Is Rising Sun Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Rising Sun is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 125 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Rising Sun Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1993, Rising Sun emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Drama, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of 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. Unlike standard genre fare, Rising Sun attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Rising Sun features a noteworthy lineup led by Sean Connery . Supported by the likes of Wesley Snipes and Tia Carrere , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Rising Sun (1993) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Rising Sun Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Rising Sun is a Action, Drama, Thriller film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. 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. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Rising Sun Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Rising Sun concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Rising Sun reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Rising Sun?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Rising Sun Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $40.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $107.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Rising Sun Budget
The estimated production budget for Rising Sun is $40.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Rising Sun
- Sean Connery – Capt. John Connor
- Wesley Snipes – Lt. Webster Smith
- Tia Carrere – Jingo Asakuma
- Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa – Eddie Sakamura
- Harvey Keitel – Lt. Tom Graham
Top Highlights
Sean ConneryCapt. John Connor
Wesley SnipesLt. Webster Smith
Tia CarrereJingo Asakuma
Cary-Hiroyuki TagawaEddie Sakamura
Harvey KeitelLt. Tom Graham
MakoYoshida-san
Stan EgiIshihara
Kevin AndersonBob Richmond
Clyde KusatsuTanaka
Ray WiseSenator John Morton
Where to Watch Rising Sun Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Rising Sun is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.1/10, and global collection metrics, Rising Sun stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1993 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rising Sun movie hit or flop?
Rising Sun has received mixed reviews with a 6.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Rising Sun worth watching?
Rising Sun is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Drama, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Rising Sun online?
Rising Sun may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
