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From the very first moment, it is more or less clear which direction Rising Sun will take. Just a quick glance at the grainy, old-looking image (which really has nothing to do with the quality of the media) brutally evokes the 1970s/80s, and it's clear what and how. Philip Kaufman never deviates from the beaten path and the constant speed is sleep-inducing, just like the unconvincing performances of all the supporting actors, not to mention the tragic action scenes. Old school is fine, but not with these flaws. Besides the three main characters, there really isn't anything worth watching. However, the script is more than promising and whenever it seems like we will figure out the problem surprisingly quickly and get ready to discard Rising Sun deep into the closet, a fragment appears that sharpens our attention. It's a bit too little, but at least something. (20.09.2007)

An inoffensive detective movie, nicely thought through with a star cast. But Kaufman doesn’t steer the movie as well as it deserves, everything passes by nicely, but not dazzlingly. Not even the suspense is enough to keep you pinned in your seat. Great lines and I quite like these USA/Japan culture clashes. But even so, I think that next time I’ll try the book instead. (27.12.2012)