Sunday, June 1, 2014

Movie of the Month: The Harder They Come

While the summer always brings on many speakers blasting reggae music, one of the biggest modules for that genre to be brought to the masses, especially in America was the 1972 film, The Harder They Come, staring the one and only Jimmy Cliff. The film, a crime-drama, follows Cliff's character as he goes from drug dealer to recording star in Jamaica. While it is regarded as one of the most important films to come from the Caribbean, the film's soundtrack may be more famous than the movie itself and propelled Cliff into an international star thanks to his performance and the singles, "The Harder They Come" and "You Can Get It If You Really Want." The Harder They Come is a fantastic film that shows both the beauty and brutal sides of Jamaica and the business of the music industry outside of America or England. Still after all of these years, the film stands the test of time and captivates fans, old and new, who watch it. While it is summer everyday in Jamaica, this is a fantastic seasonal film that will make you want to hit the beach and beyond.