Best bits? From the moment you see the opening scene of Conklin (Michael Douglas) riding his motorbike over the Brooklyn bridge against a glorious sunrise with an anonymous '80s power ballad providing you with the smouldering mood, you know exactly what you're in for; an irrefutable festival of style by an auteur in his bombastic prime! Check it out below.
If we're getting into best bits I'd have to say the opening chase through New Yorks (now demolished) meat packing district, prime cuts from the late '80s swing from giant hooks and steam spews from every drain as Detective Conklin chases his man, it all makes for a thrilling foot chase!
Any scene from Osaka (the city in Japan where the film takes place) is an absolute highlight. Every shot is drenched in a perpetual haze of vibrant neon that gloriously bounces off Osaka's urban, gritty, rain soaked streets creating an incredibly electric and exotic atmosphere. Look at these lovely pics!
Spoiler Alert! The shocking and totally unexpected death of Conklin's partner, Charlie (Andy Garcia) half way through is a great plot devise and really turns the film on its head. It becomes a very different beast after that scene and refreshingly, it doesn't rush head first into the obvious revenge story. Instead, Ridley exercises skill and restraint and we get some really impressive scenes of Conklin mourning and lamenting the death of his friend before the inevitable takes place.
Hans Zimmer provides the score which is suitably awesome on every level. Bravo that man!
Did it make you think thoughts? I saw this once when I was a kid and it's been unappreciated ever since! This is a rebirth people. I read about this film recently and started getting really excited so decided to order the blu ray (which people were saying was insane) and boy was I not disappointed! A New York cop in Japan knee deep into the yakuza, what's not to like? This film is breathtakingly stunning and has a totally immersive story to boot, lovely stuff.
Would you watch it again? Yes, I've added it to my 'films I'm obsessed about' databank.
Rating (out of 100%): 90% One of Ridley Scott's most underrated films. I implore you to check this out if you like visceral, stunning cinema.
Hans Zimmer provides the score which is suitably awesome on every level. Bravo that man!
Did it make you think thoughts? I saw this once when I was a kid and it's been unappreciated ever since! This is a rebirth people. I read about this film recently and started getting really excited so decided to order the blu ray (which people were saying was insane) and boy was I not disappointed! A New York cop in Japan knee deep into the yakuza, what's not to like? This film is breathtakingly stunning and has a totally immersive story to boot, lovely stuff.
Would you watch it again? Yes, I've added it to my 'films I'm obsessed about' databank.
Rating (out of 100%): 90% One of Ridley Scott's most underrated films. I implore you to check this out if you like visceral, stunning cinema.
