The Harder They Come (1972)

Rockers Review

1. How does the main character, Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace, compare to the other main characters (Ivan Martin and Derrick Thompson) in the first two films we saw? Leroy had a point of view that sometimes reminded me of Derrick and other times to Ivan, his personality was kind of a mix between those two. He wanted justice but was problematic in his search for it, he ignored his family struggles meanwhile acting the 'hero', i guess i didnt like him much.
2. Did you like or dislike the film? Why/Why Not? Kind of, the photography was nice but the plot was not. The protagonist was selfish but i guess i cant blame him for wanting nice stuff, and i get the point of wanting to show the poverty and the longing of a better lifestyle.
Also, the music was really good, i enjoyed it a lot even when i don't usually listen to reggae.
3. In conclusion to our Jamaican film unit, which was your favorite film of all 3? Why? Even though all of the movies contributed to my vision of the Jamaican society and their film industry, i can easily choose Ghett'a Life as my favorite one, its characters have a charisma that makes me wanna get to know them more, as i said in the past review the mother of Derrick was just cool, she just said how she felt and took a stand for her opinions and actions even when it could mean her death. I could empathize with the characters and their quest, they made me feel hopeful for how things would eventually end, maybe i was in an emotional place were i just needed a happy ending... Meanwhile in The Harder They Come, i couldn't relate nor empathize with the protagonist, even with the realism of the poverty and the representation of Jamaican society, the whole film had clearly been made with a misogynist point of view.