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Plot: Reggae music serves as both soundtrack and plot element in THE HARDER THEY COME, a groundbreaking classic starring music legend Jimmy Cliff. Such hits as "You Can Get It If You Really Want," "Many Riv...( read more read more... )ers to Cross," and "Sitting in Limbo," punctuate the film's action, introducing reggae and its Jamaican roots to a worldwide audience. Here, Cliff plays Ivan Martin, a poor country boy who goes to the city to make money, becoming a street rebel and a pop idol overnight. In Kingston, Ivan finds nothing but corruption. The record company offers him a mere $20 to release his single, "The Harder They Come." Ivan takes to the streets, where he is ensnared by crime. After brutally knifing a man, he serves a prison sentence. Once free, he supports himself by selling marijuana, protecting himself from legal persecution by giving the cops a cut. But that doesn't keep him from getting mixed up in a police raid. Ivan quickly develops a reputation as a Kingston criminal, and when his single "The Harder They Come" is finally released, it fuels his bad-boy notoriety, culminating in a tragic conclusion. Perry Henzel's 1973 film has become a cult classic and was an important factor in bringing reggae music to the fore. The movie served as a device for promoting Cliff's album and bringing him visibility as a primary Jamaican artist, on a par with Bob Marley.

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Recent Reviews

  • 5.0 Stars
    MCT:
    April 12, 2008
    Groundbreaking Jamaican classic film from the early 1970's that has become a cult classic in its own right and made Reggae icon Jimmy Cliff a international superstar. The soundtrack to this film is vintage wine and it is timeless,
  • 4.5 Stars
    MCT:
    March 14, 2008
    Great films are born of substance, not budget. The Harder They Come is a perfect example. Because of an obviously low budget, everything here-- from the acting to the cinematography to the story itself-- is so raw and honest, it feels like a documentary and only lends to the overall product. The soundtrack is also great.
  • 3.0 Stars
    MCT:
    March 2, 2008
    It was interesting to see a side of Jamaica's underworld that's commonly left unseen, but this film is alow moving otherwise.
  • 4.0 Stars
    MCT:
    January 11, 2008
    groundbreaking jamaican gangster film that introduced reggae to the world. jimmy cliff plays rude boy ivan who moves to the city and becomes an outlaw and folk hero. based on a true story, this film was a sensation in the 70's. extra half star for the awesome soundtrack. and thank god for subtitles!
  • 4.0 Stars
    MCT:
    July 26, 2007
    The acting is suspect at points, and the filmmaking has some quirks compared to Hollywood productions, but it's still the ultimate reggae film ever made.
  • 3.0 Stars
    MCT:
    June 23, 2007
    The acting may not be great (or even ok) but the story's so true & the soundtrack's an all-time classic! V enjoyable
  • 4.5 Stars
    MCT:
    May 25, 2007
    This "midnight flick" tells of the journey of a good man into a corrupt world searching for purpose and identity. The film is one of the first to have an honest portrayal of life in Jamaica. The music is great + it tells the story on its own.
  • 4.0 Stars
    MCT:
    February 26, 2007
    The Harder They Come is a 1972 Jamaican crime film directed by Perry Henzell. It stars reggae singer Jimmy Cliff, who plays Ivanhoe Martin, a character based on Rhygin, a real life Jamaican criminal who achieved fame in the 1940s.
  • 5.0 Stars
    MCT:
    December 13, 2006
    Talk about a classic Reggae movie this is definitely in that category..The story line is good, the setting is wonderful and of course the music is top rated Reggae....
  • 4.0 Stars
    MCT:
    November 14, 2006
    One of the best soundtracks of all time. If u dig reggae music check this cult classic out. While on the surface it seems like just another blaxplotation film underneath it deals with political and social issues while giving u an earfull of great tunes. A must see for all movie and music buffs.
  • 3.5 Stars
    MCT:
    October 18, 2006
    It plays like a mix between Scarface and City of God, with a bit of blacksploitation thrown in. The lead character starts out with nothing, and tries to gain things honestly before turning to crime, and becoming an even bigger success. A cult film, that takes place in Jamaica, it's easy to believe you can watch this more and more, and like it more. The reggae soundtrack is also very nicely done. For a movie from the 70s like this, the camera work is also very nice, and so are the characters involved. A cool groove of a movie.
  • 4.5 Stars
    MCT:
    September 10, 2006
    One of my favorites; but don't pass it off as just another Blaxploitation yarn- it's much more than that and has THE movie soundtrack. Jimmy Cliff is a great screen presence.
  • 4.0 Stars
    MCT:
    August 12, 2006
    Great :) The soundtrack is amazing. Watch it. You'll get use to the jamiacan accents, and figure out how wonderful it is.
  • 4.0 Stars
    MCT:
    August 2, 2006
    the movie that brought reggae into the spotlight. jimmy cliff sings, fights and shoots his way through this classic.
  • 4.0 Stars
    MCT:
    June 19, 2006
    "Yes Man! Bumba clot!" This reminds me very much of the Philippines - - corruption, cultural colonialism, the vicious cycle of poverty. It's a very good anti-government propaganda film.

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Details

  • Rated: (R)
  • Directed by: Perry Henzell
  • Genres: Classics
  • Released: December 31, 1973
  • DVD Released: January 14, 2002

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