Harsh Times

Too shallow. Over time, the constantly pissed off and off the rails expression of Christian Bale will start to irritate you just like his problems in the film – he starts and doesn't even really know why. Harsh Times is indeed intense, but it has nothing to offer in terms of plot. The overwhelming majority of things are there for effect and it doesn't get under your skin. That is, assuming you have seen a thing or two and a high concentration of fucks and the raw feeling of a big city's periphery are not something that would impress you. (2014-10-09)

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. (2007-10-12)

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... (2008-02-19)

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. (2010-12-06)

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%. (2017-10-21)