The Harder They Come (1972)
A revolutionary and ground-breaking film about music and the underbelly of Jamaican life, Perry Henzell’s cult classic and influential reggae movie starring singer Jimmy Cliff is powered by one of the most infectious scores in cinema history.
Ivan (Cliff), a renegade songwriter from the boondocks of Jamaica, journeys to the big city looking for fame and fortune but only finds reality. Compelled to become an outlaw after a local music producer refuses to play his record, Ivan achieves such notoriety while on the run from the police that eventually the producer can’t resist airing his music after all.
The film that put reggae on the map with its iconic soundtrack, and Jamaica’s very first feature-length film, remains exciting and fresh with politics that are still vital.
Dir. Perry Henzell, Jamaica 1972, 109 mins. With Jimmy Cliff, Janet Bartley, Carl Bardshaw.
Certificate 15
The Harder They Come is showing as part of a season of films accompanying our exhibition Reggae Bridport.
Dates & Tickets
| Date | Time | Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 21 August, 2025 | 7:30pm | Buy Tickets |
Reviews
★★★★★
This crime drama of a headstrong singer shooting for his chance of success is as raw and energetic as its reggae soundtrack... It’s a movie with Arthur Penn’s Bonnie and Clyde in its DNA, as well as Sergio Corbucci’s spaghetti western Django.