After a long time, I decided to rewatch Rising Sun again, to see if it still holds up. If you have never seen it before, there is enough there to make events thrilling. If like you have watched it several times then certain scenes will become tedious.
The film does it best to confuse you until the very end. But it actually doesn't do that much to back that up. The original novel written by Michael Crichton was far more anti-Japan since in those days, it did look like Japanese companies were taking over many American businesses. I guess, the book served as a warning to America. Writer / director Philip Kaufman decided to change that sentiment into something more agreeable. Although, one could argue, that he went too far. The Americans kind of come across as ignorant and dumb. They and the audience are being bamboozled, and we don't realize it until the film is over. The Japanese often come across as hostile and arrogant. They are demonized and that is not how they were or are. I think Kaufman excuses this behaviour by stating that these corporate goons are all alike, I mean, business is war after all.
There are depictions of the Japanese and their customs that are very stereotypical. It never ceases to amaze me how little Hollywood cares about an accurate portrayal in a country where there are enough people and means to educate them. Half of the Asian cast supposedly Japanese aren't even Japanese. In that regard, I do think that proper representation matters. If you are going to be critical of the Japanese business culture, you need to do your best to be accurate. This is different BTW from putting different ethnic people in periods and places where they weren't even around.
The Sean Connery and Wesley Snipes combo is compelling. They both know what to do and keep things interesting. And that is what kept me invested more than the mystery itself. When the end arrived, I was happy. Not because I think the film has a satisfying conclusion. It certainly doesn't. But because, it ended. Overall, the film will be worth your time for a one time viewing experience. I can't possibly recommend this for numerous viewings. And that is a shame, really. Since I do think that the whole corporate take on Japan is something that deservers proper exploration.
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