Harsh Times (2005) – Review

Directed by David Ayer

Harsh Times is the brainchild of David Ayer, writer of Training Day. This was a similar kind of story that involved crime, drugs and violence. The films main stars are Christian Bale and Freddy Rodriguez who play best friends out to find work in South Central, Los Angeles.

Bale who plays the role of ‘Jim David’, an ex-army ranger who must make a decision that will ultimately change his life forever.
But his fragile and unpredictable personality ultimately takes over revealing the scars of war.

Like Training Day the film is raw, shocking and doesn’t try to censor the harsh realities of urban culture in South Central. But unlike Training Day, Harsh Times lacks the detail and room to explore more avenues in its story. Once again a great acting performance by Bale, but because the story and supporting actors don’t pull their weight, the overall film lacked the same punch of its predecessor Training Day.

This film is still worth the watch.

7/10