Watch Black Rain

Black Rain is a visually stunning action thriller that takes place in the dark underbelly of Japan in the late 1980s. The film stars Michael Douglas as Nick Conklin and Andy Garcia as Charlie Vincent, two NYPD detectives who are sent to Osaka to escort a notorious Yakuza member named Sato (Yusaku Matsuda) back to the United States to stand trial for his crimes. Along the way, they are forced to fight for their lives against Sato's loyal henchmen and navigate the complex web of Japanese culture and politics.

The film begins in New York City, where Conklin and Vincent are tasked with apprehending Sato after he kills a rival Yakuza leader on American soil. While on their way back to the airport with Sato in custody, they are ambushed by his men and he escapes. Determined to catch him again, Conklin and Vincent travel to Osaka to search for him.

Once in Osaka, they are met by Masahiro Matsumoto (Ken Takakura), a Japanese detective who becomes their guide and translator. The trio quickly learns that Sato is not only a wanted criminal but also a national hero among some Japanese citizens who view him as a Robin Hood-like figure. Meanwhile, Conklin struggles to control his anger and temper, which puts him at odds with Vincent and the Japanese authorities.

As the three detectives hunt for Sato, they become embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse, with Sato always seeming to be one step ahead of them. Along the way, they encounter other Yakuza members who are vying for power while navigating the complex political dynamics within the police force.

The film's biggest strength is its stunning cinematography, which captures the neon-lit streets of Osaka in all their gritty glory. Director Ridley Scott makes excellent use of the city's architecture and landscape, creating a sense of place that is both unfamiliar and captivating. The film's action sequences are also a highlight, with Conklin and Vincent engaging in intense shootouts and car chases that are both visually exciting and well-choreographed.

The performances of the three main actors are also noteworthy. Michael Douglas brings a raw intensity to his role as Conklin, a cop who is struggling with his own demons while trying to catch a dangerous criminal. Andy Garcia is equally impressive as Vincent, Conklin's more level-headed partner who is also dealing with his own personal issues. Ken Takakura provides a grounded and nuanced performance as Matsumoto, a seasoned detective who is trying to balance his duty to the law with his respect for Japanese cultural norms.

Despite its strengths, Black Rain has been criticized for perpetuating negative stereotypes about Japanese culture and people. Some have accused the film of portraying Japan as a cold and heartless society, while others have taken issue with the way the film depicts Japanese women as sexual objects. While these criticisms are not without merit, it is worth noting that the film was created in a different era and with a different cultural context in mind.

Overall, Black Rain is a well-constructed action thriller that delivers on its promise of suspense and excitement. Its impressive visuals and strong performances make it a memorable entry in the "fish out of water" genre of cop movies. If you're a fan of Michael Douglas, Andy Garcia, or Ridley Scott, or just looking for a thrilling and visually engaging movie to watch, Black Rain is definitely worth checking out.

Black Rain is a 1989 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 56.