Rising Sun Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Connery teaches Snipes about Japanese culture while solving a murder involving video trickery and corporate espionage, all because business is, like, totally war, man.

🍿 Rising Sun: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Crime Scene

At the grand opening of the Nakamoto Corporation headquarters in Los Angeles, a young woman named Cheryl Lynn Austin is found dead in the boardroom. Detectives Web Smith and John Connor are called in to investigate, tasked with navigating the complexities of Japanese-American relations. The initial assessment suggests a sex crime gone wrong.

Missing Evidence and Initial Suspects

A crucial security disc is missing, leading the investigation to focus on Eddie Sakamura, Cheryl’s jealous boyfriend and a rival businessman. However, the presented evidence proves to be digitally altered, casting doubt on Sakamura’s guilt. Smith and Connor delve deeper, uncovering a web of corporate intrigue and political maneuvering tied to a major business acquisition.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

As Smith and Connor investigate, they encounter resistance from both sides. Smith faces accusations of past corruption, while Connor’s knowledge of Japanese culture is viewed with suspicion. The investigation reveals that Senator Morton, involved in negotiations with Nakamoto, may have been involved with the victim, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Capt. John Connor (Sean Connery): A former police captain and expert on Japanese affairs who guides the investigation with his cultural knowledge.
• Lt. Webster Smith (Wesley Snipes): An LAPD detective investigating a murder, learning about Japanese culture and corporate intrigue along the way.
• Lt. Tom Graham (Harvey Keitel): A police lieutenant initially investigating the murder, later revealed to be involved in the cover-up.
• Eddie Sakamura (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa): The initial suspect, Cheryl’s boyfriend, who becomes a victim of the corporate conspiracy.
• Bob Richmond (Kevin Anderson): An American lawyer working for Nakamoto, revealed to be the actual killer of Cheryl.
• Senator John Morton (Ray Wise): A corrupt senator involved with the murder victim and influenced by the Japanese corporation.
• Jingo Asakuma (Tia Carrere): A tech expert who helps Smith and Connor uncover the digitally altered video evidence.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• John Connor: “The Japanese have a saying, ‘Fix the problem, not the blame.’ Find out what’s fucked up and fix it. Nobody gets blamed. We’re always after who fucked up. Their way is better.” – Connor explains the Japanese approach to problem-solving to Smith, highlighting a cultural difference.
• John Connor: “Business is war.” – Connor summarizes the ruthless nature of corporate dealings, a central theme of the movie.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $63,179,523
• Worldwide Gross: $107,198,790

💥 Rising Sun Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Rising Sun’ when it first came out, and I was captivated by the mystery and the clash of cultures. Sean Connery was brilliant as the knowledgeable mentor, and Wesley Snipes held his own as the street-smart detective. The video manipulation aspect was especially intriguing. While it might feel a bit dated now, it still holds a special place in my memories as a suspenseful and thought-provoking thriller. I loved that it opened my eyes to different perspectives, even if it took some liberties. The Taiko drummers were fantastic. Great soundtrack!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in Japanese culture”
  • “Those who enjoy movies with Sean Connery and Wesley Snipes”
  • “People interested in corporate espionage stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Rising Sun offers a stylish, if somewhat convoluted, thriller experience. Connery and Snipes make for an intriguing pair, though the film’s pacing lags at times. Worth a watch for fans of the genre.
• RogerEbert.com: “While the film touches on relevant cultural and technological themes, the execution feels dated. The characters lack depth, and the plot struggles to maintain suspense, resulting in a mediocre thriller.
• The New York Times: “Connery’s charisma elevates Rising Sun, but the film’s racial sensitivities and reliance on stereotypes detract from its overall impact. The technological elements, once cutting-edge, now feel quaint.

Audience Reactions

Connery and Snipes have amazing chemistry!: Most viewers praise Connery’s performance and the dynamic between him and Snipes.

The cultural elements made it interesting.: Many appreciated the exploration of Japanese culture and its clash with American values.

Overall Consensus: Rising Sun is a decent thriller elevated by strong performances from Connery and Snipes, though some find its plot convoluted and its portrayal of cultural issues dated.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Michael Crichton wrote the part of Connor with Sean Connery in mind. The very name ‘John Connor’ is an Anglicization of ‘Sean Connery’.”
• “Philip Kaufman and Michael Backes quit the project largely over disagreement with director Philip Kaufman that one of the lead characters should be changed into an African-American.”

🖥️ How to Watch Rising Sun?

Rising Sun is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability, as it may vary by region. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can also be found through online retailers and at most stores that sell movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Rising Sun, you might like these similar films:

• Black Rain (1989): Explores the clash of American and Japanese cultures in a crime thriller setting, focusing on the investigation of Yakuza.
• Blade Runner (1982): Features a futuristic Los Angeles setting with corporate intrigue and a complex mystery, though in a science fiction context.
• Disclosure (1994): Another Michael Crichton adaptation dealing with corporate intrigue and power dynamics, this time focusing on sexual harassment.

🛒 Rising Sun Related Products

• Rising Sun [Blu-ray]: Experience ‘Rising Sun’ in stunning high definition with this Blu-ray edition. Includes special features and behind-the-scenes content.
• Michael Crichton’s Rising Sun (Novel): Dive deeper into the story with the original novel by Michael Crichton. Explore the themes and characters in greater detail.
• Rising Sun Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Perfect for framing and displaying in your home theater or office.
• Sean Connery Film Collection: A collection of Sean Connery’s best films, celebrating his career and iconic performances. Includes exclusive interviews and bonus content.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Tsunami” – performed by Seiichi Tanaka and the San Fransisco Taiko Dojo
• “Don’t Fence Me In” – performed by Cole Porter

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Sean Connery vs Tony Ganios: I am a black belt Rising Sun, 1993

Check out this intense scene between Sean Connery and Tony Ganios from ‘Rising Sun’! Connery’s character is so cool under pressure; you’ve gotta see how he handles this situation.

✨ Rate