2. Powerful Story
The symbolic aspect of Black Rain is complemented by a powerful story. The narrative and plot of Black Rain provide a well-rounded and complete tale of justice being delivered through adversity. The film effectively falls under the police-drama genre, but the story provides much more. The story of Black Rain itself is a complex tale of money laundering, corruption and gang dealings. The police-drama aspect is delivered through the narrative, as the central protagonist, a Detective, is unwillingly drawn into the developing plot. The entire concept is given one final added level of complexity through the Japanese setting. The story sees the main character broken down, physically and psychologically, but reborn as a stronger and more capable bringer of justice. Conklin loses his partner and friend, loses the trust of his peers, and loses the will to continue the case. In the turning point of the film, he is brought back from the edge, and given a new lease of life to continue the case and see it to its end. The police-drama element is almost dropped altogether at the climax of the film, as a pure tale of vengeance and justice sees Conklin confront the Yakuza on their home ground, and a bitter and violent confrontation with Sato ensues. The story itself is that of the lone ranger, the rule-breaking renegade who does anything to get what he wants. In Black Rain, Conklin wants justice, and though he breaks rules to get there, he is operating under a code of honour. Though he breaks the rules of Japanese law-enforcement, he gets the job done, and brings in his man. The climactic scene of the film, and conclusion, features Conklin delivering Sato to the police headquarters, handcuffed and bloody. Though he has broken the rules to get what he wanted, Conklin has fought against adversity and won, and has brought justice to the killer.