Movie Review: A Hard Day

Detective Edmund Villon (Dingdong Dantes) is having a hard day and the following events happen to him in less than 24 hours: His mother passed away. He and his coworkers are investigated by police inspectors over alleged embezzlement. Then on his way to his mother’s funeral, he drives recklessly and commits a fatal hit and run. He tries to cover-up the accident by hiding the man’s corpse in his deceased mother’s coffin. After the burial, Lt. Ace “Alas” Franco (John Arcilla) out of nowhere, starts giving Villon threats and warnings. He is about to expose Villon’s crime if he does not get what he wants from him – the corpse of the man that Villon hit. 

 

A Hard Day is a solid entertaining action film. It is not the typical traditional Filipino action film that we have seen before. It is full of suspense and intense action and fight scenes. It's been a while since I saw a Filipino action film that I truly enjoy and keep me interested from start to finish. I think the unique storytelling was due to the adaptation from the original south Korean film  but this Philippine adaptation from director Lawrence Fajardo was done in good taste. There's a lot of scenes to look forward to, one is the car chase scene that is well edited and makes you feel the tension of the scenes and the emotions of the character. The editing of the film is superb that helps build the tension in story telling and anticipation in every scene. No doubt that Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla are perfect for their role as the protagonist and antagonist of the film. Dingdong has the balance in delivering action scenes, drama feels and comedy scenes. John Arcilla on the other hand is the kontrabida that you will hate and somehow love at the same time. His presence is felt in every scene and delivers his character confidently. The two might also get an acting nod come awards night. The sound and other technical aspects of the film is recommended and comparable with the foreign action films. A Hard Day is highly recommended and must be seen in the Metro Manila Film Festival 2021. So if you already miss seeing an entertaining good quality  Filipino action film, you must watch A Hard Day.

My Verdict: 4/5