Hard Hit is a 2021 Korean action-thriller film about a bank manager who discovers to his horror that there is a bomb under his car seat.
Written and directed by Changju Kim, adapted from a 2015 screenplay by Alberto Marini for Retribution (original title: El desconocido).
The CJ Entertainment production stars Ji Chang-Wook, Woo-jin Jo, Haerry Kim, Ji-ho Kim, Jin Kyung and Jae-in Lee.
Plot:
VIP bank manager Sung-gyu (Woo-jin Jo) drives his daughter and son to school one morning. Along the way, a phone rings from the glove box. It’s an anonymous caller claiming there’s a bomb under Sung-gyu’s seat and if anyone exits the car, it will explode unless Sung-gyu can pay a ransom.
What at first feels like a prank call quickly turns into an edge-of-your-seat nightmare. Sung-gyu must simultaneously ensure the safety of his children, find enough money to pay the ransom, and evade the police, all while trying to figure out what he did in his past to deserve this…
Reviews:
“Overall, there is plenty of suspension of disbelief needed, but that is often the case in these types of movies. The audience will be forgiving of the premise, as long as they are invested in what is happening. Hard Hit is an entertaining watch that provides a much-appreciated adrenaline rush.” AIPT
” …a fast-paced, stylish thriller filled with tense and unpredictable moments. The story at times asks you to suspend disbelief, but once you do, it’s a fun ride that doesn’t go into low gear once ignition starts.” Asian Movie Pulse
“At times it’s a little overwrought, but that’s forgivable given the circumstances and this focus on emotions works in its favour. Changju Kim’s film tracks the responses of an everyman, allowing the audience to empathise with his situation. This might not make Hard Hit the most technologically edgy blockbuster, but it does make for a captivating ride.” Backseat Mafia
Release:
The film was released in South Korea on 23rd June 2021.
Released in the USA on Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand by Mpi Home Video on February 22nd 2022.
Cast and characters:
Ji Chang-Wook … Jin Woo
Woo-jin Jo … Sung-gyu
Haerry Kim … TV reporter
Ji-ho Kim … Yeon Soo
Jin Kyung … Ban
Jae-in Lee … Hye In
Seung-su Ryu … Police chief
Original title:
Balsinjehan
Fun facts:
This Korean thriller is a remake of the Spanish film Retribution (original title: El desconocido, 2015). The same story was filmed in Germany as Don’t. Get. Out! (Steig. Nicht. Aus!, 2018). An American remake of the Spanish original titled Retribution with Liam Neeson in the lead role is also apparently planned.
Trailer:
