Customer Reviews

Hard Times

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Charles Bronson stars in this depression-era movie about a man who is forced to take up bare-knuckled fighting to earn enough money to survive. Bronson arrives in New Orleans with a few coins in his pocket and no prospects. Fortunately for him (and unfortunately for his opponents) he comes across a betting fighting match hosted by two local sharpies. Bronson studies the situation with cold calculating eyes and realizes that he could earn some much needed food money with a few bouts of his own. Introducing himself to one of the local sharpies, (James Coburn, who is superb in his role of a quick talking con-man in constant trouble with the local mob), Bronson and Coburn set out to win a small fortune on the match-making skills of Coburn and the hard punishing fists of Bronson.

Although clearly aging, Bronson is a natural and beleiveable fighter, with a lean muscular body certainly capable of knocking out his opponents. With initial success, Bronson is matched with increasingly tougher opponents, culminating in two "championship" bouts that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Intertwined between the bouts is Bronson and his co-star Jill Ireland (his real-life wife), and their effort to establish a relationship.

I won't spoil the ending for you by revealing the ending, but I will say that if you missed this movie when it was first screened in the mid-1970's, you don't want to miss it again! Although it does not belong on your "classic" shelf, "Hard Times" is one of Charles Bronson's best movies and it will be a treat to view on a Saturday nigh

kone

Hard Times (known as 'The Streetfighter' here in Australia) is Bronson's best movie alongside Death Wish. The film is set in the 1930's during the depression, and its recreation of this period is outstanding. This is not a movie for hard-core action/fighting fans. Like 'The Karate Kid' and 'Rocky', Hard Times has a real story and interesting characters. Bronson's character, Chaney, is humble, quiet, a bit of a loner - this contrasts nicely with James Coburn's portrayal of Speed, a compulsive gambler who sets up fights for Bronson. Strother Martin and Jill Ireland (Bronson's real-life wife until her death some years ago) are also great in their supporting roles. Nice to see an old forgotten classic like Hard Times released on DVD.

First of all, Columbia-Tristar released a WS and FS edition (2 sided disc) of the DVD on its initial release but reissue with a full screen only. So those interested in the title must search for the older release which contains the WS edition.

This is a great film, one of Bronson's best and also directorial debut of the great Walter Hill. Set in depression era New Orleans, where Bronson had to earn his dollar by "street fighting". James Coburn and Jill Ireland costar as his manager/promotor and love interest (Obviously) respectively.

I would like to give this DVD a full 5 stars, but with its lack of special features, I can only give 3 stars. A must have DVD though, the 2.0 mono sound is fine and the WS image is ok but deserved to be cleaned up a bit.

Now with all of the principal stars gone (Bronson, Coburn, Ireland), I am surprised that Columbia has yet to issue a special edition of this movie, while releasing several titles over and over (Fifth element, Leon The Professional, Jumanji, legend of Zorro, etc). Please issue a special edition, as this is more deserving movie. I don't think there is any special edition DVD of Bronson's movies. Not even the first Death Wish. I hope Hard Times will be the first in many special edition DVDs to be released. Remember, Charles Bronson is one of the biggest movie star in the world.

Walter Hill's 1975 directorial debut "Hard Times" is about as predictable as a "Lone Ranger" radio serial. It's also one of the most esthetically perfect action films you are ever going to see. I'm not sure if there is a single original idea or thought in this Depression era bare-knuckled boxing tale, but it is blessed with a style and verve that raises its level of respectability several notches.

The New Orleans' locale is magnificently used, with detours to Cajun cookouts, strolls through Louisiana graveyards and conversations on French Quarter balconies adding memorable spice to the dramatic gumbo. The trio of stars, Charles Bronson, James Coburn and Strother Martin, a bit past their prime, but as comfortable as a worn leather jacket, are perfectly suited as men scarred by the hard knocks of life.

Bronson especially, is given one of the finest roles of his twilight career. He's a man of few words, riding the rails looking to make a buck in bare knuckle fighting. We never really know his past, with his screen persona filling in the gaps. That's a fault. And yet like a ghost, he silently moves in and out of the shadows of New Orleans creating a fiercely independent character we would want on our side. Coburn, as usual, is terrific as the conman who bankrolls Bronson. He's a fast talker, eventually too fast for his own good. Martin, one of the finest character actors in history, is nothing short of brilliant as the cut man struggling with the dark addictions of life. These three characters are going nowhere, but for a brief moment as a team, they buck a corrupt and brutal system.

The fight scenes themselves are nicely choreographed, but what one remembers from "Hard Times" are the quieter moments - Bronson having a cup of coffee in a diner with Jill Ireland, Coburn smoking a cigarette in bed with a prostitute, Martin sitting in a church listening to gospel singers. These characters are weary and tired, and the Depression has left them hopeless and forgotten.

