It seems like both Netflix and I were on a Holiday last week. After ages, a Friday didn’t have any new creations on the platform. 

On my part, whichever film I saw last week ended up without getting reviewed because I was out of town for the major portion of the week. 

Nevertheless, I got introduced to Hard Days, a new Japanese movie. It is a crime thriller with a duration of almost two hours. 

Evidently, the film is a remake of the 2014 South Korean movie, A Hard Day. Just to be transparent with you, I haven’t watched the original work. 

So, my judgment is entirely based on what I saw in Hard Days. 

Specifically, it is a suspenseful crime, action, and adventure film. Here is my take.

Hard Days Synopsis

A late-night accident results in more trouble for an already troubled cop.

As he tries to hide in the shadows of personal loss and professional commitment, an eyewitness brings his attempts to a standstill. 

Image Credits: Netflix

The movie is directed by Michihito Fujii and stars Junichi Okada (Kudo), Go Ayano (Yazaki), Ryoko Hirosue, Hayato Isomura, Tetta Sugimoto, Akira Emoto, and others. 

What Works for Hard Days?

In my view, the success of a crime thriller hinges on its execution. 

While the genre typically promises fights, chases, and action, it’s how these elements are brought to life that truly captivates. 

Hard Days takes this responsibility seriously, delivering an unexpected and impactful viewing experience.

The storyline introduces a troubled cop grappling with the simultaneous blows of his mother’s demise and potential corruption charges against him. 

Amidst this turmoil, an unintended and fatal car collision adds another layer of complexity. 

Image Credits: Netflix

The cop, desperate to evade the attention of a nearby police van, stashes the lifeless body in his car trunk.

Tension heightens when he learns of a potential eyewitness.

This is the setup, which, obviously, involves other essential elements. 

The concept is, to quite an extent, invigorating, although dark. Hard Days evolves to become a palatable story that you want to continue with. 

Mixing crime with grit and then putting it against realistic happenings allows the film to stay on top for the most part. 

Further, the way it uses an analogy to put two opponents against each other is also compelling. Hard Days ensures a screenplay of aggressive storytelling where no particular character has the upper hand. 

Image Credits: Netflix

Everybody, or more specifically, the leads, struggles to gain an advantage. The shifting timelines propel the narration and help in connecting the dots using individual perspectives. 

Also, there’s a background sound effect in Hard Days that peaks to a captivating high, resulting in a satisfying, intriguing, and gripping cinematic experience. 

Moreover, the seriousness of the tale is something that will excite you since using sarcasm in crime thrillers has become a trend of late.

How are the Performances?

Junichi Okada’s volatile depiction of Yuji Kudo hits the bullseye. He expresses the right emotions by blending trepidations into his mien.

The screen meanderings of Okada bless the Japanese film and make it more consumable for the audience. He also succeeds in putting grit at the forefront.

Yes, it was an inherent part of the character. Still, virtuously carrying it throughout the runtime deserves appreciation.

Image Credits: Netflix

Go Ayano plays an authoritative senior cop, Yazaki. He exudes command and delivers a naturally built style of domination.

His act is not mindless. Instead, there are shades of acute awareness regarding the fictional upbringing of Yazaki. 

Ayano uses this to take the idea of him being the antagonist forward when in the real sense, he is not the only gray-shaded guy that’s there in Hard Days.

What Doesn’t Work for Hard Days?

Even though the story is made to look natural, you may find some actions of the protagonist unusually played out for the sake of maintaining the narrative.

The rest of the things are on the spot. Again, I haven’t watched the original work so that line of comparison is far from my reach.

Stream or Skip?

Hard Days is certainly a film to look out for. As a standalone movie, I recommend you give it a go.

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