Black Rain (1989)

 Black Rain (1989)

There is stuff to like in Ridley Scott’s Black Rain. Sadly, the good stuff is overshadowed by its cliched, paper-thin story with a predictable ending and characters that are not fully developed. A quote about Scott came to mind. “Being a Ridley Scott film, it’s 90% atmosphere and 10% story.” Maybe a good portion of his films are not that dramatic, but I related to that quote here. But what an atmosphere the movie has! Osaka has been used in many films, but never like this. Scott always had an impressive hand with visuals. While watching the movie, Blade Runner came to mind. Yet in that story, the characters used the visuals and production design for a purpose. Here, not so much. The dark, Gotham-like feeling seems to be here just because. Still, Jan De Bont’s camerawork and Norris Spencer’s production design are expertly staged and plays a major reason why the film remains as watchable as it is.

I was struck by the plot because I am fascinated in groups that have a mysterious aura about them or I do not know too much about. The Japanese underworld, known as the Yakuza, fit that category. The whole mystery part would work well with the dreary, bleak world that Scott envisioned. Thankfully, I did maintain some degree of interest. The whole mystery was bogged down by poorly written characters and events that are extremely unlikely. Like and events that are extremely unlikely. Like how will an American woman from Chicago will know the secrets of the Yakuza? Even though she bartended in Osaka for eight years, I was immediately turned off by that plot point. Craig Bolotin’s and Warren Lewis’s screenplay also fails to make me understand how is it possible that mafia men disguised as Japanese cops are able to successfully meet a high-profile criminal at the airport? That is lazy writing, or poorly researched. One or the other.

After committing a double murder in New York City, a member of the Yakuza is arrested. Detective Nick Conklin (Michael Douglas) and his partner Charlie Vincent (Andy Garcia) are given the duty to escort this man back to Japan. Conklin, who may or may not be a seedy cop, is angry that the United States is not prosecuting this man. When they arrive, the criminal is turned over to Yakuza members disguised as police. The detectives stay and work with Detective Masahiro (Ken Takahura) to recapture their man. As they do so, they find it hard to work within the laws and customs of Japan.

I found nothing wrong with the lead performances. In fact, I found Michael Douglas to be highly captivating and made a poorly scripted character interesting. Andy Garcia also delivered a good, commendable performance. Kate Capshaw did not interest me. I never liked her as an actress, so it was highly unlikely a flawed character (and completely unbelievable) would allow me to be convinced otherwise.

Overall, Black Rain is not Ridley Scott’s finest. It is not a horrible movie and remains highly watchable. Yet, style is more at play than substance. The technical side of the movie is a reason why the movie should be given a watch. Loved the brooding production design and camerawork. That reminds me. Hans Zimmer, in his first working relationship with Scott, delivered an underrated score. There, another reason to watch the movie! If only it wasn’t for a shoddy script, Scott’s movie would have been fun. His directorial flair is all over the place…in a mostly good way. Wish I could say the same about the movie.

My Grade: C