The Crow: A Dark, Stylish Cult Classic

Not long ago, I checked out the new iteration of ‘The Crow’ and, while it’s not nearly as great as this film, it’s not too bad and could eventually become a cult classic down the road.

And, right after watching the new film, I watched the 1994 cult classic, which was also the first time I have ever seen this film and I can actually see why there are quite a few die hard fans out there that enjoy the film.

The night before his wedding, musician Eric Draven and his fiancee are killed by members of a violent inner-city gang. On the anniversary of their death, Eric rises from the grave and assumes the gothic mantle of the Crow, a supernatural avenger.

Tracking down the thugs responsible for the crimes, Eric eventually confronts head gangster Top Dollar to complete his macabre mission.

Before I began watching the 1994 iteration, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I’ve read several online reviews from people heavily praising this film. And, as I watched it, I can see why a lot of people have been praising the film.

‘The Crow’ is an enthralling revenge story that will really keep you hooked from the beginning right until the very end. The story delivers quite a bit of emotion, especially when we see what happened to him and Shelly, and how it drives him on this mission of his.

This film also dives a little bit into the supernatural and is one of the many intriguing aspects of the film. I’m not really familiar with the iconic graphic novel so I’m not entirely sure how far into the supernatural world it dives into.

‘The Crow 1994’ also tackles some very compelling themes of redemption, compassion and eternal love. All of those themes really give this film a surprising amount of heart and emotion where it needs to be. The film also has a few moments of humor, especially from Ernie Hudson’s cop character.

Brandon Lee also did an awesome job as Eric Draven, the iconic character of ‘The Crow’ and is likely the main role that Lee will always be remembered for. While watching the film and looking at a few of the emotional scenes that he has, knowing the actors’ actual fate made some of those scenes even more somber.

And, if you did enjoy this film, make sure to give the recent reimagining of the graphic novel a shot!

The cast: Brandon Lee as Eric Draven; Rochelle Davis as Sarah; Ernie Hudson as Albrecht; Michael Wincott as Top Dollar; Bai Ling as Myca; Anna Thomson as Darla Mohr; David Patrick Kelly as T-Bird; Michael Masse as Funboy; Jon Polito as Gideon and Tony Rodd as Grange.

The 1994 iteration is written by David J. Schow and John Shirley, based on the comic book series and graphic novel by James O’ Barr and directed by Alex Proyas, who has directed ‘Knowing,’ ‘I Robot’ and ‘Gods of Egypt.’

The entire film franchise consists of three stand-alone sequels that don’t connect to the events of this film and the recently released reimagining. ‘The Crow’ is also infamous for the tragic, untimely death of actor Brandon Lee, who died while shooting this film.

Lee was fatally wounded by a prop gun and major script rewrites, a stunt double and digital effects were needed to help complete the film. Lee finished most of his scenes prior to his death.

‘The Crow’ is rated R for a great amount of strong violence and language, and for drug use and sexuality and has a running time of 102 minutes.

You can stream ‘The Crow’ via Paramount Plus or can also rent it online through various platforms.