Movie spotlight
Beaten by Black Rain
Many years after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, the survivors (called hibakusha in Japanese) are still physically and emotionally devastated by the event. Kuroi Ame ni Utarete tells the interlocking stories of a group of survivors who frequent Stand Akauma, a bar: Takeshi, who lost his entire family; Tomoko, a prostitute horribly burned in the bombing; her younger brother Junji, who scrabbles on the fringes of society; Eiko, a pregnant young woman whom he loves; and Yuri, another prostitute who is determined to secure a brighter future for her blind son.
Insights
Plot Summary
Two New York detectives, Nick Conklin and Charlie Vincent, escort a Yakuza gangster arrested for murder back to Japan. Upon arrival, their prisoner escapes, forcing the detectives to team up with a Japanese police officer, Sato, to track him down in the neon-drenched underworld of Osaka. As they navigate the complex and often dangerous Japanese criminal landscape, they uncover a deeper conspiracy involving corruption and betrayal.
Critical Reception
Ridley Scott's 'Black Rain' was met with mixed reviews from critics, who praised its visual style and action sequences but criticized its convoluted plot and somewhat stereotypical portrayal of Japanese culture. Audiences were generally receptive to the film's gritty atmosphere and Michael Douglas's performance.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its striking visual design and atmospheric portrayal of Tokyo's underbelly.
Criticized for a predictable plot and some questionable cultural depictions.
Michael Douglas's tough-guy performance was a highlight for many reviewers.
Google audience: Google users generally found 'Black Rain' to be an entertaining action film with a strong visual appeal. Many appreciated the gritty atmosphere and the performances, though some noted that the plot could be confusing at times. The film's portrayal of Japanese society received mixed reactions.
Fun Fact
The iconic neon signs in the Osaka street scenes were created by the Japanese artist Katsuhiro Otomo, known for the manga and anime 'Akira'.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources