A street-fighter of brawn but very few words in 1930s New Orleans picks up a manager and a physician before taking part in illegal bareknuckle bouts in the area with big money on the line. Walter Hill's debut as director, which he also co-wrote with Bryan Gindoff and Bruce Henstell from Gindoff and Henstell's original treatment, doesn't appear to be much at first, but "Hard Times" has a way of seeping quietly into the subconscious until you find yourself replaying scenes over in your head. This is due in great part to Charles Bronson's laconic performance in the lead; he doesn't speak much, yet he's amazingly straightforward in his actions rather than an enigma (it's a fully-realized characterization). James Coburn is perhaps too pushy and gregarious, and Strother Martin and Jill Ireland haven't much to do in support, but the fights are amazing (despite the overacting extras). A good movie, not a great one, though fans of the picture will swear otherwise. **1/2 from ****
Review of Hard Times
Hard Times
(1975)
A good but not great movie, yet its fan base grows bigger every year...
15 June 2021