The Crow Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
It Can't Rain All The Time
Believe in angels.
In a world without justice, one man was chosen to protect the innocent.
Real love is forever.
Darker than the bat.
A poetic guitarist Eric Draven is brought back to life by a crow a year after he and his fiancée are murdered. The crow guides him through the land of the living, and leads him to his killers: knife thrower Tin-tin, drugetic Funboy, car buff T-Bird, and the unsophisticated Skank. One by one, Eric gives these thugs a taste of their own medicine. However their leader Top-Dollar, a world-class crime lord who will dispatch his enemies with a Japanese sword and joke about it later, will soon learn the legend of the crow and the secret to the vigilante's invincibility.
| Bill Raymond | Mickey, Lunch Stand Owner |
| Brandon Lee | Eric Draven |
| Rochelle Davis | Sarah |
| Ernie Hudson | Sergeant Albrecht |
| Michael Wincott | Top Dollar |
| Ling Bai | Myca |
| Sofia Shinas | Shelly Webster |
| Anna Levine | Darla |
| David Patrick Kelly | T-Bird |
| Angel David | Skank |
| Laurence Mason | Tin Tin |
| Michael Massee | Funboy |
| Tony Todd | Grange |
| Jon Polito | Gideon, Pawn Shop Owner |
| Marco Rodríguez | Torres, Homicide Detective |
| Alex Proyas |
7.50 out of 10 (35476 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Brandon Lee's Swan Song
posted on 21 Aug 2009"The Crow" will always be remembered not for its story of revenge from beyond the grave, but the tragic death of Brandon Lee, who was shot by a faulty gun prop (And giving conspiracy fans reason to believe that Brandon and his legendary father Bruce Lee were cursed). It's too bad, because this is an exceptional movie.Lee plays Eric Draven, a musician who is murdered on Devil's Night. His fiancée is raped and beaten before she dies in the hospital. It seems that his fiancée was trying to stop the violence in her neighborhood created by Top Dollar (Michael Wincott)and his gang. However, just because you're dead doesn't mean things are settled. A year later, Eric climbs out of his grave, seeking revenge on the guys that put him and his fiancée six feet under. All of this has to do with the myth of the crow, which carries the link between the land of the living and the dead.Eric has an advantage over the guys that he is about to kill: Nothing can kill him and nothing can harm him (When he gets shot, the bullet-holes close right up, as if they never happened). With the help of Sgt. Albrecht (Ernie Hudson), Eric goes to work.Things don't turn out completely cut and dry, especially when Top Dollar and his half-sister Myca (Bai Ling)cause a few roadblocks on the road to vengeance.Alex Proyas (Who would later direct "Dark City" and "I, Robot") created a film that is kinetic and energetic (With a soundtrack of songs from Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots among others). A film that is fast paced, yet emotional at the same time. A fitting tribute to Lee, whose performance will be remembered for a long time.
Dark,Rainy and Beautiful
posted on 15 Aug 2009Crow is the best movie I've ever seen. The atmosphere is incredible so is Brandon Lee who is still my favorite actor even though he is dead. I wish they wouldn't make the City of Angels.There is only one good movie based on the comic "The Crow" and that is the first movie with Alex Proyas as the director and Brandon Lee as the leading man. "The Crow" is a must-see.
Post Apocalyptic Batman
posted on 09 Aug 2009This is the only movie in which I've witnessed an entire theatre errupt in applause at the end of the movie. It left me in tears to be honest. Brandon Lee is Eric Draven. A man sent back to our world to right the wrongs. In doing so, shows his love and loss for his fiancée Shelley, gives hope to Sarah, Sarah's mother Darla and a beat cop Albrect, played by the charming Ernie Hudson. The theme of revenge has been done, but the devotion to his fiancée is touching, if not romantic. All the violence you see is excessive yet necessary. Little known fact; Brandon Lee was the person to scout out the talent for the costume designer! There are scenes missing that explain how Eric got to wear the electrical tape on his arms, leg and stomach, and there is a missing character known as the skull cowboy. You'd have to read the comic book to learn the hows and whys of those issues. This movie left me with a lot to think and talk about. The movie is haunting being that it's dedicated to Brandon Lee and his fiancée Eliza - who never got married due to the accident.
The Crow, an amazing movie.
posted on 04 Aug 2009The Crow was an amazing movie for several different reasons.The acting in it was incredible. Brandon Lee was great. I wish he would have lived longer to make other films. Another reason this movie was good is because it consisted a little of everything. Drugs, violence, sex, love, good speical effects, great acting and a great story line. If you haven't seen this movie yet, rent it as soon as possible.
