Crying Freeman Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A potter accidentally becomes a super assassin, cries a lot, and somehow gets a girlfriend while dodging bullets and Yakuza.

🍿 Crying Freeman: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Assassination and Witness

Yo Hinomura, a potter, is transformed into the Crying Freeman, an assassin for the Sons of the Dragon, a Chinese organization. During an assignment to eliminate Yakuza members in San Francisco, he is witnessed by Emu O’Hara, a beautiful artist. Freeman is conflicted, as the organization’s rules dictate that anyone who sees his face must be eliminated.

Love and Conflict

Freeman is ordered to eliminate Emu, but he is drawn to her artistry and captivated by her lack of fear. He cannot bring himself to kill her, and a complex relationship begins to form between them. This bond puts them both in danger, as it violates the strict code of the Sons of the Dragon. Their relationship becomes central to the narrative, driving both the action and emotional elements of the story.

Yakuza Power Struggle

The Yakuza, enraged by the assassinations, seek revenge. The death of their leader causes an internal power struggle among the clans. They underestimate the skills of the Crying Freeman, who is both deadly and bound by his code. This creates numerous conflicts and action sequences that showcase his fighting abilities and strategic mind.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Yo Hinomura (Crying Freeman) (Mark Dacascos): A lethal assassin for a secret Chinese organization, known as the Crying Freeman for the tears he sheds after each kill, who falls in love with a woman who witnesses one of his assassinations.
• Emu O’Hara (Julie Condra): A beautiful artist who witnesses an assassination by the Crying Freeman and becomes captivated by him, eventually falling in love and becoming his lover.
• Shudo Shimazaki (Mako): The Yakuza leader whose son is killed by the Crying Freeman, igniting a power struggle and a quest for vengeance.
• Detective Forge (Rae Dawn Chong): A detective investigating the Yakuza killings, caught in the middle of the conflict between the Sons of the Dragon and the Yakuza.
• Detective Netah (Tchéky Karyo): A detective working with Forge on the Yakuza case, who has his own agenda and may not be who he seems.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Shido Shimazaki: ““The Sons of the Dragon exist! And so does the Freeman!”” – A declaration made by the Yakuza boss highlighting the mythical status and threat of the Crying Freeman and his organization.
• Yo Hinomura: “(No dialogue, just tears)” – Yo’s tears after each kill are his most iconic trademark. They signify his regret and internal conflict as an assassin, more telling than words.

💰Box Office

• Budget: FRF 30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: None

💥 Crying Freeman Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched ‘Crying Freeman’ years ago and was immediately drawn into its unique blend of action and artistry. The slow-motion scenes, though a bit much at times, gave the action a dreamlike quality. Mark Dacascos’ portrayal of a conflicted assassin was captivating. The romance felt genuine, making the stakes feel even higher. I particularly remember the final showdown—intense and visually stunning. It’s a film that stays with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Mark Dacascos”
  • “Viewers interested in Hong Kong action cinema”
  • “People who enjoy manga and anime adaptations”
  • “Those looking for a unique blend of action, romance, and crime elements”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Suggestive content/partial nudity”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “The movie blends Hong Kong-style action with a manga’s emotional depth. Dacascos delivers a compelling performance, making the stylish visuals stand out. However, the plot might feel thin to some. Still, the film creates a unique atmosphere that captivates.
• IMDb: “A stylish action film that respects its manga source material. Mark Dacascos shines, despite not showcasing his full martial arts potential. The direction is excellent, and the slow-motion sequences add a unique flair, though Julie Condra’s performance lacks depth.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were mesmerized by the movie’s stunning cinematography.: The film’s unique visual style and Mark Dacascos’ compelling performance as the conflicted assassin were praised.

Fans were entranced with the film’s love story and action.: A faithful adaptation of a comic book, the movie’s love story brought life to the unique action.

Overall Consensus: Stylish and violent but the movie’s artistry balances out the graphic nature. Mark Dacascos shines in his role but the movie suffers from a thin plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Julie Condra and Mark Dacascos met during the filming of ‘Crying Freeman’ and later married in real life.”
• “The film is based on a popular manga series written by Kazuo Koike and illustrated by Ryoichi Ikegami.”
• “Director Christophe Gans later worked with Mark Dacascos again on ‘Brotherhood of the Wolf’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Crying Freeman?

As of today, viewing options for Crying Freeman (1995) are limited. It is not widely available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. Availability may vary depending on your region. Check local streaming services and video-on-demand platforms. Physical copies of the film (DVD, Blu-ray) may be available through online retailers like Amazon or eBay, but supply can be limited. Search online stores for purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Crying Freeman, you might like these similar films:

• The Killer (1989): Shares a similar theme of a conflicted assassin with a moral code and stylish action sequences, directed by John Woo.
• Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001): Also directed by Christophe Gans and starring Mark Dacascos, it features stylized action and a blend of genres.
• John Wick (2014): A modern action film featuring a skilled assassin seeking revenge, with stylized action and a focus on underworld culture.

🛒 Crying Freeman Related Products

• Crying Freeman Manga Series: Experience the original story that inspired the movie! Dive into Kazuo Koike and Ryoichi Ikegami’s iconic manga series with intense action and emotional depth. Available for digital download on Kindle and ComiXology.
• Mark Dacascos Autographed Photo: Own a piece of movie history! Get a professionally printed photo of Mark Dacascos as the Crying Freeman, personally autographed by the actor. A must-have for fans and collectors.
• Crying Freeman T-Shirt: Show your love for the Crying Freeman with this stylish t-shirt! Featuring iconic imagery from the movie, this high-quality shirt is comfortable and durable. Available in various sizes.
• Japanese Katana Sword: Channel your inner Crying Freeman with a handmade katana sword. Featuring high manganese steel, this sword is both a decorative piece and a functional weapon. Embrace the elegance and lethality of the Freeman.

🎧 Soundtrack

Crying Freeman features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Active Lion” – performed by Fung Hang Orchestra

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Brandon’s Cult Movie Reviews: CRYING FREEMAN

Want to know if ‘Crying Freeman’ is worth your time? Brandon Tenold dives deep into this cult classic, and honestly, his take might surprise you. I totally agree with his points about the film’s unique style!

Mark Dacascos’s Lifestyle ★ 2021

Ever wonder what Mark Dacascos is up to these days? This video gives you a peek into his life and career, and it reminds you just how awesome he was in ‘Crying Freeman’. It’s fascinating to see what he’s been doing since!

Crying Freeman – The Sons of the Dragon – Mark Dacascos & Byron Mann – Why Older Movies Are Better

Is ‘Crying Freeman’ a forgotten gem? This video argues why older movies like this one still hold up today, with a special focus on Dacascos and Mann’s performances. I think they make some really strong points about the film’s atmosphere.

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