Review of The Harder They Come (1972) by Josh S — 30 Jul 2010

There is so much to say about this film. This all-Jamaican, heavily story-focused film gives us a tour of the island as well as a real interesting look at the people who inhabit it. All disguised as a crime film.

A young Jamaican named Ivan comes back home to the city from a stint in the country to tell his mother that her mother has passed on. Now with nowhere to stay, he tries to find work in order to try to record a hit record for a well-known record producer. Over the course of this search for one's destiny, Ivan slowly degenerates into an amoral and psychotic criminal, a man focused on the images from action films (particularly Django) in being invincible and able to get whatever he wants by force.

The film only really becomes violent halfway through. At first, you would think that this is a drama focused on the cultural lifestyles of Jamaica, yet over the course of the film you will notice that director Perry Henzell was making a statement about Jamaica itself. The film takes us from the slums to the city to the luxurious suburbs to the beaches where we see that crime and misfortune awaits at every turn. The character of Ivan, almost always clad in yellow represents the downfall of the Jamaican people due to crime and his tragic change in character could not have been avoided because he is merely a victim of the government's own corruption.

Reggae artist Jimmy Cliff plays Ivan, and it goes without saying he was perfect for the role. He is young, fiery and full of excitement. He also wrote most of the songs performed on the soundtrack, being that music plays a large part in Jamaican culture. His character is very interesting and Henzell captures Ivan's emotions through many close ups and flashback montages that help us delve into Ivan's psyche and somewhat associate with him...or at least tell what he is thinking.

Many would argue that such a tactic is not granting the audience a chance to figure out for themselves what comes next. Normally I would argue this case, but being that this film falls into the exploitation film genre, I deem these shots necessary as they bring authenticity to the film itself. Also, it is a highly independent film, no real Hollywood connection, as stated earlier: All-Jamaican.

The language is one of the best parts, however, subtitles may be needed for most viewers. The English is spoken in heavy patois and is highly accented and quick. Without this little detail, the film would be nothing.

Along with a great script full of cool dialogue and character emotion, the camera work is stellar. Many sun-filled shots give us the feel of the Jamaican heat, and Ivan's yellow wardrobe always makes him shine brighter than the rest of the characters. But Henzell's need to show us more than just the beaches of Jamaica give this film a much respected authenticity.

Finally, in reference to how great this film was, I can sadly say it was overshadowed a mere eleven years later by a very similar (and highly overrated) film: Scarface. Sure The Harder They Come is a Jamaican take on the classic gangster film, yet the initial story is highly similar to that of Scarface's, only instead of a Cuban immigrant in America, you have a local causing all the trouble, and it always seems to come at a high cost, it is hardly an enjoyable experience for the wicked.

A very good cornerstone in exploitation cinema.