576. The Harder They Come

The Harder They Come
1973
Directed by Perry Henzell

I fully expected to dislike this movie, since we have been stuck with so many bores lately.  However, I was pleasantly surprised by this film and once again, the Book helps me discover another gem I never would have found otherwise.

Jimmy Cliff stars as a poor Jamaican man named Ivanhoe Martin who dreams of making it big as a reggae singer.  He is able to get a song produced, but is only paid $20.  In order to make money, he starts to deal marijuana.  Just as you start to write this off as another disillusionment of a dreamer story, Ivanhoe gets a little knife happy.  And a lot gun happy.

The soundtrack of this film is absolutely fantastic; I was smiling as soon as the first song started playing.   I wish I could comment more on the last scene, but I have a no spoiler rule.  All I will say is the main character is pretty fascinating; he honestly sees himself as a hero.

Worth checking out just to see people dance to reggae music.  It's about as awkward as one would expect.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

First Jamaican feature film.

The language in this movie is Jamaican Patois, which can be understood somewhat by English speakers.