Jim Davis, played by Christian Bale, is a former Army Ranger who has returned home to Los Angeles after serving in Iraq. He is struggling to find a job that satisfies his desire for action and adventure, so he turns to his old life of petty crime. His best friend, Mike Alonzo, played by Freddy Rodriguez, is trying to turn his life around and become a responsible adult. However, Jim's influence on him proves to be too strong, and he gets drawn into Jim's criminal activities.
Jim's girlfriend, Marta, played by Tammy Trull, is an illegal immigrant from Mexico. He is deeply in love with her and wants to marry her, but he is unable to get a law enforcement job due to his criminal record. He spends his days hanging out with Mike and planning small heists to make some quick cash.
As Jim becomes more and more involved in the criminal world, he starts to experience intense anxiety and flashbacks from his time in Iraq. He turns to drugs and alcohol to cope with his emotional pain, which only makes his problems worse.
The film also explores the strained relationship between Jim and Mike's girlfriend, Sylvia, played by Eva Longoria. She is fiercely loyal to Mike and is deeply suspicious of Jim's intentions. She believes that he is a bad influence on Mike and tries to get him to take responsibility for his actions.
Harsh Times is a gritty and intense drama that explores the challenges faced by returning veterans and the temptations of a life of crime. Christian Bale delivers a powerful performance as a man struggling to find his place in the world, and the film is a stark portrayal of life on the streets of Los Angeles.