I was priveledged enough to watch the first feature film to come out of Jamaica, the 1973 classic The Harder They Come, starring the real-life and real-amazing Jamaican singer Jimmy Cliff. The film revolves around Ivanhoe Martin (Cliff) who comes to Kingston from the country and tries to basically make his way in a modern world. After trying to adapt and finding that things aren’t as simple or fair as he thought, Ivan is drawn into the ganga trade. What ensues in the movie is an honest critique of the society of poverty that exists in Jamaica and an unapologetic story of how hard times coupled with ambition can really fuck with your head. Oh yeah, the soundtrack is fucking dope. Do yourself a favor, find this movie, roll a spliff, watch it then get the soundtrack.
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Jimmy Cliff – The Harder They Come (The Harder They Come Soundtrack)
Jimmy Cliff – You Can Get It If You Really Want (The Harder They Come Soundtrack)
Jimmy Cliff – Sitting In Limbo (The Harder They Come Soundtrack)
2 responses so far ↓
Ninoy Brown // January 25, 2007 at 7:33 am |
classic movie and soundtrack. jimmy cliff’s has one of the silkiest voices in reggae.
and if you havent seen it yet, i’d check out “rockers”, an interesting movie depicting rasta culture and tenement living, as well as the corrupt music business in jamaica. peep the soundtrack too.
btw, nice look on the new blog. i’ll make sure to change up your link on my page.
Reggae Fan // December 13, 2007 at 4:47 pm |
This movie is great. I first saw it in high school and it has been one of my favorites since.