Film Review 01-The Harder They Come (1972)

1. In general, what did you like and dislike about the film?

I liked the depiction of the working class hero in this film, the way of show us how the jamaican society was unable to help young guys like Ivan. (But i'm not comfortable with how he handles his issues). Also, i've enjoyed the soundtrack, where the reggae rises as a jamaican national treasure/product, in its variety of sub-genres (slow-paced, easy-going, more dramatic tone too). And finally, i absolutely love the jamaican dialect or patois displayed in the film (you can hear it if you really want!)(film related pun hahah)

I understand that the story's intention is to show us how the main character falls into a violence path, but sometimes the film contains a lot of gratuitous violence, and the era of the film doesn't help much to hide the visual flaws in it.


2. Who is your favorite character from the film?

My favorite character was Pedro. He was and stays a loyal friend with Ivan. Even if his appearances were brief, he depicts a real rasta man, really calm and peaceful. 

3. Would you recommend this film to someone, why/why not?
Yes, i'd definitely recommend it, as a accurate experience of the reggae boom artists and the inequities and scams that the music producers did to poor boys who wanted to become famous stars as Ivan. Besides, the richness of jamaican culture and landscapes are across the movie, so its an immersive experience too.