Ghett'a Life Review^^

GHETT'A LIFE (2011) REVIEW

1.Who was your favorite character/s from the film? Why?

Unlike in my last review i liked most of the characters in this movie, though i have a soft spot for Gully Rat i will say that the one i liked the most was Dawn Thompson, she is cool. And I think the way she expressed herself was very admirable, she didn't apologize for what she felt or said even when everyone was against her. She did what she did 'cause she loved her son and it was her choice.

2. How do we see the political conflict portrayed in the film? Remember to use to use the article Michael Manley's Vision to help you.

The film is very clear in its portrayal of the severity of the political violence in Jamaica, and the danger it meant to go outside daily. We can see it reflected in Derrick's family thats from the PNP party, and how their lifes are constantly threatened when they go against the wishes of the Don, like the murder of Derricks brother for seeing a woman from the other party (JLP).

Theres also the lost of faith in the changes that politics can achieve, evident in how the characters display constant wishes of freedom as they feel trapped by the corruption and poverty.

3. How are women portrayed in this film? Is it a little or big advancement compared to The Harder They Come?

The characters, in general, are more complex in this film than in The Harder They Come, and the acting quality is also better, nevertheless, if we consider the age gap 1971-2011 its natural that the production improves.

About the women in the film, its still quite stereotypical in the sense of what they want, Camella doesn't have ambitions and even if we consider her only a supporting character she still lacks compared to other male secondary characters like her grandfather (the coach) who does express his ambitions and purposes in his role.

There's also the thing with the male gaze used in the camera, for example during the fight we can see these unnecessary shots of women carrying the signs while men whistle at them. Also when Big Toe tries to get the number of one of the Dons subordinates and they start "choosing" a woman he would give his number to, the camera also acts within a male gaze, picking the body.

What i do want to highlight about this films portraying of women is how now we can hear their actual thoughts, like Camella who got angry at Derrick, now their feelings are valid. Or Dawn, she wasn't only a subjected mother, she made her own choices even if it meant going against her husbands and the Don wishes, she was determined to put her own life at risk if it meant helping her son.