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The Harder They Come 15 rating

The cult classic, acknowledged as the catalyst for the popularisation of reggae in the US, sees Jimmy Cliff traversing the underbelly of Jamaican shanty-town life.

Drama 1972 103 mins

Director: Perry Henzell

CC

Overview

The cult classic acknowledged as the catalyst for the popularisation of reggae in the US, and the vehicle that propelled Jimmy Cliff to stardom, balancing violence, humour and timeless grooves in equal measure as its story traverses the underbelly of Jamaican shanty-town life.

The Harder They Come was Perry Henzell's first feature and he wouldn't make a follow-up for over 30 years, while screenwriter Trevor Rhone came third in a 2007 BFI poll of 100 Black Screen Icons.

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