When a prostitute is found dead in a Los Angeles skyscraper occupied by a large Japanese corporation, detectives John Connor and Web Smith are called in to investigate. Although Connor has previous experience working in Japan, cultural differences make their progress difficult until a security disc showing the murder turns up. Close scrutiny proves the disc has been doctored, and the detectives realize they're dealing with a cover-up as well.
Acting
Connery's inexplicable Scottish-Japanese hybrid mentor energy.
Cinematography
Michael Chapman's neon-noir LA corporate towers.
Director
Philip Kaufman
Sean Connery
Capt. John Connor
Wesley Snipes
Lt. Webster Smith
Tia Carrere
Jingo Asakuma
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
Eddie Sakamura
Harvey Keitel
Lt. Tom Graham
Mako
Yoshida-san
Stan Egi
Ishihara
Kevin Anderson
Bob Richmond
Clyde Kusatsu
Tanaka
Ray Wise
Senator John Morton
Steve Buscemi
Willy Wilhelm
Tatjana Patitz
Cheryl Lynn Austin
Daniel von Bargen
Chief Olson / Interrogator
Stan Shaw
Phillips
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The film sparked controversy for its source novel's anti-Japanese sentiment; Crichton literally wrote it as economic fear-mongering about Japanese business practices.
The 'enhance' scene became a legendary meme template decades before CSI made it cliché—this movie did it first and somehow even dumber.
US
