Synopsis
When a prostitute is found dead in a Los Angeles skyscraper occupied by a large Japanese corporation, detectives John Connor and Web Smith are called in to investigate. Although Connor has previous experience working in Japan, cultural differences make their progress difficult until a security disc showing the murder turns up. Close scrutiny proves the disc has been doctored, and the detectives realize they're dealing with a cover-up as well.
Your Movie Library
Cast
- Sean ConneryCapt. John Connor
- Wesley SnipesLt. Webster Smith
- Tia CarrereJingo Asakuma
- Cary-Hiroyuki TagawaEddie Sakamura
- Harvey KeitelLt. Tom Graham
- MakoYoshida-san
- Stan EgiIshihara
- Kevin AndersonBob Richmond
- Clyde KusatsuTanaka
- Ray WiseSenator John Morton
Recommendations
- 90
Washington Post
A thoroughly gratifying prestige thriller, thanks to riveting suspense and two brilliant stars. - 88
Rolling Stone
The flaws don't cripple what is a fiercely funny, exciting and provocative detective story about the crimes of corporate culture — crimes that transcend race and geography. - 70
Chicago Reader
I found it pretty entertaining, as well as provocative in some of its comments about contemporary life. - 63
ReelViews
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. There are a few too many plot holes and logical errors. Rising Sun may be solidly-paced, but not all aspects of the production are as successful. - 60
TV Guide Magazine
A triumph of style over content. Like BLADE RUNNER, the film grafts a fiercely modernist feel onto characters and themes right out of a 1940s film noir--an impressive achievement that more than makes up for a ponderous storyline. - 50
Chicago Sun-Times
The screenplay by Kaufman, Crichton and Michael Backes is not about much of anything important, and Connery's deep penetrating wisdom takes away some of the suspense: If he knows everything that's going to happen, why keep us in the dark? - 50
The New York Times
The film's mysteriousness is not profound. Anybody who hasn't guessed the killer's identity after 30 minutes should be forced to watch Rising Sun three times a day until Christmas. - 40
Empire
A wasted effort with a limp storyline that fails to do Michael Crichton's book justice.
