Review - The Crow

"The Crow" is a dark drama/action film, based on the comic book by James O'Barr.
Eric Draven is a guitarist and singer in a band called Hangman's Joke. He is engaged to be married to his girlfriend, Shelly Webster. Unfortunately, on Halloween Eve, known as "Devil's Night"...the pair is attacked in their apartment. Shelly is beaten and raped, and later dies in the hospital. Eric is beaten, and thrown out a window...where he falls to his death. One year later, guided by a mysterious crow, Eric returns from the dead to seek revenge on the men who killed him and his fiancee. One by one, Eric works his way through the ruthless killers...but can he save another life as well?
"The Crow" is not your typical comic book movie, in that the story is a very dark one. This is reflected well into the movie...which almost comes across as black and white. It rains almost constantly for the entire movie, which only serves to increase the dreariness and despair that shows in both the city and the people who inhabit it. Brandon Lee, who was tragically killed in a stunt accident gone wrong, is perfectly cast as Eric Draven/The Crow. He brings the right blend of driven avenger and reluctant comic...a poetic soul with a dry sense of humor.
This is not a movie for everyone. The story is based on darkness and revenge...horrible violence and tragic death. But it also shows that even in the worst tragedy...love survives...even beyond the grave. To me, one of the most powerful scenes of the movie is when the battered and exhausted Eric collapses next to Shelly's tombstone...and she walks towards him in a simple white gown, gently caressing his cheek...calling him back to her arms.
For a most different love story, in a dark and violent comic book setting..."The Crow" is a true classic.
Starring - Brandon Lee, Ernie Hudson, Michael Wincott, David Patrick Kelly, and Tony Todd. Directed by Alex Proyas.
Time - 1 hour, 42 minutes. Rated - R (Violence, language, drug use, adult situations, depictions of rape)