This is rightfully regarded as a cult classic. It's a pretty unique movie on account of its setting. In fact, the geographical backdrop is one of the very best things about this one. It takes a raw look at life in poverty in Jamaica, with its story of a would-be singer who arrives in Kingston from the countryside. He soon gets involved in criminal behaviour after being ripped off by the local record company boss and becomes a folk hero off the back of these activities plus the popularity of his record 'The Harder They Come'.
Jimmy Cliff stars in this one as the central character Ivan and he is excellent in the role. Particularly impressive given that he isn't a trained actor at all. There is a real authenticity to his performance. In fact all the characters here have a gritty realness to them, with the Jamaican setting on the whole presented in a nuts and bolts no nonsense manner that gives the film a highly authentic feel. It's this very unglamorised, truthful presentation that gives this film its edge for me. Additionally, this was the film that seriously increased the popularity of reggae out-with Jamaica. Aside from the superb title song there is 'You Can Really Get It If You Want It' as well as a handful of others by various other stars of the genre. The story is pretty simple but this straightforward narrative is used as a means of saying a lot of truthful things. The result is a highly distinctive genre film, with great flavour.
NB: despite being English language, this one will require English subtitles for most people on account of the very heavy Jamaican patois used by many of the characters.
Jimmy Cliff stars in this one as the central character Ivan and he is excellent in the role. Particularly impressive given that he isn't a trained actor at all. There is a real authenticity to his performance. In fact all the characters here have a gritty realness to them, with the Jamaican setting on the whole presented in a nuts and bolts no nonsense manner that gives the film a highly authentic feel. It's this very unglamorised, truthful presentation that gives this film its edge for me. Additionally, this was the film that seriously increased the popularity of reggae out-with Jamaica. Aside from the superb title song there is 'You Can Really Get It If You Want It' as well as a handful of others by various other stars of the genre. The story is pretty simple but this straightforward narrative is used as a means of saying a lot of truthful things. The result is a highly distinctive genre film, with great flavour.
NB: despite being English language, this one will require English subtitles for most people on account of the very heavy Jamaican patois used by many of the characters.