While some may see it as a buddy movie, others might describe it as a film about the degeneration of a callous LA harbouring few opportunities and many dangers.
However, the main theme is a journey into a spiral of self-destruction and madness.
And who better to take us down a path of madness than Christian Bale, star of such disturbing films such as American Psycho and The Machinist.
The story sees Bale playing Jim, an ex-Army Ranger, who slips back into a life of crime following the news that his job offer with the Los Angeles Police Derpartment fails to materialise.
Instead of looking for new jobs, Jim turns to alcohol, drugs and violence in his frustration and the movie follows his path of destruction as the situation goes out of control.
Feeling helpless, Jim loses his reason and better judgement and his grip on everything that's important to him begins to loosen.
You can't help but feel sorry for Jim's best friend, Mike, played by Freddy Rodriguez, who genuinely wants to get a job and sort his life out.
To see it all play out on screen is like a rollercoaster ride. It's frightening, thoroughly entertaining and comes to a shocking climax.
Harsh Times takes you on a terrifying yet compulsive voyage and is a vehicle for Bale's outstanding acting abilities. Well worth it.
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