Alex Proyas’ “The Crow” released on May 10, 1994 is a dark, edgy supernatural, superhero film based on the comic of the same name written by James O’ Barr.

This film is notable in particular due to several factors, including the unfortunate circumstances that led O’ Barr to create the comic originally, its atmospheric storytelling, a soundtrack filled with songs from notable bands and tragic untimely death of lead actor Brandon Lee, whose performance in this movie would have been monumental for his career had an accident on set not taken his life.

The film is set in a perpetually rainy, crime-ridden Detroit and follows Eric Draven, a musician resurrected from the grave by a supernatural crow one year after he and his fiancee were murdered. Through his resurrection, he was granted a heavily increased healing power, making him near invincible so that his vengeful spirit-self could systematically hunt down the gang members who took his and his fiancee’s lives.

Brandon Lee’s performance in this film solidifies him as the only actor to rightfully play Eric Draven with the consistent balance he has between the sorrow of his situation and the rage against those who caused it. This is topped off by moments of tenderness toward the character’s fiancee’s sister, who he looked out for before his death.

To portray just how dull, yet dangerous the city is, the movie’s only prominent colors are grays, blacks, reds of blood and orange shades of fire. The usage of the soundtrack is a main point in this movie, which features grungy and gothic bands such as The Cure, Pantera, Rage Against The Machine, Stone Temple Pilots and Nine Inch Nails.

“The Crow” follows a central theme of good triumphing above evil, while mixing it with the idea of love transcending even death. The film leaves viewers with the prominent hopeful line spoken by Eric Draven: “It Can’t Rain All the Time,” pointing out that no matter how long a poor situation may be going on, there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel.