ENTER THE CONNERY! Rising Sun (1993) ***

Philip Kaufman's Rising Sun is a clever, post-modern adaptation of Michael Crichton's novel. The film is often attacked as xenophobic - and that undercurrent is there - but the more fascinating thing is just how fun, clever, and self-assured the film is about the corporate politics of power and corruption. Sean Connery is a retired Los Angeles police detective who acts as a mentor the hot-headed Wesley Snipes. Ostensibly, they are trying to resolve the muder of pretty young model murdered in the board room of a large Japanese corporation - one about to the seal a merger so controversial even DC politicians are commenting on it.

Unless one is a 1990s baby a lot of the subtle fun the film is having is going to fly over one's head but if one knows a little about recent history, this film is going to be a real treat. It's also stunningly interesting despite talk substituting mostly for action but when action does come it packs the punch it should. The final twist is, alas, a little too smug and doesn't do justice to the build-up in tension. Still, for three-fourths of the way this is a well-made piece of entertainment. Harvey Keitel plays a nice supporting role as a cop with shifting allegiances.