The Harder They Come

Mentioning The Harder They Come got me to thinking about the film. It so happened that we were at the video store on Monday, and I saw it as I passed through the foreign film section, so I picked it up. It has, after all, been quite some time since I saw it last, so I wanted to see what I thought of it now.

I still like it, although it is not without faults. For instance, Ivan's situation, while all too common, is presented a little heavy handedly. It could have been a lot stronger if it were presented with a bit more complexity. I don't want to put in any spoilers, because it is a very good movie (with some very interesting shots of Jamaica), and one of the best soundtracks ever compiled, so you should rent it. One word of warning: the language is technically English, but it might take you a while to get into it, if you have not had experience with Carribean patois, especially those of lower class Kingston. It is not quite as opaque as Third World Cop, which was (poorly) subtitled, but it will make most American viewers want to sit forward and pay careful attention to fully grasp what they are saying.

I should also warn you that there are naughty bits.

Overall, however, it is a good story and a beautifully shot film.