The Harder They Come (1972) Review in 2025
The Harder They Come is a 1972 Jamaican crime drama film that follows the story of Ivanhoe Martin, a young musician who turns to a life of crime after his music career fails.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to mature themes, violence, and strong language.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and music, but be warned that it contains mature themes, violence, and strong language.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film's protagonist, Ivanhoe Martin, played by Jimmy Cliff, becomes involved in a life of crime after his music career fails, leading to a series of events that ultimately result in his downfall.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a strong narrative that explores the themes of poverty, crime, and the music industry.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, particularly Jimmy Cliff, who delivers a standout performance as Ivanhoe Martin.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, particularly Ivanhoe Martin, who is portrayed by Jimmy Cliff as a complex and nuanced character.
direction9.00/10
The direction by Perry Henzell is excellent, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the story and its themes.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is good, with a mix of vibrant colors and gritty realism that captures the spirit of 1970s Jamaica.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Harder They Come is a classic film that explores the themes of poverty, crime, and the music industry in a unique and engaging way. The film features excellent direction, cinematography, and acting, particularly from Jimmy Cliff.
Cons
The film's pacing can be slow at times, and some viewers may find the mature themes and violence off-putting.
Notable Quotes
"Ivanhoe Martin: 'I'm gonna make it big, I'm gonna make it happen.'"
"Ivanhoe Martin: 'I'm not a fool, I'm a musician.'"
