77
Metascore
16 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- For those who saw it back in 1972, The Harder They Come was a revelation, evocative of a poor but vibrant Jamaican culture few Americans knew about, with a bombshell reggae soundtrack that for all intents introduced the musical genre here.
- 91The A.V. ClubScott TobiasThe A.V. ClubScott TobiasWhile it was ultimately the songs—You Can Get It If You Really Want, Many Rivers To Cross, Pressure Drop, and the title track, among other classics—that carried the day, The Harder They Come remains a powerful testament to their meaning.
- 80Chicago ReaderChicago ReaderA proud, forthright indictment of national and personal corruption, as evoked through a young reggae singer's odyssey from country to city, from innocent to outlaw.
- 78Austin ChronicleAustin ChronicleThe movie's critiques of the music industry, the ganja trade, and organized religion still ring true.
- 75TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineThe filmmaking is a bit crude at times but it packs an emotional wallop.
- 70Village VoiceMelissa AndersonVillage VoiceMelissa AndersonThe definitive postcolonial cult-movie musical.
- The largely amateur cast of black performers and their producer-director may be involved in basically simple action fare in The Harder They Come, but they also leave a slightly disturbing, documentary impression of the darker side of the sunny Jamaica.
- 63Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertThe characters aren’t consistent, and Cliff eventually becomes so unbelievable that we just stop caring. The movie’s ending is an exercise in plot; its beginning and its music deserve better than that.
- 40Time OutStephen GarrettTime OutStephen GarrettBut make no mistake: As a movie, it's Mystery Science Theater 3000 bad: atrocious acting, amateurish camerawork and a hackneyed story line all make for one painful slog.