I believe
posted on 03 Aug 2009I first saw THE CROW when I was twelve years old and I will forever be indebted to Both Brandon lee and Alex Proyas, up until that day i was your average primary coloured movie buff on diet of star wars and kung fu flicks, then things changed never before had i seen a film so striking so perfectly created. Brandon Lee's performance hit me right in the heart, I had never seen tragedy portrayed on screen with such aching melancholy (given real resonance by all too real tragedy) I wanted to be the Crow boyhood fantasies of star ships and lazer guns dissolved and were replaced with black leather and face paint, and the movie felt real despite its fantasy trappings you could believe a man could come back from the dead, you could believe the wrong things could eventually be made right, this is down to the director he created a world which totally complemented the story and most importantly Lee's performance. i have not seen a film since that has had the same effect on me nad in my opinion never will again. The only fault I can find is the tragic loss of its star that gives the film an extra layer of sadnness.My favorite film
Lee Shines In "The Crow"
posted on 26 Jul 2009I'm a late comer to this flick. It flew under my radar despite it's fervent cult following. I'm glad I've finally seen it because it is terrific. My best analogy is it reminds me of "Blade Runner" crossed with John Woo but director Alex Proyas offers enough original fluorishes that the movie stands on it's own. The action is breakneck and there's a stunning goth look to the whole venture. The selling point is the presence of Brandon Lee who tragically died in an on set accident. Lee distinguishes himself from his father, Bruce Lee, and his work here suggests greater things if he had lived. Not classic stuff but better than average fantasy fare.
Good for a Last Picture from Brandon Lee
posted on 22 Jul 2009I see that the movie shows a release in 1994, but I saw the "The Crow" in New Jersey (USA) the summer of 1993. Where and when did "The Crow" come out if it was originally released (by the official IMDb date) in 1994? Why would it sit on the shelf for almost a year?It has become a cult-classic but still has not only dark humor but an estrange ending. The love story was powerful along with his friendship with the homeless little girl. I recommend it to others that want to see Brandon Lee in the movies as one of his best."The Crow" sequels sucked very much. Again Hollywood trying to capitalize on a good original screwing up those that follow.
Dark terror
posted on 19 Jul 2009The Crow is a movie about a man called Eric Draven (Brandon Lee), who is going to marry his fiance Shelly on Halloween.But before that happens, Shelly and Eric get killed by some gang.1 year later a crow brings Eric back from death.Eric, who looks like a mime from hell, has his revenge to his and Shelly's murderers,one by one. Brandon Lee, the son of the legendary Bruce Lee, got killed when they were making the movie.There's the tragedy of the movie. The Crow is a good movie with some terror.
ghosts and crows
posted on 19 Jul 2009Having known Ernie Hudson as one of the Ghostbusters, I thought that it made sense to cast him in "The Crow". The movie is of course most famous for Brandon Lee's unfortunate death during filming. Watching the movie, it gave me a real sense of the macabre, in a less than identifiable setting full of chaos. Needless to say, it adds to the feeling knowing what happened to Lee on the set. No matter how you approach it, this is a horror movie without having to be particularly scary, and definitely one that I recommend. Watch on Halloween, right before Halloween, or during any other part of the year, and it's still equally good.Also starring Ling Bai (billed as Bai Ling).
quite possibly the best comic book movie ever made!
posted on 19 Jul 2009This is a classic story of love and vengeance. A rockstar (who is played by Brandon Lee) and his girlfriend (who was soon to be his wife) are unrightfully killed. Soon after the rockstar was reborn by the power of a mysterious crow. Soon after he returns from the grave he realizes that he must get revenge on those who had wronged him. When he persues his killers he discovers that he is invulnerable to harm, and this then enables him to charge blindly after his killers, leading to intense gun fights, and well choreographed close combat sequences. On the other hand "The Crow" is not only about the violence,there are emotional scenes that are not only tear jerking, but heart warming. This movie is for those who are not only action gluttons, but also for those wanting an excellent story, and an emotional ride. "The Crow" receives about a 7 for acting, a 8.5 for action, and a 8.5 for the story.
