On B List of Movie Reviews

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Black Rain (1989)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 6/04, 2/17, 3/19

BlackR
2/17: It's my fourth time seeing Black Rain, going back to when it was first released in 1989.

The first three, I had been sour on the film, thinking of it as something cool but nothing interesting. Now, my opinion is completely changed, and I have to say it's an underrated stylish policier with an excellent Michael Douglas performance.

What I hadn't noticed before is the Blade Runner-like cinematography. Maybe it has finally looked the best when the video was remastered in high definition. I just didn't notice it. Now, I love the look. It's very Japanese neo-noirish. Also, kudos to screenwriters Craig Bolotin and Warren Lewis for making the story gripping. They never replicated the same success for the rest of their careers.

Michael Douglas, Andy Garcia, Ken Takakura, and Yûsaku Matsuda (who sadly died from bladder cancer not long after the filming wrapped up) are excellent. When the actors have to, they'll pull their weight to make the film look ultracool, and they did that for Black Rain. I'm surprised that Kate Capshaw helped out, too, given my hate for her after what happened in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

All in all, Black Rain is an underrated American-Japanese neo-noir policier with dark, moody cinematography.

3/19: Black Rain is still an outstanding policier with terrific performances and breathtaking cinematography.

You should have no doubt of Michael Douglas' acting ability because this guy knows how to amp it up. Andy Garcia is perfect as his sidekick. Ken Takakura provides a nice, heartfelt dose of humility for Michael Douglas' character. Yûsaku Matsuda plays a memorable bad guy in Sato; the actor sadly died from bladder cancer after the completion of filming.

The most winning feature is the cinematography. It's reminiscent of Blade Runner, showing a neo-noir contrast between darkness and neon lights in Japan. Hence, it should've been nominated for an Oscar during that year.

All in all, Black Rain is a visually captivating policier with a strong story and acting.