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Black Rain
Black Rain was a 1989 gangster thriller, starring Michael Douglas and Andy Garcia as American cops who must pursue a Yakuza gangster in Japan. Helmed by famed director Ridley Scott, the filming was not only grueling, but difficult as there were many clashes in the ways that American film productions and Japanese film productions operated. Apparently the 'rules & regulations' oriented Japanese system aggravated Cinematographer Howard Atherton so much that he left and the remaining camera work was completed by Jan DeBont, who would later direct his own action films. It is noteworthy that lead actor Yusaku Matsuda who played the main villain Sato, was dying of cancer, but refused to reveal the advanced stage of his disease to director Ridley Scott for fear that he would be replaced. He finished the movie, telling others that 'living a few more months' was a worthy trade off for the chance to 'live forever' in a motion picture. He passed away seven months after the movie's American premiere.
Trivia: Though the majority of the scenes taking place in Japan were actually filmed in Japan, the final shootout at the winery took places in Napa, California for two reasons. (a) The production's work Visa had run out but more importantly (b) Japan's strict gun control forces many filmmakers to use 'flash paper' style non guns. Since Ridley Scott wanted real automatic weapons firing blanks, they had to film the gun battle in the U.S. What also tips off the viewer that this shootout was filmed in the states was the presence of so many well known Chinese American Stuntmen, like Al Leong of Die Hard and Big Trouble in Little China fame, who would not be in Japan (since there are many Japanese Stuntmen who would be available).
The following weapons are seen in Black Rain:
Micro-Uzi
Sato's men carry the Micro Uzi as they enter the Italian Gangster's restaurant where Nick and Charlie are also dining. Sato's men disguised as farmers draw their hidden Micro-Uzi's in the ambush at the teahouse.
Uzi
A full-size Uzi is used by one of the Yakuza during the teahouse shootout at the end of the film.
MAC 10
Used by Sato's men in the teahouse shootout and also seen with a silencer.
Remington Model 31
In order to take out Sato, Conklin (Michael Douglas) is given a Remington Model 31 cutdown shotgun.
Remington 870
In a continuity error, Conklin's shotgun mysteriously transforms into a Remington 870.
Heckler & Koch HK94
Numerous gangsters of both Sato and Sugai use the Heckler & Koch HK94 in the final shootout. Assistant Inspector Matsumoto (Ken Takakura) takes one from one of Sato's men as he joins up with Conklin.
Colt Python snub nose
NYPD Detective Sergeant Nick Conklin (Michael Douglas) uses a blued Colt Python snub nose version as his main service weapon. However, once Conklin and Charlie arrive in Japan, the Osaka Police Chief stressed that they hand in their guns since they are "civilians" here, so grudingly turns his Python in and is never seen again throughout the remainder of the movie.
Smith & Wesson Model 66 Snub Nose
NYPD Detective Charlie Vincent (Andy Garcia) uses a Smith & Wesson Model 66 Snub Nose Revolver (with a square butt) during the first half of the movie. Nick Conklin (Michael Douglas) is then given Charlie's Model 66, from Osaka Police Assistant Inspector Masahiro Matsumoto (Ken Takakura), after Charlie's death and uses it in the steel factory shootout.
Colt Detective Special
NYPD Detective Sergeant Nick Conklin (Michael Douglas) uses a Colt Detective Special as his backup handgun. Shortly after they arrive in Tokyo there is a scene where Conklin and his partner Charlie Vincent are in the Japanese police headquarters. Both the Colt Python snub and the Colt Detective Special are visible on Conklin's belt.Conklin carries the two revolvers next to each other in what is known as a "New York reload". This scene takes place before the two NYPD detectives are forced to turn over their handguns to the Tokyo police.
Heckler & Koch P9S
One of Sato's men carries a Heckler & Koch P9S during the foundry gunfight. Also seen on the table in Sato's hideout when the Osaka police raid it.
H&K P7
Used by Osaka Police Assistant Inspector Masahiro Matsumoto (Ken Takakura) during the steel factory shootout.
Desert Eagle
Steyr SSG 69
Members of the Osaka SWAT Team carry Steyr SSG 69 bolt-action sniper rifles when they raid Sato's suspected hideout.
