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66% Critic Match
The Harder They Come
“With a Piece in His Hand He Takes on the Man!”
6.6 / 10• 1972• 1h 43m•R• English
CrimeDramaMusic
Storyline
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.
Cast & Crew
Jimmy Cliff
Ivanhoe "Ivan" Martin
LeadJB
Janet Bartley
Elsa
CB
Carl Bradshaw
Jose
RD
Ras Daniel Hartman
Pedro
BK
Basil Keane
Preacher
BC
Bob Charlton
Hilton
WS
Winston Stona
Detective Ray Jones
LW
Lucia White
Mother
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Perry Henzell's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. The Harder They Come is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
