The Thrilling Start to Hard Days
Netflix’s Japanese thriller “Hard Days,” a remake of a Korean film, kicks off with a gripping narrative. The protagonist, Yuji, a detective with a penchant for taking bribes from Yakuza members, finds himself embroiled in a scandal and an internal affairs investigation. His journey takes a dark turn when he accidentally hits and kills a young man while drunk driving, leading him to desperately hide the body.
Yuji’s Desperate Measures
Yuji’s quick thinking leads him to an ingenious yet callous method to dispose of the body. But his troubles are far from over. Yakazi, the internal affairs officer investigating him, becomes a key player in the unfolding drama. Instead of seeking justice, Yakazi aims to use the situation for his own financial gain.
Unveiling the Twists in Hard Days
“Hard Days” unravels with unexpected twists. We learn that the victim, Oda, was not just an innocent bystander but a drug dealer involved in a high-stakes game involving a vault key containing billions of yen. The night Yuji ran over Oda, Yakazi was in pursuit of the young man for the vault key.
The Truth Behind Oda’s Death
The revelation comes that it wasn’t Yuji’s car accident that killed Oda but rather Yakazi, who shot him dead before he stumbled in front of Yuji’s car. The plot thickens with Yakazi’s murder of his father-in-law, Uematsu, adding layers to his character’s ruthlessness.
Yuji’s Ingenious Plan and Confrontation
The climax of “Hard Days” sees Yuji rescuing his daughter from Yakazi in a tense exchange, involving a cleverly planted bomb. However, Yakazi survives the explosion, leading to a final showdown inside a money vault.
The Vault Showdown and New Year’s Eve Twist
As New Year’s Eve strikes, Yuji and Yakazi’s confrontation in the vault takes a surprising turn. Yakuza member Semba reveals his master plan, using both detectives as pawns to steal the vault’s money. Yuji, now injured, reflects on his life and makes a desperate call to his estranged wife.
The Final Race and End Credit Scene
“Hard Days” concludes with a high-speed chase between Yuji and a still-alive Yakazi, despite the vault having been emptied. The end credits scene sheds light on Oda’s motivations, revealing his debts to Semba, who orchestrated the events that unfolded.
Reflection on Hard Days
This film stands as a testament to the complexity of human emotions and the tangled webs of crime, betrayal, and desperation. “Hard Days” masterfully combines suspense, action, and drama, making it a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts.
