The Harder They Come Review

1. In general, what did you like and dislike about the film?

I really like the story from the film. I love antihero stories and this one is no exception. For me, Ivan Martin is a representation of Jamaica trying to find its place in the world (the film was made only 10 years after independence form Great Britain). I also love the music from the film and as mention before, with this film Jamaica introduced reggae music to the world and this really was the first Jamaican film even before there really was an industry. Something else that is really fantastic about this film is that it has a denouncement of social injustice in Jamaica.

One thing that I don't like about the film is the lack of female main characters. Although, I understand that it is a film from the 70's, that doesn't mean that they could have been better and have had more female protagonism.   Other than that, I think that it is a great film and the most important Jamaican film.


2. Who is your favorite character from the film?

I have to say that my favorite character is Ivan Martin. This isn't because I really sympathize with me, but because I think he is such a strong and amazing antihero. I mean, he is a country boy that goes to city to find a better life because capitalism says that if you work hard, you will be rich, and so he tries to have an honest job, but he doesn't make enough money to buy food. So, he starts selling ganja to have enough money and starts a life of crime. He is also a great singer.


3. Would you recommend this film to someone, why/why not?

Obviously I would recommend this film because I used it in this course hahaha. But yes, I do recommend this film because not only it's a classic, but also because it's the first Jamaican film and has a historical importance. Also, since many people are fans of reggae music, they would certainly enjoy this film. In the past, I have used this film in English courses and students do enjoy and it is also a good way to hear other types of English.


4. How does this film contribute to postcolonial identity?

One way is that this film used Jamaican Patois throughout most of the film instead of using only standard English. This is important because it is showing Jamaica for how it really is and also it is important to remember that Henzell used mostly non-professional actors and actresses to make this film and instead used common Jamaican people to show the real Jamaican masses. Another important aspect are the aesthetics. Showing the red, black, and green flag of Black Power is no coincidence and neither is the commercial on the radio to straighten curly hair. The director includes these to show the new Jamaican identity that was being created and to show how European colonialism was still present.