# The Crow

> 1994 superhero film directed by Alex Proyas

**Wikidata**: [Q250912](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q250912)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crow_(1994_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-crow

## Summary
*The Crow* is a 1994 superhero film directed by Alex Proyas, based on the comic book of the same name. It is a dark, action-packed fantasy film that follows the story of a murdered musician who is resurrected to avenge his death and that of his fiancée. The film is notable for its gothic visual style, emotional depth, and tragic backstory involving the death of its lead actor, Brandon Lee, during filming.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *The Crow*
- **Release Date**: May 11, 1994 (United States)
- **Director**: Alex Proyas
- **Genre**: Superhero film, Action film, Fantasy film
- **Production Company**: Dimension Films
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Based on**: The comic book *The Crow* by James O'Barr
- **Lead Actor**: Brandon Lee (posthumous release)
- **Sequel**: *The Crow: City of Angels* (1996)
- **IMDb ID**: tt0109506
- **Wikidata ID**: Q10474
- **Freebase ID**: /m/024gy8
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 87%
- **Metacritic Score**: 72/100
- **Box Office Gross**: $23 million (domestic)
- **Runtime**: 102 minutes
- **Language**: English
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 53 language editions
- **Followed By**: *The Crow: City of Angels* (1996)

## FAQs
**What is *The Crow* about?**
*The Crow* is a superhero film about Eric Draven, a musician who is resurrected from the dead by a mystical crow to avenge his murder and that of his fiancée. The film blends action, fantasy, and gothic horror elements, set against a dark urban backdrop.

**Who directed *The Crow*?**
The film was directed by Alex Proyas, an Australian filmmaker known for his visually striking and atmospheric style. Proyas later directed other notable films like *Dark City* and *I, Robot*.

**What happened to Brandon Lee during the filming of *The Crow*?**
Brandon Lee, the son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, died tragically during the filming of *The Crow* due to an accidental shooting on set. The incident occurred when a prop gun malfunctioned, and Lee was fatally wounded. The film was completed using stunt doubles and special effects.

**What genre does *The Crow* belong to?**
*The Crow* is classified as a superhero film, but it also incorporates elements of action, fantasy, and gothic horror. Its dark tone and themes of revenge set it apart from traditional superhero movies.

**What is the significance of *The Crow* in superhero cinema?**
*The Crow* is significant for its dark, brooding tone and its influence on later superhero films that explored more mature and complex themes. It is also remembered for its tragic production history and the cult following it has garnered over the years.

## Why It Matters
*The Crow* matters as a landmark film in the superhero genre, blending action, fantasy, and gothic horror to create a unique and emotionally resonant story. Its tragic production history, marked by the death of its lead actor, Brandon Lee, adds a layer of poignant real-world significance to the film. *The Crow* has influenced subsequent superhero films by demonstrating that the genre can tackle darker, more complex themes. It remains a cult classic, celebrated for its visual style, emotional depth, and the enduring legacy of Brandon Lee's performance.

## Notable For
- **Cult Classic Status**: *The Crow* has achieved cult status among fans of superhero and fantasy films, known for its dark tone and emotional depth.
- **Tragic Production History**: The film is infamous for the on-set death of its lead actor, Brandon Lee, which occurred during filming.
- **Visual Style**: The film is noted for its gothic, atmospheric visuals, which have influenced other dark fantasy and superhero films.
- **Influence on Superhero Cinema**: *The Crow* helped pave the way for darker, more mature superhero films that explore themes of revenge and loss.
- **Soundtrack**: The film features a memorable soundtrack that includes songs from artists like The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, and Stone Temple Pilots.
- **Sequel and Spin-offs**: The film spawned several sequels and a television series, though none have achieved the same level of acclaim as the original.
- **Brandon Lee's Legacy**: The film is a significant part of Brandon Lee's legacy, as it was his final role before his untimely death.

## Body
### Overview
*The Crow* is a 1994 superhero film directed by Alex Proyas and based on the comic book of the same name by James O'Barr. The film stars Brandon Lee in his final role as Eric Draven, a musician who is resurrected from the dead by a mystical crow to avenge his murder and that of his fiancée, Shelly (played by Sofia Shinas). The film is set in a dark, crime-ridden city and blends elements of action, fantasy, and gothic horror.

### Production and Release
*The Crow* was produced by Dimension Films and released in the United States on May 11, 1994. The film's production was marked by tragedy when Brandon Lee was accidentally shot and killed on set during the filming of a scene. Despite this setback, the film was completed using stunt doubles and special effects, and it was released posthumously in honor of Lee's performance.

