Harsh Times

The story itself isn't great, and Ayer's direction isn't exactly bursting with ideas and character, but the film has one huge plus that elevates it from the grey of mediocrity, and that’s Christian Bale, of course. Something evil and mysterious lurks in his eyes, which from the very first moments will unsettle you and help you immerse in the otherwise bland plot. And Ayer manages to dose all that evil in the span of 110 minutes in such a way as to make everyone sit on their asses and watch. If you don't expect anything groundbreaking, harsh or deep in thought, you'll have a great time. (03/02/2013)

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)

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)

I haven’t seen such a good move about nothing for a long time. Christian Bale’s Jim Davis is the best played, most unpleasant character of the past few years. He could probably manage to pull off a three-hour gaze into the mirror with style. His interpretation of the mental sale of this unstable, dumb, aggressive brute is an unforgettable experience. I believe there are countless people like that around. I have the misfortune to know one myself. Just a shame that the role played in this movie by my favorite, Freddy Rodriguez, didn’t suit him one little bit. Also the movie could easily have been a little shorter. But thank god for Bale - his incredible skill moved the entire movie along wonderfully... (19/02/2008)

Harsh Times has a huge advantage in its main character, who has such potential that it is a pity that an eight-part series did not come into being, which would further develop the story of the main character and his twisted motivation and fulfill the genre's possibilities. The problem is that the viewer is enticed by interesting characters and feels that a great crime drama is unfolding, only to find out that instead of a suspenseful crime story, they are watching a psychological drama with an ambiguous and unfinished ending. In this case, the main character's journey toward self-destruction is more important than the point and plot. Armed forces, from the police to the army and various private security services, will try to convince you of the perfection of their methods of recruiting new members and that failures are rare. However, here you can see the completely believable rise of a unique psychopath and his successful infiltration into the police force. Jim Davis is a completely realistic villain, whose motivations and actions you tend to believe in, especially when played by the professional Christian Bale. Overall impression: 75%. (16/07/2012)