Review: Hardcore (B+)

Hardcore (2004)
Directed by Dennis Iliadis
Starring Katerina Tsavalou, Danae Skiadi, Omiros Poulakis and Ioannis Papazissus
MPAA: UR
Grade: B+

Review by Sebastian Francis Kennedy

A gritty tale of two girls that were robbed of their childhoods, Hardcore is a bold debut from director Dennis Iliadis. Nadia and Martha are teenage prostitutes in Athens, Greece and they live for drugs, sex and the occasional psychological freak out. Martha enjoys her profession and has the drive to succeed at whatever she does. She brings her co-worker and lover Nadia along for the ride, but Nadia does not entertain the same lofty ambitions. In fact, Nadia's emotional state is in a constant state of flux, and at times, she claims to need the degradation that comes with her profession.

Hardcore is well acted, well directed and very well photographed. This is an impressive first feature from a director that we will certainly be hearing a lot more from. The film is not for the faint of heart however, as it realistically shows scenes of sex and violence. Hardcore is a stunning first feature and if you are in the mood for a gritty dose of passon, violence and disturbing violence - seek this one out.