An average movie

I already saw this movie but, since it was ages ago and since it was available on Netflix, I thought I might as well check it out again. Well, eventually, I was surprised by how little I actually remembered it and, to be honest, I wasn’t really impressed this time. I must have been a teenager the first time I saw it, it was definitely the first movie I ever saw dealing with the Yakuza and I think it’s the reason why it had such an impact on me (it was indeed one of the first major Hollywood films to feature these famous Japanese gangsters). Unfortunately, watching it 30 years later and after watching many more movies about Japan, well, I’m afraid the damned thing didn’t grow old very well. Indeed, right from the start, the intro showing the main character doing some Fast and Furious motor race was actually rather pathetic. I also always had some doubts about the story, even when I first saw it. Indeed, it was rather ridiculous to see these 2 American cops showing up in Japan with no knowledge of the language or the culture running their own investigation when they obviously had no jurisdiction whatsoever. At least, I always had a weak spot for Ridley Scott’s work and, sure, like most of the other movies coming from this director, there was absolutely no substance about it whatsoever but I thought it was still well made. Indeed, the mood was pretty good but, unfortunately, I’m afraid this movie actually didn’t have much else to offer. Still, it was a nice touch that the main character played by Michael Douglas was actually a dirty cop after all who did take some money from some drug dealers but I wish they went further in this direction though. The biggest surprise with this rewatch was actually Kate Capshaw. Indeed, I didn’t remember at all that she was in this movie but I have to compliment Steven Spielberg, she really looked gorgeous back in those days, it’s too bad that her character was barely developed at all in this movie. Anyway, to conclude, in spite of its flaws, it was not bad though and I think it is worth a look, especially if you are interested in Ridley Scott’s work.