Hardcore (2004)

REVIEW
Set in the tumultuous allure of Athens’s seedy underbelly, Hardcore is a mesmerizing tale of two teenage prostitutes who are immersed in a world of sex, corruption, love, lies and fantasies. At the age of 17, Martha is content in her drug-induced hooker lifestyle of misogynous clients and an egocentric pimp until the beautiful, confident Nadia walks in. She only sees this job as a stepping stone to the top. Initially both women avoid each other, but during one night of tricking at an affluent black-tie party an inseparable bond ignites an intense and delusional romance. Even though the young lovers move in together, their budding love is put to the test by hooking, continual relationships with two male prostitutes from the agency and Nadia’s determined spirit to be famous. Her intrigue leads to manipulation and murder. Based on the novel by Aleka Laskou, Hardcore is a gritty, violent and intoxicating roller coaster ride into this urban fairytale of love and betrayal with cinematic elements equivalent to Trainspotting, Eyes Wide Shut and last year’s hit Gasoline. This film certainly lives up to its title.