Harsh Times

An excellent drama that got right to me. A fundamental role in this is played by Christian Bale who, scene after scene, constructs the complex and mentally unstable character of former ranger, Jim Davis. He can be a nice guy who you would risk anything for, but at the same time he can be uncompromising swine who would sell his own grandmother, while retaining his credibility. Ayer did a good job directing and, apart from the rather slow beginning, I have no complaints. And also Freddy Rodriguez was a huge surprise, managing to keep step with Bale, which deserves praise. As for the screenplay, its strongest weapon is atmosphere and a sarcastic view on the world. It simply sucks you in. A perfect story from L.A.’s underworld. (23/03/2007)

Disappointment. After Ayer's perfect Street Kings, I was expecting another LA street hell, but I wasn't able to get past the contrivance. Plus, I wasn't buying Bale's acting in this one, and his constant use of language from the motherfucker tribe seemed overdone. The graphic depiction of the loss of self-control is just extra too, and in general it's all rather abbreviated. Ayer simply didn't have a sure directorial hand yet. (06/12/2010)

Christian Bale proves right from the beginning that he is a method actor and really immerses himself in the role. In this case, it means we are watching a genuinely unpleasant person who will irritate you from the beginning, and you'll hope that things end badly for him. And you might not care that his behavior could be partly attributed to the war. Jim's an asshole. No, this just isn't a movie I could like. Characters with whom it is impossible to identify. I like that the film goes its own way, but I didn't find my way to it. The story isn't even that interesting. (26/02/2014)

Ayer is quite a specific director, one you have to develop a taste for. What I appreciate about his work is his ability to create a film that pulls you into the corruption of the police or other institutions, showing the dark sides of society so convincingly that it occasionally gives you chills. Harsh Times is a very low-budget film, which is surprising, and I'm even more astonished by the overall impact of the film, which left a strong impression on me. Yes, the main anchor is Bale, there’s no debating that. What he can portray is beyond my understanding. He’s a perfect example of how a top-tier actor can play any character. Jim David is someone you wouldn’t want to be friends with—a disturbed, aggressive man with a desire to kill is not someone you want to upset, because it will simply end badly for you. The close-up shots focusing on his facial expressions were disarming; I’m surprised he wasn’t nominated for some kind of award. There’s no action in the film, but the tense moments make up for it. I expected there would be no chance of a peaceful ending here. It clearly built towards a finale where the protagonist would be left in ruins. But he brought it upon himself. I would just tweak the ending a bit, as it was too open. More psychological thrillers like Harsh Times, please. 78%. (21/10/2017)

Ayer's attempt to be rough, impactful, and vulgar at all costs perhaps works initially. Then Bale’s style, however perfectly acted, in which he tries to emulate the style of Mexican gangsters, becomes significantly irritating. The problem stems from the director/writer, whose mix of street gangster and personal testimony of a war-scarred veteran shatters into an obnoxiously chatty and overwrought routine. Hands off this one, you'll have much more fun playing "GTA: San Andreas." It’s on the same level in terms of ideas and yet you'll be in the thick of it at will, not for an annoying two hours. (12/10/2007)