It can't rain all the time, the crow 1994

In the voice of the nostalgic mesothelioma PSA: If you or a loved one recognize this quote, you may be entitled to compensation! Thousands of men and women were exposed to emotional damage by the 1994 film, The Crow. If you do not, change that and go watch it cuz spoilers ahead. JUST KIDDING, well watch at your own risk because it is a violent and tragic story. In short, the story follows Eric Draven, the Crow, as he murders a series of gang members slowly one at a time. Each of the members played a significant role in brutally assaulting and murdering the love of his life, Shelly, and himself, the night before they were set to be married.

Eric Draven in the original 1994 film.

The film flashes between two timelines, the night of the assault and the present, one year after. Sergeant Albrecht and Sarah are characters that interact throughout the present providing the few moments of comedic pause in the film. That being said, their connection to the story is not trivial by any means. Sergeant Albrecht was the officer that answered the call a year earlier and that had been ultimately demoted to "beat cop" for seeking justice. Sarah is revealed to be the young girl that Eric and Shelly often looked after while her mom was off partying and doing drugs. The phrase "it can't rain all the time" in the film represents the moment that Sarah realizes that Eric is somehow back.

Sarah and Sergeant Albrecht from the original 1994 film.

The recording of the film was itself soaked in blood as the actor playing Eric Draven himself, Brandon Lee, was killed on set by a live round that should have been a blank. Brandon Lee died following in the footsteps of his father, the legendary martial artist and actor, Bruce Lee. Regardless of what part of the story someone resonates with, it is likely a deep wound. The most uplifting sentiments of the film exist in the context of a messy and violent story of love lost.

One of the matching tattoos I have with my Shelly.

p.s. I was writing about the movie and got caught up in the feel of so much I forgot why I had actually started writing it here. I relate deeply to Sarah. The phrase "it can't rain all the time" often saved me, and seeing myself dressed the way I wanted, with fishnets, boots, and chains, was empowering, even if I never mastered skateboarding. Her walking through the rain and being frustrated and then feeling a glimmer of hope and choice has always resonated with me.

The Crow is an iconic movie, stylistically dark and violent, with imagery deeply ingrained in my identity and alt-expression.