Inspired by the early years of director Su-Yeon Gu, a 2nd generation Korean in Japan.
The story of Hard Romanticker revolves around Gu, born in Japan from Korean parents, he’s a high school dropout doing small jobs and always looking for troubles. One day, he’s contacted by an old friend who’s a now gang member, deeply involved in a gruesome murder… Starring Shota Matsuda, the youngest of this talented family of actors (father is Yusaku, brother is Ryuhei), as the lead character.
Just to be clear, director Su-Yeon Gu first published his autobiography, then turned it into this movie. Which is based on his own personal experience, and what he saw around him at the time. In another words, a real personal project, with the director carefully trying to depict a lost & violent youth.
Looking at the trailer, the film seems to be filled with testosterone & loud acting, with slight touches of comedy. Even though the story sounds quite nihilistic, showing the brutal lives of young japanese people trying to survive… In fact, the film is being compared to Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange by some festival programmers. Over-exaggerated? Surely. But one can guess, the faded-chrome look of the film/photography may be reflecting the director’s (dark) intent.
Hard Romanticker is coming in Japanese theaters on November 26, 2011.
{ 0 comments… add one now }