I hadn't viewed it in roughly a decade, and last night, with the full moon shining into my apartment, it seemed like an ideal time to revisit some of Alex Proyas’s distinctive Gothic style. The persistent question remains: would this film have achieved its cult status without the tragedy surrounding Brandon Lee? It's difficult to say because we all possess a certain fascination with such events, particularly when they involve films and their actors. My renewed appreciation for the movie after so much time stems from this—it may have initially attracted many viewers due to the sorrowful history behind James O’Barr’s creation of Eric Draven, but now it has the ability to captivate, excite, and evoke powerful emotions on its own merits. The Gothic aesthetic and musical score feel like a precursor to the emo genre, Lee is graceful and talented, highlighting what we lost when he died in March 1993. The antagonists are familiar faces for these types of characters: Kelly, Wincott, Todd, while Ernie Hudson embodies the role of the dependable police officer. And Proyas, dealing with financial limitations even before Brandon's death, managed to construct this world of constant darkness, yet still provide glimpses of hope and beauty—the latter demonstrated through tracking shots, camera movements, and detailed framing of a suffering Draven, showcasing his considerable abilities. Ultimately, The Crow (1994) is worthy of being recognized as more than just a cult classic; it’s simply a classic film. 9.5/10

Source on TMDB