Review of Black Rain (1989) by Antony B — 24 Jun 2011
Disappointing rogue-cop action flick that must have had a great amount of potential as a script - corrupt American cop is assigned to transfer a Yakuza mobster back to Japan, only to lose him in the middle of a gang war between rival 'obayuns'.
As always, Ridley Scott's visuals and atmospherics are the real stars here (his trademark back-lit fan blades are omnipresent), as are the Japanese sets and locations, but the film is single-handedly torpedoed by Michael Douglas' sneering, ultra-macho, low-life cop, who goes through the film ranting and railing against 'suits' and calling nearly everyone he meets 'babe' (ugh).
Veteran Japanese actor Ken Takakura is on hand to lend some needed serenity and common sense, but even he his unflappable nature is underdone by an excruciating karaoke number with irrepressible buddy-cop/dead meat Garcia.
Only sultry Kate Capshaw, as a cynical club hostess, seems to come off well. Many missed opportunities to explore Japanese-American tensions that were prevalent during the 80's is on hand to lend some needed serenity and common sense, but even he his unflappable nature is underdone by an excruciating karaoke number with irrepressible detective Garcia.
Only sultry Kate Capshaw, as a cynical club hostess, seems to come off well. Many missed opportunities to explore Japanese-American tensions that were prevalent during the 80's.
This review of Black Rain (1989) was written by Antony B on 24 Jun 2011.
Black Rain has generally received positive reviews.
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