Spacious, leisurely, and with elaborate period re-creations of Louisiana in the 30s, this first feature directed by the young screenwriter Walter Hill is unusually effective pulp, perhaps even great pulp.
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
A powerful, brutal film containing a definitive Charles Bronson performance.
75
Slant MagazineGlenn Heath Jr.
Slant MagazineGlenn Heath Jr.
Hard Times feels most like a brilliant prerequisite to the cinema of Michael Mann, a focused neo-western where the last man standing is the one truest to himself.
70
Time Out
Time Out
Strong supporting performances, good locations, and well-staged fights contribute to what is an impressive example of how to assemble this kind of material.
Hard Times may not have grown in stature to the extent where it will be mentioned by fans in the same breath as the director’s more revered titles, but it’s certainly worth a punt and is an absolute must for Hill completists.
60
TV Guide Magazine
TV Guide Magazine
Unfortunately, the script leaves something to be desired--namely, dramatic impetus. Yet Hard Times is still an enjoyable film, and the depression-era settings are painstakingly captured.