suffering from terminal disease. Film received two Oscar-nominations Best Sound and Best Sound Editing Effects.

Film centers on Nick played by Michael Douglas as NYPD police officer - who witness along with his partner (Andy) couple of murders perpetrated by Yakuza gangster of another Japanese gangsters inside a small restaurant. After capturing the suspect; the two are assigned to deliver him over to Japanese authorities in Osaka (Japan).

Film is dark and cold, much of which seems like Ridley trying to show as if he is still living in Blade Runner environment. Hans Zimmer's perfect music-score serves the chilliness. My only problem was with Michael Douglas who played over-the-edge by showing chuckling behavior and supreme to be American. It is predictable. The poster is misleading and does not stand true to what is to be explored inside the film. Don't waste your time on Ridley's fantasy world.

NOTE: Douglas approached Jackie Chan to choreograph action-sequences and villain part but Jackie declined the offer. It is very stupid of the Hollywood to cast foreign action actors in villain role, citing their own fans would love them bashing foreigners - but little they understand that actors like Jackie have huge following all over the world, and they are not going to sabotage that for petty role. Similar had occurred with Sly, when he approached Jackie to play villain in Demolition Man.