HARDCORE HENRY

Russia/USA, 2015, 96 minutes, Colour.
Sharlto Copley, Danila Kozlowski, Haley Bennett, Tim Roth.
Directed by Ilya Naishuller.

Hardcore Henry is science-fiction actioner with many bizarre touches, the kind of film that is meant to be a cult entertainment with its own particular following – but which may alienate a lot of ordinary cinemagoers.

It is a Russian- American production, produced by Timur Bekmambetov, who made some films in Russia, science-fiction drama with strong action and special effects, Day Watch, Night Watch, moved to the US and made some films as Wanted, Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter, as well is the remake of Ben Hur.

The initial part of the film spends a lot of time in a laboratory where the remnants of a human being, Henry, who has no memories left, is being reconstructed by a scientist who has been in love with him. What is distinctive is that everything is seen from Henry’s subjective point of view, the audience not seeing Henry in his complete reconstruction but rather various parts of him, human as well as mechanical.

Then the complications begin as a rival company and its owner want to take possession of Henry and use him. This means that there are many combat sequences, graphic fights, close-up blood and gore, and a range of pursuits in bizarre situations as well as on the streets of Moscow.

The pursuit also leads to a sex club, a pretext for some sex scenes and nudity, and then on further with the action.

Henry becomes a truly suffering hero, attacked on all sides, inflicted with pain and suffering, barely surviving. And his girlfriend, the scientist, also suffers.

Interrupting the action Will arrow scenes with the rival contender for Henry, a bizarre Englishman, Jimmy, keeps turning up in various guises, in various places, with his unexpected accent, trying to intervene, seemingly wanting to save Henry. He is played by Sharlto Copley, who came to prominence in District 9.

And, at the end, Tim Roth makes an appearance as Henry’s father, lamenting what has happened to his son.

To be put on the list of bizarre films, films that appeal to action fans who are fascinated with bizarre plots, special effects, and the touch of the mysterious about the plot.