Hardcore
Director: Paul Schrader
Actors: George C. Scott, Peter Boyle, Season Hubley
PlotJake Van Dorn, a deeply religious businessman from Grand Rapids, Michigan, sends his teenage daughter Kristen to a church-sponsored youth event in Los Angeles. When Kristen doesn't return and seems to have vanished, Jake becomes gravely concerned and hires a private detective, Andy Mast, to investigate her disappearance. Mast soon uncovers disturbing evidence that Kristen may have been drawn into the underground world of pornography and prostitution. As Jake is confronted with the grim reality that his daughter might have been coerced into such an industry, he is overwhelmed with disbelief and desperation.
Frustrated with the slow progress of the investigation, Jake takes matters into his own hands by traveling to Los Angeles. Immersing himself in a world far removed from his conservative values, he goes undercover, adopting different identities to infiltrate the seedy adult film industry in search of Kristen. His journey throws him into a morally ambiguous and dangerous realm of exploitation and vice, forcing him to confront aspects of humanity and himself that he never imagined. Along the way, he enlists the help of Nikki, a streetwise young woman working in the industry, revealing layers of complexity and grey moral grounds as he edges closer to uncovering the truth. Determined to find his daughter, Jake's pursuit is relentless, driving him into ever more perilous situations as he navigates through deceit and moral compromise.
Writers: Paul Schrader
Release Date: 09 Feb 1979
Runtime: 108 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English, Spanish
Home Video Reviews
Kino Lorber's Blu-ray of 'Hardcore' boasts a remarkable 4K master, making it a compelling and significant revisit for Schrader and Scott fans.
Read our review of Hardcore Blu-ray Special Edtion to find out more