The Crow

I like films with a dark atmosphere. The Crow has plenty of it and it is as seductively dark and gloomy as the comic book itself. Brandon is brilliant (what a great loss) and Wincott is a villain as it should be. Together with X-Men the best comic-book adaptation so far. (07/03/2002)

It’s so beautifully gloomy, just the way I (sometimes) like it. The strong, albeit predictable story, supported by the gorgeous dark gothic style makes me give it at least four stars. Ledger’s Joker looks strikingly similar to Lee’s Draven. Maybe a coincidence… (10/31/2008)

Alex Proyas proved that a good comic book adaptation can be made without elaborate character psychology or bombastic digital effects. The straightforward plot about posthumous revenge, presented on a simple formal level, delights in its play of lights and shadows, night darkness, and persistent rain. It takes a backseat, which doesn't really matter, and the only way to win over the viewer's favor remains the atmosphere. In addition to the aforementioned, the expertly directed camera work by Dariusz Wolski and the minimal yet rhythmic and captivating musical accompaniment by Graeme Revell contributed significantly. As a whole, it feels rather depressing without even realizing the tragic circumstances of the filming (09/28/2005)

The movie that launched Proyas’ successful career and could have done the same for Brandon Lee. A well-made adaptation of a comic book (better than original) with a neogothic, noirish atmosphere. Then there is Brandon, who gave the character of Eric Draven an unbelievably likeable, gloomy charisma. Even though the movie excels with flawless visual interpretation and foreshadowed Proyas’ “dark visual feeling", I cant get rid of the feeling that if it were black and white, it would be actually even better, although not as attractive. (04/21/2022)

Brandon Lee, guitar in hand, kitsch to the maximum and nostalgia possibly even further. Although the whole film doesn't escape from the darkness, both visually and emotionally, the promise of the future from The Crow will ultimately shine again. Love is after all the greatest thing in the world and above all - it can't rain forever. (04/24/2005)

I would like to point out that I usually have no problems with the display of violence, but The Crow is one of those rare cases that go beyond that. It's not so much about the violence itself, but rather about the way the director handles it and how he uses it. The Crow is an instinctive film built on evoking simple emotions and powerful aggressive images. It is an exaggerated and exemplary schematic journey for revenge, where it is perhaps unsettling how easily it leads the viewer right to where it wants them. I do not like this film. Its cheap symbolism infuriates me, there's the fact that it is not ashamed to be stupid, and perhaps what bothers me most is that it works for the audience. Sophistication, multilayeredness, and playfulness will not be found in The Crow. However, it does not deserve to be discarded, as Alex Proyas has mastered his craft well and he was able to capitalize on his experience in shooting commercials and music videos. Overall impression: 25%. (12/15/2020)

The Crow is one of the most stylish, darkest, and best comic book adaptations I've ever seen. It's basically just an ordinary revenge flick, but very expertly filmed. (03/01/2005)

Kind of a different comic book movie. First of all, I kept thinking about how Brandon Lee's performance took a tragic turn for the worse, and after each scene I felt more and more sorry that such a talented and likeable actor had to leave us so suddenly. And even though it sounds terrible, these depressing thoughts fit exactly into the story and added to the dense and specific atmosphere, which The Crow has to spare. There is probably nothing to say about the original premise, and there’s hardly anything to say about the execution other than it could hardly be better, given the level of special effects at the time. The grim production design has its charm, the villainous syndicate is worthy of respect and some of the action sequences, including the infamous shootout, are a matter for genre connoisseurs. With an eye on the remake, I can't help but add that there is a lot to draw from here and I'm quite curious to see how they will handle the high bar that has been set. (07/15/2013)

Visually more than perfect, with excellent action scenes, music also very good. Alex Proyas has turned The Crow into a visual/filmmaking gem that is really worth seeing. The exquisitely crafted final confrontation in the church only adds to the overall impression, which is clearly five stars. Even if it was just for the incredible visual banquet! (07/11/2009)