The addition of post-production effects to the opening scene, and the antagonists' characteristic power move generally, are an unfortunate and unnecessary choice. So is, I should say, the considerable racism in the dialogue. These are especially unfortunate as they distract from the first facets to catch our attention - which is to say, chiefly, the extraordinary cast and otherwise list of credits. Don "The Dragon" Wilson (also serving as "executive in charge of fight action"), Terry Farrell, Mako, Toshishiro Obata, James Lew, Yuji Okumoto, Michael Ironside, and Soon Tek-Oh, among others, are not names to sneeze at. Then, too, while the otherwise capable direction, cinematography, and editing somewhat chop up action sequences as is sadly all too common (taking away from the earnest impact and blows we should be seeing), the choreography thereof really is pretty fantastic, and frankly I should expect no less given all the folks involved.
Furthermore, yes, the racism rife in the dialogue is rather ugly, and there are also some tropes and cliches on hand. Watch for the moment both chief characters reveal their back stories just after the 30-minute mark, for example, and note the way that "Eastern" mysticism and "ninja" techniques are rather exploited throughout. Yet Robert Easter also gratifyingly fills his screenplay with no small amount of cheeky humor and intelligence. Some of those racist flourishes play directly into the playfully tongue-in-cheek characterizations and sharp repartee, for that matter; among others, Farrell and Mako are both unmistakably having a blast, as they somewhat play against type. Easter may be dabbling with some tawdry words and ideas, but only with deliberate, underhanded wit. As if to emphasize the point, elsewhere the screenplay unremittingly employs tried and and true story ideas, one-liners, and character archetypes, and 'Red sun rising' is in no small part simply a vehicle for its fight scenes and the writers' own conception of classic notions. But even its most tiresome or regrettable aspects, telling a familiar story about gang wars, buddy cops, powerful crime lords, corruption, revenge, and destiny, is entirely purposeful. There is much of this feature we've seen before, but it's never sloppy or accidental. In fact, when you get right down to it, it's a whole lot of fun!
Recognizable in some ways, marginally dubious in others, this is nonetheless well made in all regards, and purely in a spirit of entertainment even as a sometimes dark, violent tale is told. These are some of the most prominent roles in which I've seen some cast members, if not some of the best acting I've personally seen from them, and like I said, others - most, really - are clearly enjoying themselves. The writing is perfectly solid as far as I'm concerned, forming a splendid whole despite any nitpicking. The fights, stunts, and practical effects are terrific, and those behind the scenes otherwise put in outstanding work - costume design, hair and makeup, sets, filming locations, and more. I disagree with some of the choices made, but Francis Megahy's direction is strong as he orchestrates shots and scenes and guides his cast; John Newby's cinematography is quite fine. Even those facets of the feature that are lowest of all, that I'd be inclined to chastise in another title, I find myself willing to forgive for the fact of how joyfully everyone in the production pursued their work. 'Red sun rising' is at once both a ridiculous romp, sometimes struggling to make every story beat completely work, and an honest action-crime thriller, as serious about its storytelling as any of its brethren. It's a tough path to tread, but I think this does so surprisingly well.
It's safe to say I had mixed expectations when I sat to watch; of anything I've seen Wilson in to date, his oeuvre isn't exactly screaming for accolades. And while I do actually very much like this, those expectations were certainly borne out in part, as the movie represents a weird mixed bag of the good and the bad, the fun and the tiresome. But at length, Megahy, Easter, and all others on hand only wanted to entertain, and I think they've definitely succeeded in that aim. The sincerity in the craftsmanship, and the lighthearted zest in the intent, outweigh whatever criticisms there are to be made, so it's easy as a viewer to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show, come what may. I can understand why the end result won't appeal to all, yet for those who are open to whatever peculiar flavors the wide world of cinema may have to offer, I think this is a delightful, somewhat offbeat action flick that's well worth 100 minutes. You don't need to go out of your way for 'Red sun rising,' perhaps, but if you're open to what it provides and have the chance to watch, I found it highly enjoyable, and it earns my enthusiastic recommendation!
Furthermore, yes, the racism rife in the dialogue is rather ugly, and there are also some tropes and cliches on hand. Watch for the moment both chief characters reveal their back stories just after the 30-minute mark, for example, and note the way that "Eastern" mysticism and "ninja" techniques are rather exploited throughout. Yet Robert Easter also gratifyingly fills his screenplay with no small amount of cheeky humor and intelligence. Some of those racist flourishes play directly into the playfully tongue-in-cheek characterizations and sharp repartee, for that matter; among others, Farrell and Mako are both unmistakably having a blast, as they somewhat play against type. Easter may be dabbling with some tawdry words and ideas, but only with deliberate, underhanded wit. As if to emphasize the point, elsewhere the screenplay unremittingly employs tried and and true story ideas, one-liners, and character archetypes, and 'Red sun rising' is in no small part simply a vehicle for its fight scenes and the writers' own conception of classic notions. But even its most tiresome or regrettable aspects, telling a familiar story about gang wars, buddy cops, powerful crime lords, corruption, revenge, and destiny, is entirely purposeful. There is much of this feature we've seen before, but it's never sloppy or accidental. In fact, when you get right down to it, it's a whole lot of fun!
Recognizable in some ways, marginally dubious in others, this is nonetheless well made in all regards, and purely in a spirit of entertainment even as a sometimes dark, violent tale is told. These are some of the most prominent roles in which I've seen some cast members, if not some of the best acting I've personally seen from them, and like I said, others - most, really - are clearly enjoying themselves. The writing is perfectly solid as far as I'm concerned, forming a splendid whole despite any nitpicking. The fights, stunts, and practical effects are terrific, and those behind the scenes otherwise put in outstanding work - costume design, hair and makeup, sets, filming locations, and more. I disagree with some of the choices made, but Francis Megahy's direction is strong as he orchestrates shots and scenes and guides his cast; John Newby's cinematography is quite fine. Even those facets of the feature that are lowest of all, that I'd be inclined to chastise in another title, I find myself willing to forgive for the fact of how joyfully everyone in the production pursued their work. 'Red sun rising' is at once both a ridiculous romp, sometimes struggling to make every story beat completely work, and an honest action-crime thriller, as serious about its storytelling as any of its brethren. It's a tough path to tread, but I think this does so surprisingly well.
It's safe to say I had mixed expectations when I sat to watch; of anything I've seen Wilson in to date, his oeuvre isn't exactly screaming for accolades. And while I do actually very much like this, those expectations were certainly borne out in part, as the movie represents a weird mixed bag of the good and the bad, the fun and the tiresome. But at length, Megahy, Easter, and all others on hand only wanted to entertain, and I think they've definitely succeeded in that aim. The sincerity in the craftsmanship, and the lighthearted zest in the intent, outweigh whatever criticisms there are to be made, so it's easy as a viewer to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show, come what may. I can understand why the end result won't appeal to all, yet for those who are open to whatever peculiar flavors the wide world of cinema may have to offer, I think this is a delightful, somewhat offbeat action flick that's well worth 100 minutes. You don't need to go out of your way for 'Red sun rising,' perhaps, but if you're open to what it provides and have the chance to watch, I found it highly enjoyable, and it earns my enthusiastic recommendation!