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The Harder They Come

The Harder They Come (1972)

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 1
Fresh: 0 | Rotten: 1

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Average Rating: 3.9/5
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Movie Info

Reggae star Jimmy Cliff is the principal reason that The Harder They Come was one of the first truly successful films to come out of Jamaica. Cliff plays Ivan, a young would-be singer who finds the going rough when he hits the big city of Kingston. Jailed for participating in a knife fight, Ivan is exploited by a dishonest record-company executive upon his release. Turning his back on the establishment, Ivan becomes involved in the marijuana trade. He keeps the police at arm's length by offering

R, 1 hr. 45 min.

Drama, Classics

Perry Henzell, Trevor Rhone

Jan 14, 2002

New Video Group

Cast

Critic Reviews for The Harder They Come

All Critics (21) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (14) | Rotten (2) | DVD (13)

Perry Henzell's 1972 rugged reggae crime story--loosely based on a '40s-era Jamaican folk hero/criminal--plays like a musically-inspired docudrama of the raw social reality of the impoverished island nation in the '70s.

April 7, 2010 Full Review Source: ColeSmithey.com | Comment
Cole Smithey
ColeSmithey.com

Packed with indelible images and potent subtexts (and great songs), this isn't just another bridge between Godard and MTV.

August 20, 2009 Full Review Source: City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul | Comment
Rob Nelson
City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul Source: City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul

OK story, fabulous music by Jimmy Cliff

July 11, 2007 Comment
Lori Hoffman
Atlantic City Weekly Source: Atlantic City Weekly

Entertaining if not incredibly professional.

October 12, 2003 Full Review Source: Goatdog's Movies | Comment
Michael W. Phillips, Jr.
Goatdog's Movies Source: Goatdog's Movies
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Audience Reviews for The Harder They Come

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A must see for anyone interested in Reggae music. A totally authentic look at Kingston in the early 1970's.

October 30, 2011
Graham Jones
Graham Jones

Super Reviewer

It makes up in talent what it lacks in budget. Amazing songs, feeling of sheer authenticity, social commentary and gripping guerrilla filmmaking

October 12, 2010
pier007
Pierluigi Puccini

Super Reviewer

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Latest News for The Harder They Come

April 12, 2011:
The Harder They Come Will Come Again
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