HARDCORE (2004)

Written & Directed By: Dennis Iliadis 
Based On The Novel By: Aleka Laskou 
Cinematography By: Thimios Bakatakis 
Editor: Yorgos Mavropsaridis 


Cast: Katerina Tsavalou, Danae Skiadi, Iaonnis Papazisis, Dimitris Liolios 


Leaving behind a hard life with their families, two young girls end up in a brothel, fall in love and support one another against the adversities and violence of the night.


Not the classic (at least to me) Paul Schrader, George C. Scott starring thriller of the 70's. Not even inspired from that film. Though what they have in common is the exploitation of young women, and both films love up to their title.

This is a film that for me came out of nowhere. As I saw the trailer randomly and was so captivated by the craziness I saw on screen. That was more staged as a music video of the ABBA song Dancing Queen. Where the lyrics almost match the visuals to a degree. I will also admit that one of the main reasons for my interest in watching the film was the appeal and attractiveness of the two female leads.

While the story and how it unfolds, including the brutality that is handed out emotionally, at the hands of others and by each other. Is what compels. Despite the actions the depth and betrayals of their friendship is what keeps the audience fascinated. Though I will admit that the film puts a lot of emphasis in the looks of it's leads to keep the audiences interest up as they are put in various sexual scenes as well as being nude half the time.

Which gives the film a sleazy and exploitive edge. While also hitting the right emotional notes at times. It justifies itself as the film is set up in the world of prostitution from the get go which is dirty and sleazy, but as the girls and the film progresses we see that wherever they go there are compromises and sleaze all over.

The visuals are inspired, rich, sumptuous and surreal to go with a downtrodden story of prostitution, drugs, betrayal, pimps, double crosses, murder. By the end no relationship is common or healthy. Where the story goes is shocking at times and very explicit. It never achieves being sexy, but is barbarically erotic.

Danae Skiadi is the real find if the film. She is plagued with the more difficult role of the dangerous alpha romantic. Who becomes jaded and slowly starts to show her sociopathic side. Out of survival as instinct it seems. Just the one scene where she Is supposed to be upset and emotional. Yet flashed an excited overjoyed grin to her partner is horror and exctasy in itself.

The film has a lot of sex and nudity throughout and at it's core. As if it's a challenge to the audience. To say whatever you think or can dream up to be inappropriate. We deal with vibrantly on screen in this film. I think though drastically different in tackling material it makes a good companion piece with the film S#X ACTS though that film doesn't feel as rough and exploitive. Nor graphic, not as sleazy.

Though both contain a message that involves sex. This ones message seems to be explained note though the act rather the. Seeking it specifically and the dangers that come with it. Using it as a gift, weapon, currency and means of survival. Though both films show show it can create or lure predators.

This is a film that wants to make you uncomfortable. As far as the subject matter and story.

What is disturbing. Is that the actresses are made to look underage. I am guessing to make it all the more dramatic, sad and hard hitting. As they are being taken advantage of, yet have no other resources to use it run to. They are victimized until one finally strikes back and while justified, becomes exploitive herself and just as bad making jet fellow victim and friend into a victim all over again. Making herself the overseer.

Some could easily argue that this film is torture porn itself. Just not as violent and the violence shown not as gory but just as sadistic, cruel and graphic only half the time it is shown as a pleasure for someone.

This is a film that you watch at your own risk. Not as sensationalistic as it seeks. Nor as powerful as it sounds, but definitely feel like showering after. It get's to you.


Grade: B-