The Harder They Come

A film review by Christopher Null - Copyright © 2003 Filmcritic.com

As a piece of Jamaicana, the Jimmy Cliff-starrer The Harder They Come owns a unique place in cinematic history. The film, which introduced America to the sounds of reggae, is a cult classic among Cliff fans. As a movie, sadly, it's pretty poor -- a mismash of urban warfare and Rasta opera -- as Cliff travels to Kingston to try to make it as a musician but ends up thwarted and, naturally, turns to Jamaica's biggest stereotype: Selling pot. Made on a low low budget, director Perry Henzell spent what money he had on all the wrong things, though Cliff's music is of course a standout.

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Rating

2.5 out of 5 Stars

Cast and Crew

  • Director: Perry Henzell
  • Producer: Perry Henzell
  • Screenwriter: Perry Henzell, Trevor D. Rhone
  • Stars: Jimmy Cliff, Janet Barkley, Carl Bradshaw, Ras Daniel Hartman, Basil Keane, Bob Charlton
  • MPAA Rating: NR