There is really no surprise as to this film's ending. Yet in many ways it is poetically perfect as Bronson, having saved the day, disappears back into the shadows never to return. This is a street legend as old as the hills. We watch the recent film "Sea Biscuit" and roll our eyes at its excess. We watch "Hard Times" and understand this tale at heart, is a simple yet inspirational one. Rarely has the legend been more perfectly executed on film.

Many like to laugh at Charles Bronson(myself included) because of his typecasting in 80s vigilante style action flick where he's usually portrayed as a senior citizen taking out the scum of the earth. You won't be laughing at him in Hard Times. Bronson made good movies, played good roles(see The Great Escape for another good example). Hard Times is one good movie. Bronson is the textbook definition of "tough guy". He plays a street fighter in the 30s who doesn't say much, but can knock the taste right out of your mouth. Basically, it's the Bronson version of Every Which Way But Loose, minus the laughs and the ape. Watch him beat the snot out of guys who think they're tougher than nails, and woo Jill Ireland in the process. Watch James Coburn give another great performance(as usual). Watch the movie, man!! It's astounding that Bronson was 54 when he did this. 54!!! He's solid muscle in this film, you'd have to be crazy to want to fight the guy! Vin Diesel? Russell Crowe? Amateurs! Tough guy wannabees! You won't see them looking like this and kicking tail when they're 54, that's for sure. It may be an all but forgotten film now, but thank god for dvd. That means you'd better march your butt down to the video store. Pronto.

Old stone-face Bronson wasn't always like that, although he certainly was in this movie, which I think is his best by quite a long shot (although I did like "Chato's Land", "Death Hunt", and "The Mechanic" quite a bit). Centered in or around New Orleans in the depression era, the film is about men who earn their living as bare-fisted street fighters, and one of the best is an unknown fighter played by Charles Bronson. James Colburn is great as his sleezy manager in trouble with the mob. This is a highly entertaining movie with some good performances (even Bronson's) along with a realistic view of the era. Between 1 and 10, "Hard Times" gets a well-deserved 8.

This has got to be one of CHARLES BRONSON'S BEST.Why this QUIET MAN never received an oscar in his liftime is beyond me.Co-starring his late wife,JILL IRELAND..good friend also gone...
JAMES COBURN & STROTHER MARTIN..all gone now...BUT not forgotten by me.The opening & closing THEME MUSIC is great.The story very believeable.I mean when they fight..during the depression time it was very believeable..can't compare to "ROCKY".The real rugged life as it was.BRONSON..should never be forgotten for such a very good role in his career.

Portrayal of a quiet humble street fighter that drifts into New Orleans, hooks up with Coburn a slick but loosing gambler who sets up his street fights. Bronson at his best. Great settings and depictions of the area and times. Very Good supporting cast especially Strother Marting who plays his cocaine addicted ex medical student role with humor and compasion. Portrayed as violent but not nearly so by todays action picture standards.

"Hard Times" is a terrific looking movie that is also pretty terrific in a low key way. Certainly the best of Bronson's starring vehicles, Hard Times features some solid supporting work by old pros James Coburn and Strother Martin.

The film is set (and was mainly shot) in New Orleans and I can attest (being from New Orleans myself) that most of the art direction is in fact no art direction at all but real places and settings that need little or no art direction to give them authenticity. (NOTE: I don't recall even seeing a credit for an "art director" in the opening credits).

This is not coincedental since the city itself is a supporting character. This film has what many of today's film lack: flavor. Flavor in the script, in the cast, in the locale (with non stereotypical southerners), and in the atmosphere.

The DVD version is beautifully preserved and crisp looking for a movie that's 25 years old. Definitely worth collecting.

This is a great 'male bonding' film. You know tough guys, bare knuckles, gambling New Orleans style, winner take all. That kind of stuff! Add to that Charles Bronson, James Coburn and Strother Martin and you've got a hit on your hands. A hit, get it?

Set during the Depression Era in the 30's, Chaney (Bronson) drifts into town on a southbound freight train. Broke and hungry he immediately begins to look for a way to make some money doing what he does best, fight. Quickly proving himself to be a formidable foe he hires a local down-on-his-luck gambler and promoter named 'Speed' (Coburn) to set-up his fights. Poe (Martin) is also hired on as Chaney's "cut-man" and the three are off to make some fast money.

As Chaney's reputation grows an eventual showdown looms on the horizon with the toughest, dirtiest fighter in town, Jim Henry (Robert Tessier). The big money is within reach if Chaney is really as good as he thinks.

Great performances by all. Bronson and Coburn are magic together and Strother Martin is, as always, the consumate character actor. As for Robert Tessier, well they just don't get any meaner then him. Truly one of the great bad guys of film!

So gentleman send the ladies out for the evening, put the beer on ice, order the pizza and invite a couple of buddies over. Just don't get carried away and try to duplicate anything you see on the screen.