### Plot and Themes
The film follows Eric Draven, who is brought back to life by a crow to seek vengeance on the gang that murdered him and his fiancée. As Eric hunts down the criminals, he uncovers the corruption and violence that plagues the city. The film explores themes of love, loss, revenge, and redemption, set against a backdrop of urban decay and supernatural elements.

### Cast and Crew
- **Brandon Lee** as Eric Draven / The Crow
- **Ernie Hudson** as Sergeant Albrecht
- **Michael Wincott** as Top Dollar
- **Bai Ling** as Myca
- **Sofia Shinas** as Shelly Webster
- **Director**: Alex Proyas
- **Screenplay**: David J. Schow and John Shirley
- **Music**: Graeme Revell
- **Cinematography**: Dariusz Wolski

### Reception and Legacy
*The Crow* received positive reviews from critics, with praise for its visual style, performances, and emotional depth. It holds an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 72/100. The film has since become a cult classic, celebrated for its unique blend of genres and its tragic production history. It has influenced subsequent superhero films and remains a significant part of Brandon Lee's legacy.

### Sequels and Spin-offs
*The Crow* spawned several sequels, including *The Crow: City of Angels* (1996), *The Crow: Salvation* (2000), and *The Crow: Wicked Prayer* (2005). A television series, *The Crow: Stairway to Heaven*, also aired in 1998. While none of these sequels achieved the same level of acclaim as the original film, they have contributed to the enduring popularity of *The Crow* franchise.

### Cultural Impact
*The Crow* has had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous references in music, literature, and other films. Its gothic visual style and themes of revenge and redemption have resonated with audiences, making it a beloved cult classic. The film's soundtrack, featuring songs from artists like The Cure and Nine Inch Nails, has also contributed to its enduring appeal.

### Technical Details
- **Runtime**: 102 minutes
- **Language**: English
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Production Company**: Dimension Films
- **Distributor**: Miramax Films
- **Box Office Gross**: $23 million (domestic)
- **Budget**: $23 million

### Related Entities
- **Dimension Films**: The production company behind *The Crow*, known for producing a variety of genre films.
- **Action Film**: A genre characterized by high-energy sequences, physical stunts, and intense action scenes.
- **Fantasy Film**: A genre that incorporates magical or supernatural elements into the narrative.
- **Superhero Film**: A subgenre of action and fantasy films that focuses on characters with extraordinary abilities.
- **United States**: The country of origin for *The Crow*, known for its significant contributions to global cinema.

### Wikimedia and Online Presence
- **Wikidata ID**: Q10474
- **IMDb ID**: tt0109506
- **Freebase ID**: /m/024gy8
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 53 language editions
- **Official Website**: [Miramax Films - The Crow](https://www.miramax.com/movie/the-crow)

### Conclusion
*The Crow* remains a significant and influential film in the superhero genre, remembered for its dark tone, emotional depth, and the tragic circumstances surrounding its production. Its legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike, cementing its place as a cult classic in cinema history.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109506/)
2. [Source](http://www.ofdb.de/film/313,The-Crow---Die-Kr%C3%A4he)
3. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=10474.html)
4. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/kruk-1994)
5. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/es/film983299.html)
6. [Source](http://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-crow)
7. [Source](https://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film983299.html)
8. [Source](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/the-crow-25-ann-brandon-lee-shot-world-goth-day-michael-massee-comic-book-a8907951.html)
9. [Source](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-superhero-movie-legacy-of-the-crow/)
10. [Source](https://www.avclub.com/tragically-and-fashionably-the-crow-turned-superhero-c-1825251622)
11. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109506/fullcredits)
12. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
13. The Movie Database
14. The Crow. Rotten Tomatoes
15. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109506/releaseinfo)
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. [Source](https://www.spio-fsk.de/asp/filestream.asp?dir=karte&file=1010%5C71699bV%2Epdf)
18. Box Office Mojo
19. Kinopoisk
20. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/crow-the/)
21. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
22. AlloCiné
23. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
24. film distribution certificate
25. [Source](http://portal.mj.gov.br/ClassificacaoIndicativa/jsps/DadosObraForm.do?select_action=&tbobra_codigo=23081)
26. Brazilian Advisory Rating System
27. Bechdel Test Movie List
28. mymovies.it
29. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/64F6-61F9-37E3-D544-CC08-F)
30. Danish Film Database
31. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/86869)
32. TheTVDB
33. Trakt.tv
34. FilmVandaag.nl