Hardcore Henry is a 2015 First Person Russian-American science fiction action film and debut feature by, the Russian director Ilya Naishuller. The movie was filmed in Moscow with GoPro cameras, the kind often put on a helmet to record extreme sports. This project has come along way from what began as a viral-smash music video for his band Biting Elbows.
As described by STX Entertainment:
“Strap in. HARDCORE HENRY is one of the most unflinchingly original wild-rides to hit the big screen in a long time: You remember nothing. Mainly because you’ve just been brought back from the dead by your wife (Haley Bennett). She tells you that your name is Henry. Five minutes later, you are being shot at, your wife has been kidnapped, and you should probably go get her back. Who’s got her? His name’s Akan (Danila Kozlovsky); he’s a powerful warlord with an army of mercenaries, and a plan for world domination. You’re also in an unfamiliar city of Moscow, and everyone wants you dead. Everyone except for a mysterious British fellow called Jimmy (Sharlto Copley). He may be on your side, but you aren’t sure. If you can survive the insanity, and solve the mystery, you might just discover your purpose and the truth behind your identity. Good luck, Henry. You’re likely going to need it…”
This film is ambitious as it submerges the audience to a full immersion of the hero’s dilemma especially with the way it tries to generate empathy from the audience. Henry, having no voice in the movie, reminds me a bit of the first Dead Space game where the hero, although not mute is a silent protagonist.
The movie’s first person perspective is brilliantly done throughout its run time that your reflexes will likely have impulsive reactions while you hold on to your seat when you see the grunts throw punches at Henry or when he falls from the skyscraper or that part with the flamethrower as the film empowers you thru the eyes of our cyborg protagonist. It’s really like playing an FPS (First Person Shooter)!
The film stars Sharlto Copley, Danila Kozlovsky, Haley Bennett, and Tim Roth. It is scheduled to be released in the US theatrically by STX Entertainment on April 8, and in the Philippines On May 04, 2016.