This review may contain spoilers
As a Thriller movie, its good
First of all, i want to clarify that i haven't watch the original movie. So maybe thats why i enjoyed this movie a lot more.1. Okada Junichi and Ayano Go
The acting in "Hard Day" is amazing, especially Okada Junichi and Ayano Go. Junichi usually plays tough characters, but here he's a vulnerable officer, showing off his acting skills. Ayano Go plays the villain so well with twitchy eyes and subtle moves. You can feel his massive anger, especially after a run-in with his father-in-law.
2. Seeing Both Views
The movie cleverly shows the same events from two perspectives. The villain seems calm from the outside, but when you see things from their point of view, they're just like everyone else. It adds a cool twist to the story.
3. Ost
If you have watch the Movie "Sicario", you'd now that soundtrack in this movie has the same vibe to it, and that's how you now its a good soudntrack.
4. Unrealistic Moments
How, like how the heck did he surived the bomb with insanely minimum damage to his body. He should be burning to hell by now. But then he even got the strength to drive to the vault location? Hell nah.
Overall, even with some unreal moments, "Hard Day" is a simple and thrilling movie. I was hooked from the beginning to the end. The acting and the dual perspectives make it a ride worth taking.
Was this review helpful to you?
Hard Days (2023): A Decent Thriller Overshadowed by its Source.
"Hard Days," a 2023 Japanese remake of the acclaimed 2014 South Korean film of the same name, is a decent crime thriller with some notable flaws. While it captures the core elements of the original - a down-on-his-luck detective embroiled in a web of corruption and desperate acts - it struggles to surpass its predecessor in several aspects.Strengths:
⪼ Engaging Premise: The film's central conflict, a detective's downward spiral after a hit-and-run accident, remains inherently captivating. The audience is constantly kept on edge as the protagonist makes increasingly poor decisions to cover his tracks.
⪼ Solid Performances: Junichi Okada delivers a committed performance as the beleaguered detective, Yuji Kudo, and Go Ayano is suitably menacing as his antagonist.
⪼ Well-Crafted Action: The action sequences are well-choreographed and brutal, adding to the film's intensity.
Weaknesses:
⪼ Unnecessary Length: At nearly two hours, the film feels bloated compared to the leaner original. This can lead to pacing issues and a sense of drag in some sections.
⪼ Overstuffed Plot: In an attempt to differentiate itself, the remake adds additional characters and subplots that feel unnecessary and muddy the narrative focus.
⪼ Lack of Originality: While competently made, "Hard Days" fails to bring anything new to the table compared to the original film. For viewers familiar with the 2014 version, this remake might feel redundant.
Overall:
"Hard Days" is a watchable crime thriller with a strong premise and solid performances. However, its excessive length, convoluted plot, and lack of originality compared to the superior source material hold it back from reaching its full potential. If you haven't seen the 2014 Korean film, "Hard Days" might offer a decent dose of suspense. However, for those seeking a more impactful and streamlined experience, the original remains the better choice.
Was this review helpful to you?
