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The Harder They Come

Name: The Harder They Come
Director: Perry Henzell
Released: 1972
Duration: 103 min

Representation Score

4.0/10

Limited

1972

Director

Perry Henzell

Runtime

103 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Harder They Come is a groundbreaking film in post-colonial storytelling. By focusing on the Jamaican experience and Black ability to act, it challenges Western cinematic conventions and offers a nuanced critique of systemic oppression. While the film excels in racial and cultural authenticity, it falls short in exploring LGBTQ+ and non-straight-centered identities. The narrative adheres to traditional gender roles and lacks diverse representation. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its portrayal of systemic corruption and post-colonial struggles, presenting the protagonist's descent as a logical response to corrupt institutions.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Harder They Come have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. The story focuses solely on the protagonist's heterosexual romance.

How does The Harder They Come portray gender?

Fair

Gender roles adhere to traditional patterns, with the male protagonist driving the plot. The female lead provides emotional support but follows a conventional role.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Harder They Come?

Excellent

This film stands out for its authentic representation of Black, Jamaican characters. It features a predominantly Black cast with full narrative control, challenging historical exclusion through Jimmy Cliff's performance.

How does The Harder They Come represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story critiques predatory capitalist and colonial systems. It portrays the music industry and police as exploitative entities within the Kingston context.

Does The Harder They Come include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no significant portrayals of physical or cognitive disabilities that affect the narrative.

Present on Screen

Authentic representation of Black ability to act and Jamaican identity.
Critique of predatory capitalist and colonial power structures.
Sophisticated portrayal of systemic corruption and post-colonial struggles.

Limited or Absent

Lack of LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight character arcs.
Adherence to traditional gender roles and conventional female character types.

Official Synopsis

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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