Fantastic but cut short
posted on 13 Jul 2009This is in my top favorite movies for many reasons. It's amazing to see such a great movie in which the violence is so justified. Which is of course what made Brandon Lee take this character. The movie was great but could have been better because a lot of important scenes had to be cut because of the untimely death of Brandon. Still overall the editing was very well done considering the circumstances. I think his death did have a huge effect on this movie and the way you watch it but anyone with a sense if whats important in ANY movie will enjoy this film. Yes there is the action but more than that, there is this feeling that you get when you watch this movie that can't be explained. In other words....I strongly recommend this movie!
A great tragic love story
posted on 07 Jul 2009Based on the great comic book series by the same name, The Crow is great tragic love story. Eric Draven is killed after witnessing the rape of his girlfriend Shelly. Dying with with that tragic moment lodged in his head he is able to come back as The Crow, not to seek vengeance on the men who killed him, but to seek justice for the love that the men destroyed. Guided by a mystical Crow, and killing the men one by one he eventually comes face to face the man who ordered the killings.The Crow stands as one of the best comics-to-film adaptation. It launched the careers of many of the star who performed on the soundtrack. Many film have copied it's dark style. It has inspired countless film like Se7en and other "dark" films. It tragically was also the last film to star Brandon Lee. Its director went on to direct the very dark and stylish 'DARK CITY' two sequals and an tv series followed.
The Raven
posted on 10 Jun 2009In loving memory of Brandon Bruce Lee. May his work live on for evermore.And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door; And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming, And the lamplight o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor; And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted- nevermore.The mythology of "The Crow" is something that people should really look at, if you're into that kind of stuff. The fact that "The Crow" comic was written to help the passing of the writers wife, she was killed by a drunk driver, and Brandon Lee was killed in the making of this movie. The story it's self is about death and murder. A flock of crows are called a murder. E.A. Poe's poem is about death as well. Maybe there's something behind all of this, or maybe not. It's all in the eye of the beholder.
Brilliant and beautiful film that successfully combines extreme violence and gore and a sense of morality
posted on 01 Jun 2009Brandon Lee, the son of Bruce Lee, died during the filming of this film in a freak on set accident. His legacy will forever live on because his final film is perfect in every way. Based on the very disturbing graphic novels of James o' Barr, THE CROW follows an innocent young man named Eric Draven(Brandon Lee) whose soon to be wife was brutally raped and murdered by a pack of savage hoodlums on Halloween Eve, AKA Devil's Night. He too is murdered by these freaks and on the same night one year, the crow brings Eric's soul back to him and allows him to wake from the dead as a sort of zombie so that he can set the wrong things right and let his own soul rest in peace. However, this task leads him to a drug-lord known as Top-Doller, who may be worthy of one of the most disgusting villains in film history. He doesn't know it yet, but he unfortunately must also take down Top-Doller before he can sleep, but doing so may be trickier than he imagined possible. The beauty of this film mirrors that of a comic book, and the internal hell of living in a city that is so full of scumbags and ridden with crime and murder is perfectly captured here. From the grimy dark wet look of the film to the pure out rock and roll soundtrack, the film looks like trash, but it is beautiful trash that viewers will realize perfectly evokes sympathy from the characters. The characters however are all done just as well as the scenic look of the city. Brandon Lee plays Eric as straight as is appropriate and even though he isn't exactly a good actor, his charisma gives the film a very charming light. the wild cast of villains are all good. All of the characters are perfect in the comic book interpretation of villains or bad doers, and the hero are all so perfect and so above the villains in their own respect. Crows are really beautiful creatures, and the hero in this film is shown just as pure, and yet he is anything but not angry at the jerks that messed up his life. He is a rock star who acts playfully when alive, and down when he is dead, but he takes a really joyful glee in torturing and killing his victims that makes the film darkly humorous. So with a perfect soundtrack, the ultimate Gothic feel, the beauty of evil, and the madness of villains, THE CROW is a perfect comic book film. This film gives us a different representation of what life could be like in a city destroyed by evil and hatred. This film is perfect and I can't recommend it enough. For those who don't like violence, this could be the worst film you could decide to watch, but for everyone else, open your eyes and witness one of the greatest film experiences of your life.
