Michael Crichton's novel caused a stir for its portrait of Japan as a tentacular monster, devouring every American corporation in its path. Since Hollywood studios were also being gobbled up, any movie version had to tread carefully, and this one was finally bankrolled by Rupert Murdoch-owned 20th Century Fox. Sean Connery brings his inimitable presence to the cop investigating a politically sensitive murder in the offices of a Japanese company in Los Angeles. Connery's sidekick is played by Wesley Snipes, and there's quirky character support from Harvey Keitel. Reminiscent of Ridley Scott's Black Rain, it's often exciting, occasionally brutal and kinky, but nonetheless a bit of a letdown from Philip Kaufman, director of the masterly Quills.

When a prostitute is found dead in a Los Angeles skyscraper occupied by a large Japanese corporation, detectives John Connor and Web Smith are called in to investigate. Although Connor has previous experience working in Japan, cultural differences make their progress difficult until a security disc showing the murder turns up. Close scrutiny proves the disc has been doctored, and the detectives realize they're dealing with a cover-up as well.