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Rising Sun is a 1993 mystery-drama film directed by Philip Kaufman and based on a novel of the same name by Michael Crichton. The movie stars Sean Connery, Wesley Snipes, and Harvey Keitel, and it's set in Los Angeles in the early 1990s. The story revolves around the murder of a young woman named Cheryl Lynn Austin, who was found dead after attending a party at the Nakamoto Corporation, a Japanese corporation that is about to invest a significant amount of money in the United States. Lieutenant Webster Smith (Wesley Snipes) is assigned to investigate the case, and he's aided by John Connor (Sean Connery), a retired cop who has become an expert in Japanese culture and language.

As Smith and Connor dig deeper into the case, they uncover a web of corruption and deceit that involves not only the Nakamoto Corporation but also high-ranking officials in the Los Angeles Police Department. They also discover that Austin was not just a random victim but had ties to the Nakamoto Corporation and was involved in a risky business deal that could have significant consequences for both the United States and Japan.

One of the main themes of Rising Sun is the clash between American and Japanese cultures, particularly in the business world. The film showcases the different attitudes, values, and traditions of each society and how they impact the way they interact and do business. It also reflects on the fear and suspicion that many Americans felt towards the Japanese during the 1990s, as Japan was seen as a rising economic power that threatened the American way of life.

Another essential element of the movie is the complex relationship between Smith and Connor. While they share a common goal, they have very different personalities and approaches to the case. Smith is portrayed as a no-nonsense, by-the-book cop who's frustrated by Connor's unorthodox methods and his apparent sympathy towards the Japanese. Connor, on the other hand, is a cynical but insightful veteran who's well aware of the corruption and hypocrisy that permeate the system. Their interactions and debates are some of the most memorable and entertaining moments of the film.

Rising Sun also features some impressive visuals and cinematography. The film showcases the stunning architecture and technology of the Nakamoto Corporation's headquarters, which, along with the sleek and sophisticated outfits of the Japanese characters, create a futuristic and elegant atmosphere. The use of lighting and color is also noteworthy, particularly in the scenes where the detectives interrogate suspects and witnesses.

Overall, Rising Sun is an engaging and thought-provoking movie that combines elements of a police procedural, a thriller, and a cultural commentary. The movie may feel a bit outdated in its portrayal of Japan and its relationship with the United States, but it still provides an interesting insight into the complexities of cross-cultural interactions. The performances of the three leads are excellent, and they manage to bring depth and nuance to their characters. If you're a fan of crime dramas or Michael Crichton's work, you should definitely give Rising Sun a chance.

Rising Sun is a 1993 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 56.