"Hard Times" made a lot of money. After all, in 1975 Charles Bronson was a top box office draw...whether he was paired with James Coburn or not.
The story is set during the Depression. 'Speed' (Coburn) is a guy who makes money managing fighters...but not the typical profesional boxers. Instead, his fights are underground ones and the money they earn is winner-take-all. Unfortunately, Speed is an idiot when it comes to money and he's got some very mean folks on his heels. His possible salvation comes in the form of Chaney (Bronson)...a bareknuckle fighter who is a bit too old...but sure is a tough old guy.
I enjoyed this movie but also was frustrated by it at the same time. This is because Chaney is very closed mouth and you never get to know him during the course of the film. There also isn't a lot of chemistry between him and the characters around him. I think giving Chaney a personality would have greatly helped the film. Instead of being a story about people, at times it just felt like a film about folks punching each other.
The story is set during the Depression. 'Speed' (Coburn) is a guy who makes money managing fighters...but not the typical profesional boxers. Instead, his fights are underground ones and the money they earn is winner-take-all. Unfortunately, Speed is an idiot when it comes to money and he's got some very mean folks on his heels. His possible salvation comes in the form of Chaney (Bronson)...a bareknuckle fighter who is a bit too old...but sure is a tough old guy.
I enjoyed this movie but also was frustrated by it at the same time. This is because Chaney is very closed mouth and you never get to know him during the course of the film. There also isn't a lot of chemistry between him and the characters around him. I think giving Chaney a personality would have greatly helped the film. Instead of being a story about people, at times it just felt like a film about folks punching each other.