R.I.P. Ken Takakura

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9rHUFnAt-I...1989-1119-.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Takakura

It wouldn't be appropriate to summarize Ken Takakura's work in this one film but for me Black Rain has to be the greatest and most underrated movie that I still continue to admire. Everything about the movie seemed so masterfully done: the story, settings, atmosphere, and music - but it's the characters that make the movie really endure, especially Takakura's Detective Masa and the portrayal and symbolism of striving to be a just person in an otherwise cynical world. His role responding to Michael Douglas' morally-lost and on the fringe cop-character Nick, especially during the later half of the movie, make one of my favorite police movie partnerships of all time.

Sorry to fill the thread with an otherwise empty discussion, but didn't feel right not sharing how deflated I am on Ken Takakura's passing. Love Black Rain, so glad I stumbled upon it those many years ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NlxRdKOm2w

Ah that's sad to hear. Loved him in Mr. Baseball, but he was actually the original "Golgo 13!"

He was also in 'The Yakuza' with Robert Michum. RIP.

Black Rain is an awesome movie. Sad to hear of his passing. :(

So I finally took some time to watch Black Rain.
What great moments I had!

Lync, thanks again for having created this topic and said something about Takakura's work.
Watching this movie brought me back some very good memories and reminded me that I had already watched it a couple times when I was a kid; and it was actually one of my favorite movies at the time. My mind played a game with me because I didn't remember about it until the last minutes of the movie.
Oh well, I used to watch lots and lots of movies with my mother when I was a kid. Good times.

The movie has a great soundtrack and the music you posted is really really beautiful.

Rest in peace, Takakura. Thanks a lot, Lync.