Watch The Harder They Come

The Harder They Come is a classic film from 1972 that is widely regarded as a defining piece of Jamaican cinema. It tells the story of Ivanhoe Martin (played by Jimmy Cliff), a young musician who dreams of making it big in the music industry. However, the harsh realities of life in Jamaica soon force him to take drastic measures in his pursuit of success.

The film opens with Ivanhoe leaving his rural hometown for the bright lights of Kingston, where he hopes to make a name for himself as a singer. Upon arrival, he is quickly disappointed by the realities of life in the big city. He struggles to make ends meet and is constantly cheated and mistreated by those around him. He gets a job working on a construction site but is paid unfairly and eventually quits.

Desperate for money, Ivanhoe turns to a life of crime, becoming a drug dealer and enforcer for a local gangster. He finds himself in over his head, leading to a series of violent confrontations with rival gangs and the police. The movie takes a darker turn as Ivanhoe becomes a fugitive on the run, with law enforcement hot on his heels.

Throughout the film, the soundtrack shines as a vibrant and integral part of the story. The reggae music of Jamaica is interwoven into the fabric of the movie, with Jimmy Cliff's character frequently performing and showcasing the artistry and passion of this beloved musical genre. Other legendary reggae artists, such as Toots and the Maytals, also provide music for the film.

One of the most powerful aspects of the movie is the way it shows the struggles and hardships faced by ordinary people living in Jamaica. It highlights the poverty, violence, and corruption that were pervasive in the country at the time, shedding light on issues that were often ignored by the mainstream media.

The Harder They Come was a groundbreaking film in many ways. It was one of the first movies to showcase reggae music to a global audience, helping to popularize the genre around the world. It was also one of the first films to be made entirely in Jamaica, featuring an almost entirely Jamaican cast and crew.

The movie has become an iconic piece of cinema, inspiring countless filmmakers and musicians over the years. It has been praised for its searing portrayal of poverty, corruption, and violence, and for its use of reggae music as a powerful tool of social commentary.

Overall, The Harder They Come is a must-see film for anyone interested in Jamaican culture, reggae music, or powerful storytelling. It is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

The Harder They Come is a 1972 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.