Hard Core (2018)

Hard Core (2018) is a movie directed by Yamashita Nobuhiro and based on a manga "Hard-Core: Heisei Jigoku Brothers" by Imashiro Takashi. It combines elements of comedy and sci-fi and tells a story about life struggles and bonds between social outcasts.

To be honest, I watched this movie for Yamada Takayuki. I have been following his career with great interest, mainly because I'm a fan of his versatility when it comes to acting. He doesn't shy away from more challenging roles and aside from typical, commercially successful movies he often chooses more unique, independent projects.
Moreover, even though I haven't seen much of Yamashita Nobuhiro's work, after watching Over the Fence (2016) I was intrigued by his directing style and ability to depict raw emotions and life struggles of the lower class and social outcasts.

Therefore, after seeing the cast and reading the synopsis for Hard Core, I was expecting to see eccentric characters, good acting and absurd but deep story. After watching the movie, I may say I got what I expected. But am I satisfied with this movie? Well...

First of all, It's definietelly not one of those films most people would enjoy – I think you either accept its weirdness or call it a waste of time.
In this case, the way the story is portrayed, chaotic narration, dragging pace and the fact that even if you assume that this movie is metaphorical, some scenes just seem useless – all of these things unfortunatelly made me lean toward the latter option.

I've got the impression that while making the movie, the director kinda got lost in his artistic vision and didn't use his best skills in putting emphasis on important aspects.
I haven't read the manga so I'm not able to compare the way the story was conveyed in the source material with the movie, however it is said that a good adaptation should be able to stand on its own. In this case, the story may work on paper but it does not necessarily mean it can work when adapted into movie. Maybe that's the key problem with this film.

The strongest element of this movie is definitely the acting. Takayuki, Sato Takeru and Arakawa Yoshiyoshi did what they could with what they've been given.

It's hard for me to recommend this movie to anyone. I think different people may have different reactions to it and get different messages. To really judge it, you just have to see it for yourself.
Some people may find a deeper meaning or became totally enthralled with director's vision and I absolutely respect it. This movie just didn't appeal to me like I hoped it would.

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