Watch Countryman
- R
- 1982
- 1 hr 42 min
-
6.6 (615)
Countryman is a 1982 action-adventure film directed by Dickie Jobson and starring the eponymous Countryman, as well as Hiram Keller and Carl Bradshaw. The film tells the story of Countryman, a mystical Rastafarian farmer living on a remote Jamaican beach, who becomes embroiled in a political conspiracy involving the CIA, the Jamaican government, and local drug lords.
The film begins with stunning aerial shots of the Jamaican coastline, accompanied by a reggae-infused score. We are then introduced to Countryman, a man of few words who spends his days fishing, smoking ganja, and playing his bamboo flute. The tranquility of his existence is soon interrupted by the arrival of two American tourists, a father and daughter, who become stranded on the beach after their sailboat sinks. Countryman takes them in and teaches them about Rastafarianism and the ways of the land.
Meanwhile, in the nearby city of Kingston, a revolutionary group known as the People's Freedom Party is gaining traction among the oppressed masses. The group's charismatic leader, Power, is a former police officer who was forced to flee the country after uncovering corruption within the police force. Power's aim is to overthrow the corrupt government and establish a socialist utopia.
The CIA, who have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, dispatch a team of operatives to Jamaica to sabotage the People's Freedom Party. The team includes a ruthless agent named Bates and a local informant named Willy.
Countryman's idyllic existence is shattered when a group of armed men arrive on the beach, looking for Power. Countryman knows Power well and decides to help him evade capture. This puts him at odds with Willy, who has been tasked with tracking down Power. The two engage in a cat-and-mouse game along the coast, which culminates in a tense standoff on a cliff top.
As the political situation in Kingston heats up, Countryman finds himself caught in the crossfire. He is abducted by Bates and subjected to interrogation, which includes various forms of torture. Countryman, who has a deep connection to the earth and all living things, manages to escape and takes refuge in the mountains. From there he plots his revenge against the CIA and the Jamaican government.
The film features a number of thrilling action set pieces, including a high-speed chase through the streets of Kingston and a shootout in a junkyard. There are also moments of quiet beauty, such as a scene where Countryman performs a traditional dance on the beach.
One of the film's most striking features is its use of music. The score, which features original compositions and classic reggae tracks, is an integral part of the film's DNA. The music serves to immerse the viewer in the joy and pain of Jamaican culture.
Overall, Countryman is a unique and timeless film that blends elements of action, adventure, and spirituality. It is a celebration of Jamaican culture and a condemnation of the forces that seek to exploit and oppress it. With its memorable characters, stunning visuals, and infectious soundtrack, Countryman is a film that is sure to resonate with audiences for generations to come.