The Harder They Come (1972)'s comments

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Siskoid

Here I thought The Harder They Come was, from the poster and the fact that it was referenced in Dolemite Is My Name, a blaxploitation film. It does have a crime plot, but no; it's inclusion in the Dolemite biopic is probably more an acknowledgement of inspiration, since its story of fame-seeking is similar. Every poor country must have its piece of neorealism and this is Jamaica's, and it reminded me quite a lot of Manila in the Claws of Light (Philippines) which I saw recently. In that one too, a young man comes to the big city to better his situation, but finds only hardship, poverty and injustice. In Ivan's case, he tries to make a go of a music career, but the system is rigged and at the midpoint, it becomes a Bonnie and Clyde story, sans Bonnie, and somewhat less interesting to me. Regardless, the film has a real sense of place, vivacious editing, a clever way of filming things it doesn't have the money to film, and a great reggae soundtrack.

4 years 3 months ago

Nine99

Great soundtrack.

13 years 1 month ago

Nopros

You can get it if you really want!

11 years 3 months ago

Duval Spit

Great soundtrack, highly quotable, and an amazing blend of realism and fantasy.

DVD NOTE:
The Criterion Collection version has more/better subtitles than the Dol version, but the Dol version somewhat surprisingly has better picture and sound than the Criterion Collection.

12 years 9 months ago

Torgo

Thank God for subtitles.

1 year 9 months ago

Dieguito

Bad movie, great soundtrack!

11 years 1 month ago