Hardcore Never Dies — Review
The somewhat blue Michael has just completed secondary school and fantasizes about a future career as a pianist. His strict father, a typical Rotterdam worker with a ‘don’t talk, just do it’ mentality, is completely against this and would rather see his seventeen-year-old son pursue a ‘real’ job. Michael keeps the peace and chooses his money’s worth with a dead-end job at the tomato farm, but he refuses to give up his dream. He secretly applies for the conservatory and, after a barely successful first audition round, is urgently advised to look for inspiration.
But where on earth is he going to find this? As if called, his older brother Danny, who had been kicked out of his home, suddenly appears in front of him. Danny seems to have all his sheep on dry land and symbolizes the feeling of freedom that Michael craves. Your own house, a cool car, and above all, an escape from oppression at home. An excellent and inspiring role model you would say, but unfortunately Danny is also a drug-dealing criminal. In the compelling story that follows, we see how Michael becomes increasingly distant from himself as he is drawn into the criminal activities of his arrogant brother.
A militant teenager who breaks free from the yoke of his strict parents by seeking refuge in exactly what they are trying to prevent is an often used premise. Hardcore Never Dies is at times reminiscent of similar films such as Beats from 2019, but writer-director Jim Taihuttu’s coming-of-age drama is slightly rawer. With his well-developed and empathetic plot, he really draws you into the downward spiral of his main character, phenomenally portrayed by Joes Brauers.
The film really distinguishes itself with its original, quintessentially Dutch hook; everything takes place during the gabber heyday of the nineties. The era is subtly depicted with characteristic elements such as a Super Nintendo, but it is mainly the TV images in the background, for example the Toothbrush Show, that take you back in time in one fell swoop. What a powerful medium it was too. The icing on the nostalgic cake is the traditional costume inherent to the gabber culture. There is certainly no shortage of Australians and bomber jackets.
It is a pity that the picture sketched of the subculture that emerged in Rotterdam at the end of the last century is limited to this. Nike Air Maxies are explicitly highlighted, but truly iconic references such as DJ Paul Elstak, or even a Thunderdome CD cover are not included. A missed opportunity to evoke nostalgia. It is very cool that the now demolished energy hall has been recreated, but this is especially fun for insiders. The apparently not so happy hardcore scene is depicted very grim and drug-oriented, but this is understandable given the approach of the story.
Of course, a film about the gabber era is not complete without a gruesome soundtrack, and the music certainly doesn’t play second fiddle. However, it is not just hard beats that blow through the speakers. Taihuttu uses the contrast between calm classical music and exciting gabberhouse very ingeniously to depict Michael’s transition from his old safe life to his new dangerous life with Danny. A particularly harmonious representation of Michael’s character arc, culminating in his first dance party. A ‘rite of passage’ that will literally be a feast of recognition for many viewers, including the old-fashioned butterflies in the stomach.
You certainly don’t have to be a fan to enjoy the film, but some affinity with the music is certainly a plus. The plot is somewhat generic, which makes it clear at a fairly early stage which direction things are going, but the story is never boring and the climax does not disappoint. Hardcore Never Dies is a thoroughly Dutch production that is at the same time un-Dutch good. It is a pumping ode to a bygone era, which with its horribly high bpms, refined drama and two strong leads proves that hardcore never dies!
