hard days (2023) movie review

Hard Days Summary: On the night of December 29th, Detective Yuji Kudo finds himself in a tough spot. He's driving to the hospital where his seriously ill mother is, a bit under the influence. Things take a turn for the worse when his chief informs him about an official inquiry into a bribery scandal involving Officer Yazaki from Internal Affairs. As if that's not enough, a woman suddenly jumps in front of his car, and despite his best efforts, he hits a man shortly after. To add to the chaos, he receives a call telling him his mother has passed away.

In a state of shock, Yuji decides to stash the man's body in his trunk. However, his troubles escalate when he's stopped by traffic police who, aware of the bribery allegations, are reluctant to let him go. What follows is a wild adventure, including Yuji placing the dead body in his mother's casket. The plot takes a twist, revealing Officer Yazaki's unexpected backstory.

Hard Days

Comparing it to the original, "Hard Days" falls short, mainly due to how the story is handled and the lead actor, Junichi Okada, struggling to match up to the original performance. However, let's look at the best movie on its own merits.

The story is intriguing, weaving the past and present of Kudo and Yazaki into a compelling and tense narrative. The best film successfully maintains this tension throughout, making it an entertaining watch. The deconstruction of the main characters is well-executed, with Okada and Go Ayano delivering strong performances. Their contrasting chemistry adds depth to the film.

The incorporation of comedy in a dramatic and thriller-like story is impressive, transitioning smoothly between genres. The commentary on police corruption, Yakuza ties, and the extremes of human nature adds layers to the narrative, creating tension and angst.

Credit is due to Tatsuma Furukawa's editing, creating seamless transitions between scenes, and Kensuke Sonomura's realistic action choreography. The cinematography by DP Keisuke Imamura effectively captures different settings without overshadowing the story.

While "Hard Days" may not match up to the original, it stands on its own as a fun and entertaining adaptation. It makes sense for those who enjoy action thrillers with a touch of humor.