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The Harder They Come

R 1972 Crime, Drama, Music · 1h 43m
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Ivanhoe Martin arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, looking for work and, after some initial struggles, lands a recording contract as a reggae singer. He records his first song, "The Harder They Come," but after a bitter dispute with a manipulative producer named Hilton, soon finds himself resorting to petty crime in order to pay the bills. He deals marijuana, kills some abusive cops and earns local folk hero status. Meanwhile, his record is topping the charts.

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About The Harder They Come

Ivanhoe Martin, a young man, journeys to Kingston seeking opportunity, only to find himself entangled in a web of exploitation and crime. After initially struggling to find work, he secures a recording contract and releases the hit reggae song, The Harder They Come. A conflict with the producer Hilton leads Ivanhoe down a path of petty crime, including dealing marijuana, turning him into an outlaw. As he evades abusive cops and gains notoriety as a local folk hero, his record soars to the top of the charts, creating a paradoxical situation where his fame grows with his criminal status.

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Cast and Characters

Directed by Perry Henzell, The Harder They Come features a stellar cast led by Jimmy Cliff as Ivanhoe Martin, the aspiring singer who becomes a notorious outlaw. Janet Bartley plays Elsa, a woman who provides Ivanhoe with both comfort and moral guidance. Carl Bradshaw portrays Jose, a cunning associate of Ivanhoe. Ras Daniel Hartman appears as Pedro, a Rastafarian farmer. Basil Keane is Preacher, a character that tries to help Ivanhoe. Bob Charlton plays Hilton, the manipulative record producer who exploits Ivanhoe's talent.

What people like about The Harder They Come

Critics and audiences alike have praised The Harder They Come for its realistic portrayal of Jamaican life, its groundbreaking use of reggae music, and Jimmy Cliff's captivating performance. Many highlight the film's raw energy and its unflinching look at social inequality. The soundtrack is consistently lauded as one of the greatest in film history.

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Movie Score

66%

Released

September 1, 1972

Director

Perry Henzell

Cast

Jimmy Cliff, Janet Bartley, Carl Bradshaw, Ras Daniel Hartman, Basil Keane, Bob Charlton

Genre

Crime, Drama, Music

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