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Death is eternal. My love for you is infinite.

The Crow (1994) ranks among my all-time favorite films. It's dark, gritty, beautiful, poetic, and deeply emotional. Recently, a remake was released, and everyone is upset about it, feeling that it was a bold move to touch a classic. So, what better opportunity to dive into the iconic comic that inspired the movie?

The Crow is enveloped in sorrow, both in its fictional narrative and in reality. James O'Barr, the book's author, penned the tale as a means to process the tragic death of his fiancée, Beverly. Brandon Lee, the son of Bruce Lee and the film's lead actor, lost his life on set due to a prop gun (a real revolver) that was mistakenly loaded with faulty dummy rounds while filming a scene. Brandon's life came to an abrupt end just a few weeks before he was set to marry his fiancée, Eliza Hutton. His unforgettable portrayal of Eric Draven continues to captivate audiences and remains a timeless classic for movie lovers.



The Crow tells the tale of a broken man on a quest for vengeance after the murder of his beloved fiancée, Shelly. Both Eric and Shelly are killed by a violent gang, with Shelly enduring horrific abuse before her death. Brought back to life by a crow, Eric embarks on a relentless mission to punish those responsible for his beloved's demise. As he exacts his revenge, he is perpetually tormented by memories of Shelly, and in the moments he isn't confronting his enemies, he grapples with the pain of his profound loss.

“People once believed that when someone dies, a crow carries their soul to the land of the dead. But sometimes, something so bad happens that a terrible sadness is carried with it and the soul can't rest. Then sometimes, just sometimes, the crow can bring that soul back to put the wrong things right.��

It's fitting that the author selected a crow as Eric's guide. Crows are remarkable creatures. When one of their own passes away, crows conduct their own unique “funerals.�� They engage in rituals and are known to present gifts and small tokens to those who assist them. Numerous tales and videos showcase crows gifting items to people they regard as friends.



Many people are afraid of them, viewing them as harbingers of death. There might be some validity to that perception. When Eric returns, he certainly instills fear; he’s a transformed man driven solely by a desire for revenge. In the film, Eric expressed sentiments such as, "They're all dead. They just don't know it yet." However, he also exhibited a profound sensitivity and genuine concern for Sarah, the young girl whom he and Shelly looked after due to her mother's battle with addiction, as well as for Albrecht, one of the rare virtuous police officers in the city. Book Eric did not display the same level of emotional attachment as his cinematic version.

The book and the movie differ in numerous ways, and I lean towards the film's portrayal of Eric. Brandon Lee infused the character with such depth and emotion that it’s hard not to be captivated by him. In contrast, Eric from the book is much darker and more unstable, likely reflecting the author's own frustrations. I truly hope he has found some peace and has been able to heal from his grief.

The love between Eric and Shelly is both heartbreaking and enduring, transcending even death itself. We all yearn for a connection so deep that someone would go to any lengths for us, even seeking revenge on our behalf. This narrative captures that essence. While it contains elements of violence and graphic imagery, it also weaves a darkly romantic tale. Brandon's greatest desire was to marry Eliza, while Eric's deepest wish was to marry Shelly. Unfortunately, neither couple, whether real or imagined, achieved their dreams. Yet, the strength of their connections remains unshakable, even in the face of death. True love never dies.

It's not the years that matter, it's the moments.