Harsh Times (2005)

A tough-minded drama about two friends in South Central Los Angeles and the violence that comes between them.

Director:

David Ayer

Writer:

David Ayer

Stars:

Christian Bale, Freddy Rodríguez, Eva Longoria

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Christian Bale	...	Jim Luther Davis
Freddy Rodríguez	...	Mike Alonzo
Eva Longoria	...	Sylvia
Chaka Forman	...	Toussant
Tammy Trull	...	Marta
J.K. Simmons	...	Agent Richards
Michael Monks	...	Agent Hollenbeck
Samantha Esteban	...	Letty
Tania Verafield	...	Patty
Noel Gugliemi	...	Flaco
Adriana Millan	...	Rita
Geo Corvera	...	Wilo
Cesar Garcia	...	Listo
Terry Crews	...	Darrell
Emilio Rivera	...	Eddy

Storyline

Jim Davis is an ex-Army Ranger who finds himself slipping back into his old life of petty crime after a job offer from the LAPD evaporates. His best friend is pressured by his girlfriend Sylvia to find a job, but Jim is more interested in hanging out and making cash from small heists, while trying to get a law enforcement job so he can marry his Mexican girlfriend.

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Plot Keywords:

opening action scene | f word | n word | fbi federal bureau of investigation | friend | 

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence, language and drug use

Did You Know?

Trivia

The entire film was shot in 24 days.

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Goofs

In the scene where Jim's car gets pulled over by two cops, a shot showing Officer Leo walking up to the car reveals a crew member visible to the left of the second officer (far left of the screen).

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Quotes

Mike Alvarez: I've been workin' all day. I've been lookin' for work all day.

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Connections

Features Te Voy a Enseñar a Querer (2004)

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Soundtracks

Change On Me
Written by Mickey Garcia, Elvin Molina, and Cindy Torres
Performed by Cynthia
Licensed Courtesy by Micmac Records, Inc.

User Reviews

Powerful Performance

Went to see the movie last night without knowing what it was about. To say that I enjoyed the movie from start to finish would be an understatement! I thought Christian Bale was absolutely fantastic, his depiction of an ex soldier trying to get back to "normal" ie get a job, have a relationship, while slowly (or maybe not so slowly!)slipping into mayhem & madness was Oscar winning material. He was at war with himself on a downward spiral and bringing any semblance of normality with him. I know I certainly felt I was grabbed by the throat and brought along for the ride. It's not often a movie is so scary and so sad at the same time. I loved it!

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish Korean

Release Date:

10 November 2006 (USA)

Also Known As:

Harsh Times

Filming Locations:

Tecate, Baja California Norte, Mexico

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,968,505, 12 November 2006

Gross USA:

$3,337,931

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$5,969,708

Company Credits

Production Co:

Andrea Sperling Productions, C.M. Films, Crave Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS (5.1)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1