A small piece of Afro-Caribbean retro heaven, complete with selective subtitles for the Creole impaired, comes via this cautionary Jamaican tale about a musician on the make in the big city. Pre-Marley reggae idol Jimmy Cliff plays the antihero Ivan, first shafted by the music industry before winding up as a ganja delivery boy who asks too many questions landing him in hot water with the local corrupt police Chief. A long-standing cult favourite on the midnight screening circuit, it feels a bit worn around the edges, yet Perry Henzells energetic direction of a well written story gives the film an angry momentum. Best of all though is the rollicking bubble gum reggae soundtrack.
The Harder They Come Review
A poor Jamaican, a 1970s anti-hero, tries to make it with a hit record but finds that payola rules.
Release Date:
01 Jan 1972
Running Time:
120 minutes
Certificate:
15
Original Title:
Harder They Come, The
A Jamaican classic with an awesome OST.
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