A Stylish Tale of Vengeance
posted on 17 May 2009The Crow(1994) Review: I remember seeing this in theaters. I was amazed then and still amazed now. This movie does not get old. It is tragic about Brandon Lee. He will be missed.The Crow is a great movie. We start in a truly dark and decadent city on Devil's night, the night before Halloween. The city is filled with crime and run by a powerful syndicate lead by Top Dollar. Four members of the syndicate have a night on the town and murder two innocent people. However, the death was so tragic that a crow brings back one of the victims in Eric Draven to get vengeance for him and his fiancé. Anyone who gets in his way will certainly regret it.This movie works in many ways. One is the scene when Eric comes back from the dead. This scene was so very well done. He rises and opens the casket and then has trouble with his balance and is trembling, scared, and confused. Brandon Lee is great as Eric Draven. He has the look and charisma. For what it's worth, he seemed to enjoy this role.More goods is the acting on just anyone here. The one that steals the show is Micheal Wincott in a memorable and awesome role as Top Dollar. The Directing from Alex Proyas is great too. Ernie Hudson despite being type-cast as a cop is here and plays the role nicely. This movie also has a decent and fitting soundtrack.The Last Word: Excellent. It is tragic of Lee's death. However, his final movie is his best one. This is the Crow. Highly recommended.
Gritty and effective urban comic book adaptation
posted on 03 May 2009This film is often better known for its excellent soundtrack and the fact that Brandon Lee inexplicably lost his life. It is a shame and a tragic loss, coming too close to the demise of his great father. Lee really had a strong acting presence.
This film is dark, and I mean DARK. It is on par with Batman in that respect, but Batman had many Gothic overtones. The Crow does too, but the overall look of the imagery is one of the ultimate in run down dangerous slums. It sort of resembles the Blade Runner cityscape without the high tech aspects, and the streets are sparsely populated. In some ways, it shares a lot in common with the recent Sin City. Lee plays dead rocker Eric Draven, who was brutally murdered along with his girlfriend by a thug squad working for a deadly crimelord known as Top Dollar, played by the always chilling Michael Wincott(has this guy ever been a good guy?). He is resurrected by supernatural forces and granted invincibility and deadly fighting skills. Aided by a mystical crow, which is sort of his familiar, Draven sets out to exact revenge upon those who do wrong to others. His punishments upon his enemies is especially effective and memorable.
There is a strong cast, great music, and a pretty good climax. The only problem I had with this film is the irritating skater brat and her stupid haircut, a woefully inappropriate character.
Great movie, shame though.
posted on 02 May 2009I absolutely loved the crow, from start to finish. It was one of those movies that brought a little sadness in as well as class A action and a tiny bit of comedy in there somewhere. I wouldn't personally class it as horror (even though a lot of people do). Such a shame about Brandon lee though :(:( I actually just got the 2 disk edition, this morning in the post and am going to watch it now (the extras sound promising!) Plus its got his last TV interview on the CD. I also got the soundtrack through at the same time and it is great (Burn - The cure being my favourite chill out song of all time). I recommend this movie! Watch it! Love it! Worship it!!!
Could have been MUCH better
posted on 29 Apr 2009The book was a work of art, both in story and visualisation, the B&W format suited the dark storyline perfectly, the film should have followed the book much more closely, you never even knew Eric's surmane in the book, but O'Barr still managed to portray the character to the full, the film introduced characters that did not exist, changed emphasis, names and situations, those of us to whom the book meant a great deal were VERY disappointed by the film, it should have been shot in B&W, preferably by Tim Burton, and while Brandon Lee was a very good actor, I think he was wrong for the role (and if another actor had been chosen, pehaps he'd still be here). As a stand alone film, it was very good, as The Crow, it was a disaster. We won't even mention the second film
It can't rain all the time… except in the movies and in Hawaii.
posted on 27 Aug 2009A lovely bit of goth that takes place in a city where fun-lovin' villains rule the streets and cops eat junk food at local diners… a LOT. A lovely place where it is always night, and always raining. But it can't rain all the time! In the beginning of the movie a tragedy takes place, a couple is murdered by the local crime scene. Business as usual, unfortunately the guy doesn't seem to stay dead, he climbs out of his grave a year later deep in sorrow and anger. Not so deep, however, that he neglects such important tasks as putting on make up and looking cool and stylish, if this guy is so good in his time of sadness, I'd love to see him in the better years. So the boy friend is alive and well and (as a slight bones) invincible. Rather then wondering what he is doing back on earth and how to get that lovely girl lying next to him out to be with him, he goes on a classy rampage to kill everyone who wronged him on that dire day. He does. As for the fun-lovin' villains, they aren't having no fun! The local crime boss is dissatisfied with life and wishes it involved more spontaneous anarchy. I can see how in his structured mob where everyone has their place, their value, their territory, and their boss a bit of anarchy could be called for. Don't get me wrong, this is a great movie, it really is, but I find making fun of it a bit greater.