3. Symbolism
Though notable as a police-drama, Black Rain can be acknowledged as a film full of symbolism. The story is rich with symbolic themes, in death, honour and justice. The Japanese setting provides a base on which symbolism can be placed, and the pan of the story offers many symbolic representations and interpretations. The title of the film, Black Rain, eludes to the rain which fell after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, bringing an end to life in the form of hope. The trans-Pacific symbolism within Black Rain is a major element of the story, and is encapsulated by the characters and plot. The overall story arc sees the main character developed, and the learning process of Conklin is representative of the code of honour prevalent within Japanese culture. Where Conklin at first appears insolent and ignorant of his Japanese peers, he restores honour to himself through a slow process of redemption. At first he is dismissive of the lengthy and systematic Japanese law-enforcing system, but by the end of the film, he has assimilated into the foreign culture, absorbing the strength of the values and honour which Matsumoto teaches him.
Death is seen throughout the film as symbolic. The threat of death is forever hanging in the steamy night air of the Osaka setting, and the theme reaches its peak when Conklins partner is killed. Charlie Vincent, played by Andy Garcia, is led into a trap set by Sato and he is ritualistically killed by the Yakuza gang. The loss of life is seen as a major blow to Conklin, and the loss is felt strongly as his death is preceded by the colour and energy of life. Vincent is portrayed throughout the film as a happy and positive character, a light hearted cop, who brings his bright American influences to the dark streets of Osaka. The means in which he is killed by the Yakuza is symbolic as it essentially represents the death of a helpless America, by an empowered Japan. In the late 1980s, Japan was on the verge of being a major world power, and the transition of power from America, and the emergence of Japan, can be seen to be represented through Charlie Vincents death.