Review of Rockers (2003) by Alice A — 04 Aug 2009

Rockers is a documentary turned full-length feature starring just about every International Reggae Star who was around in the 1970's; It's sad to think just how many of the people featured have suffered premature deaths. A pearl beyond price for the real reggae fan, 'Rockers' covers an astonishing amount of all that remains so vital about the 70s roots and culture scene.

Don't expect much in the way of plot. Do expect the film to stop every 15 minutes or so for a musical number - that's its most appealing factor: the incessant, and downright catchy, continuous backbeat of some top class reggae, and a fascinating insight into Jamaican life too. Violence is confined to moments of righteous defiance, swearing sparingly employed only for comedy or emphasis, all convincingly acted by the close family of musical geniuses that peppered the island.

With a magnificent soundtrack it provides a snapshot of where Jamaican music was heading before the plague of cocaine hit. A little rough around the edges, but anyone with a love of Reggae should watch this, so turn up the bass and enjoy. Utterly charming.