RISING SUN (1993)

MORGAN'S RATING

Amid distrust and uncertainty, two detectives from Los Angeles investigate the murder of young woman. The story is set in and around a Japanese corporation based in Los Angeles and the detectives bring their differing viewpoints about Japanese corporate society into the murder investigation.

Sean Connery (John Connor), Wesley Snipes (Web Smith), Harvey Keitel (Tom Graham), Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Eddie Sakamura), Kevin Anderson (Bob Richmond), Mako (Yoshida-san), Ray Wise (Senator John Morton), Stan Egi (Ishihara), Stan Shaw (Phillips), Tia Carrere (Jingo Asakuma), Steve Buscemi (Willy 'the Weasel' Wilhelm), Tatjana Patitz (Cheryl Lynn Austin), Peter Crombie (Greg), Sam Lloyd (Rick), Alexandra Powers (Julia), Daniel von Bargen (Chief Olson), Lauren Robinson (Zelly), Amy Hill (Hsieh), Tom Dahlgreen (Jim Donaldson), Clyde Kusatsu (Tanaka), Michael Chapman (Fred Hoffman), Joey Miyashima (Young Japanese Negotiator), Nelson Mashita (Young Japanese Negotiator), Tamara Tunie (Lauren), Tony Ganios (Perry), James Oliver Bullock (Jeff), Michael Kinsey, Eleanor Clift, Clarence Page, Pat Choate (T.V. Panel Members), Dan Butler (Ken Shubik), Toshiro Obata (Guard at Imperial Arms), Tylyn John (Redhead), Shelley Michelle (Blonde), Michele Ruiz (T.V. Interviewer), Patricia Ayame Thomson (Female Accident Reporter), Jeff Imada (Yakuza), J. Max Kirishima (Yakuza), Michael Leopard (Cop).

FACTS

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

RELEASE DATE: July 30th, 1993 (USA) BOX OFFICE OPENING: $15.1 million (USA) BOX OFFICE RESULT: $63.0 million (USA) - Michael Crichton, author of the book and co-author of the screenplay, wrote the part of Connor with Sean Connery in mind. - The novel had a more overtly anti-Japanese slant, but this was toned down in part due to the studio's corporate ties to Japan. - The Sempai/Kohai relationship is touched upon during the movie, however there were a couple of problems. In Japan, Sempai is often used as an address and as a show of respect to one's superior. Kohai, on the other hand, can be considered offensive when used to address someone directly, as it is "putting someone in their place." Hence, Connery's character effectively insults Snipes' character throughout the movie. Given that Connery's character is supposed to be well versed in Japanese customs, this action should be taken very seriously. "Kohai" is normally used as a reference, not an address. For example: Wesley is the Kohai of Sean.

DIRECTOR: Philip Kaufman. WRITERS: Philip Kaufman, Michael Crichton and Michael Backes, and based on the novel by Michael Crichton. PRODUCERS: Peter Kaufman. EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Sean Connery. LINE PRODUCER: Ian Bryce.  ORIGINAL MUSIC: Toru Takemitsu. DISTRIBUTOR: 20th Century Fox

QUOTES

John Connor: Americans like to fix the blame. The Japanese fix the problem.

Web Smith: Tough neighborhoods are America's last advantage.

Web Smith: We're the good guys. Why are we running? John Connor: We're not running. We're eluding.

Cop: Hey Graham, you want some sushi? Tom Graham: No thanks. If I get a craving for mercury, I'll eat a thermometer.

Security Guard: Must be nice to fuck a lawyer, instead of being fucked by one.

John Connor: Do you know what's true? When someone sounds too good to be true, then it's not true.

CRITICAL COMMENTS

"In the final analysis, Rising Sun is yet another book-to-movie conversion that loses something in the translation. Despite the always-welcome presence of Sean Connery, the film fails to satisfy completely." -- James Berardinelli, Reel Views

John Connor: Okay, "sempai," apple pie, whatever you want me to call you.

Web Smith: Where are you from, "sempai"? Scotland Yard? John Connor: Scotland Backyard.