Review of Hard (1998) by Daniel P — 07 Apr 2008
A cop with a secret. A killer who knows it. The game is on. A queasy, sick, bordering on exploitative film obviously made on the cheap, Hard benefits from two excellent lead performances, an intriguing and original concept, some stunningly framed sequences and an imaginative story.
Ray, a closeted cop (played with verve by Noel Palomaria), struggles to solve the case of a serial killer who brutally murders male hustlers. With only his detective partner any help, he battles against prejudice and intolerance in his department who dismiss the killings as 'misdemeanour' offences.
Matters become more complicated when he begins a dangerous affair with Jack (a hugely charismatic and creepy Malcolm Moorman), who he soon discovers is the man responsible for the murders. Hard is far more interesting than your average police procedural.
A great deal of care seems to have been taken to make the film scientifically and psychologically sound, and the heavy blood effects, semi-explicit sex scenes and sexual dialogue definitely make this stand out.
In addition, there's a pretty damn good music score and solid camera work. Worth a look if you can find it. (Review based on the unrated version of the film that was screened at festivals and which was eventually released as a Special Edition DVD.
).
This review of Hard (1998) was written by Daniel P on 07 Apr 2008.
Hard has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
