REWATCHED: RISING SUN

Managed to sneak in a "RISING SUN" viewing last night, making this the 2nd/3rd time rewatching (first times on VCD), and still found it an entertaining watch, as “cliched” as one might find a Hollywoodized cine-presentation and view of the orient, much less a 1993 film based on a Michael Crichton novel (from 1992), although I do appreciate the mansplaining of cultures, which I remembered to be a "refreshing" approach back in the day, but in the current era of Woke-dom..?


A snapshot in time and era and attitudes, not least the "20th Century Fox" logo that has since changed too, all in the March of Time, with cinema serving as the public archives of pop culture, or any other culture, for that matter, entertainment of fictional-realities, which for someone such as myself, who have neither physically venture into the Land of the Rising Sun, nor step foot on the Land of the Brave, would have to contend with presentations such as this.




Be that as it may, the purposed of feature films are to "entertain", and perhaps by default "document" the times ... although the lines of "truth" is constantly blurred, it seems ... but if "fact" inspires "fiction", than the reoccurring theme of "dirty cops" in cinematic history is in abundance ... this plot aspect also reminded me of yet another feature film I adored (and is firmly placed on my FAV TOP TEN FILMS of all time): "Black Rain" - where Michael Douglas' New York City police officer "Nick Conklin" is investigated, to which he too confesses his act to a near total stranger, after establishing a quasi-brotherhood bond, which also happens ti be a fellow law enforcement officer ... this fictional plot pattern has become increasing noticeable, hasn't it?


The film stars Sean Connery as "Capt. John Connor" - the "Senpai" to Wesley Snipes' "Kohai" as "Lt. Web Smith", as they investigate a homicide, and uncover a culture divide. Written and directed by Philip Kaufman. Wikipedia mentions that Michael Crichton and Michael Backes wrote the screenplay, based on Crichton's 1992 novel of the same name.

Also as interestingly mentioned on Kaufman's Wiki-page (description of "Rising Sun"), that " Crichton angrily withdrew early on as a result of Kaufman softening the book's more anti-Japan posturing." = Which now makes sense in the somewhat blurred intentions of what the film meant to represent, as much as my merger understanding had been ... (No I have not read the novel :p).


The "M18"-rating for this edition (I bought this in a neighbourhood DVD store, since closed) allows judicious views of bare-breasts and naked-backs - courtesy of German supermodel Tatjana Patitz, and would be NSFW, or even at home with kids around. The theme of "erotic asphyxiation" in itself, would be a challenge in explaining, I imagine.

This DVD as well contains "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" which I rewatched earlier, and is focused on actor Sean Connery and his memorable roles in cinema, which also includes "Indiana Jones Sr" (I am alas not as connected to his "James Bond" era). Good watch, nevertheless!

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