" Something says we should cut our loses and let the locals handle it around here"
This is Ridley Scott's forgotten classic. Two NYPD cops Nick Conklin (Michael Douglas) and Charlie Vincent (a young Andy Garcia) witness the murder of a Japanese gang leader by Sato(Yusaku Matsuda II), a Yakuza from a rival gang. After a perilous pursuit through Chinatown Sato is captured and taken in. Orders are given for Conklin and his partner to return Sato back to Japan to face charges there. Upon arrival Sato is accidentally released to his own gang posing as police officers. Conklin and Vincent vow to recapture Sato by any means and end up in the middle of a currency war. With help from local police officer Masahiro Matsumoto (Ken Takakura), the three men set out across Tokyo to find the Sato. This is Ridley Scott at his best, the balance of light, the dark tones reminiscent of "Blade Runner", and the overall depths he captures with each character. He is the master of directing with strong performances given by all. The standout for me is Takakura trying to understand the American police, questioning their actions, and eventually forming a brotherhood. If your a fan of Ridley Scott, Michael Douglas, or great action movies with a beating heart at the core, "Black Rain" should satisfy. 4/5 -tom
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