Apparently, when this film was shown in American theaters, it was shown with open captions because much of the Jamaican dialog is very difficult to follow. However, oddly, when the film has come on TV (such as on Turner Classic Movies) it had no captioning of any type and I just gave up watching it in frustration. Fortunately, the Criterion version does have captions....but you must choose them from a pulldown menu. PLEASE remember to activate the captions unless you are fluent in Jamaican Creole.

The story is apparently based, to some degree, on a real Jamaican bandit who became a folk hero of sorts. For the movie, they changed a lot of his life, updated the story to the 1970s and made him a singer/drug dealer...a definate anti-hero.

Technically speaking, "The Harder They Come" isn't much of a film. The cinematography is sketchy and the acting just fair...but it also was a HUGE hit when it debuted...earning back far more than the film cost to make. Much of this is because the movie became a fan favorite at late night theaters here in the States. When you look at this film today, it all seems very hard to understand why the film gained such traction. But as the expression goes, 'it's all in the timing'....and in 1972 the film was timed just right. After all, the combination of civit unrest in Jamaica, rebellion being on the rise in the industrilized world and the increased use of drugs all served to create a demand for this sort of story.

The first portion of the film shows Ivan (Jimmy Cliff) trying to make a go of it in life. But again and again, he finds people standing in his way, trying to keep him down. The Preacher is a hypocritical jerk, the record producers are simply thieves and the cops, well, they work forever pays them the most! And, eventually, Ivan has had enough and resorts to a life of crime...killing several people in the process. And, soon, the combination of one of his songs taking off on the radio and his anti-authoritarian crusade serve to make Ivan a local anti-hero...and soon he finds he has fans who offer to help hide him from the man. What's to eventually come of all this violence and lawlessness?

The best thing about this film is the music. While very repetitive, it's also very catchy and Cliff's singing is enjoyable. As for his acting, it's decent considering he really isn't a professional actor here. But the story itself is cheap...cheaply made and just okay. While the film was adored back in the 70s, it hasn't aged so well...it was just a different time and place and now that time and place has passed...making the film less enjoyable for newer audiences.

Jimmy Cliff comes to the city with dreams of becoming a recording star. It's a tough racket and he sells the rights to his first record for $20 -- Jamaican dollars. He falls into the ganja trade. When the authorities, at the urging of the United States, bears down, and Cliff withholds the protection money he's been paying. When the higher-ups bear down, he goes on a spree, and the notoriety puts his record on the hit parade.

It's a very good movie, except for a lot of ancillary issues. It was the first movie for Cliff, for the director, and for a Jamaican movie in the patois. It also has a fine musical score, including some hits by Cliff and his band, including the title song and "You Can Get It If You Really Want." It played internationally, and did very well; its view of Jamaica and Jamaicans remains unique to this day.

The Harder They Come is a seminal gangster film from Jamaica. It is not a very good film, being low budget with amateurish acting. Even some of the songs are recycled throughout the film.

Ska legend Jimmy Cliff plays Ivan Martin, a young singer from the country who comes to Kingston to make a name for himself. In his first day in town he is robbed, he loses his bike and he realises to survive he better toughen up fast.

He gets his bike back, he is punished by the police and he takes on the unscrupulous music mogul who exploits the artists he signs up (rather common in Jamaica at the time.)

Before long Ivan becomes an outlaw and his record becomes a big hit but the police are on to him.

The story is banal in places but the film has an infectious energy, it has attracted a cult following and is regarded for popularising reggae music to the world.

Look out for a cameo by another Ska legend Prince Buster who plays a club DJ. Ironically both Prince Buster and Jimmy Cliff became Muslim converts.