It was only a matter of time before this gem was bound to make its way into this column. The Crow though unfortunately steeped in tragedy and conflated with an actor whose career was bound to sky rocket, has developed into the true definition of ‘cult classic’. Brandon Lee’s last starring role as the resurrected Eric Draven is forever remembered as the film that could have very well seen him on to more fame than his even father before him. It would later be followed up with a few sequels, though none of them captured the vibrancy of Brandon Lee’s first and only outing as the tormented character.
Set in Detroit in the mid 90s, Eric Draven and his fiancé Shelly are savagely beaten and murdered on October 30th – otherwise known as ‘Devil’s Night’. Their killers are never brought to justice, but a year later, a mysterious crow brings Draven back to life. Unaware of the true nature of his rise from the grave, Draven begins to piece things together thus making it his mission to find his killers in order to exact his revenge. Soon, and with the aid from some he left behind, he begins to realize the real reason of his return: to set things right. Based on the comic, this adaptation is directed by Alex Proyas and would soon go on to build a loyal fan base that continues to grow even as the years keep passing.
The Crow exploits this though not to a great extent, which is wise, as it gave Lee a chance to show his acting chops as well as keeping a larger focus on the film’s plot.
It’s common knowledge that like his father Bruce, Brandon Lee was well versed in martial arts. The Crow exploits this though not to a great extent, which is wise, as it gave Lee a chance to show his acting chops as well as keeping a larger focus on the film’s plot. Lee takes the opportunity to put on an acting clinic, with his supporting characters also stepping up to the plate. Ernie Hudson is a crucial element in holding things together as ‘Officer Albrecht’, his character giving the movie a noir-ish tone as he’s constantly trying to fill in the blanks. All the antagonists of whom Draven comes for are essential to the story, providing the audience reasons to hate them and sympathize with Draven’s retribution. ‘Top Dollar’ played by Michael Wincott gives an interesting performance, serving as something of a king pin that almost seems incidental to Draven’s circumstances even though in reality he’s the exact cause of them. As a whole the film’s story, score, action/fight choreography, and cinematography all hold up well enough in the present day.
The Crow is now available across multiple platforms for purchase or rent and for those who have yet to see it, it’s advisable to do so. Fans of the late Bruce Lee will get a chance to see that his son was every bit as charismatic as he was. Aside from the cost of streaming though, comes a harsher price: knowing this movie was the last time Lee would ever step onto a set. Rest his soul.
