Reggae Rhythms Hit Brighton
The 1972 Jamaican classic The Harder They Come is coming to Resident Music in Brighton, offering a unique blend of music, drama, and social commentary. This influential film tells the story of Ivanhoe "Ivan" Martin, a young singer trying to make it big in Kingston.
Dir: Perry Henzell
Cast: Jimmy Cliff, Janet Bartley, Carl Bradshaw, Ras Daniel Hartman, Basil Keane, Bob Charlton, Winston Stona, Lucia White
103 mins · 1972 · Jamaica · English
IMDb 6.9/10 · Rotten Tomatoes 91% · TMDB 6.6/10 · Trakt 72%
The Harder They Come is a film that tells the story of Ivanhoe "Ivan" Martin, an aspiring singer who arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, determined to live out his dreams on his own terms and make it as a music superstar. The film is also a story that reflects the realities of Kingston life, with an assortment of predatory preachers, mercenary record producers, corrupt cops, and miscellaneous hustlers. Directed by Perry Henzell and starring Jimmy Cliff, the film boasts a superb cast, including Desmond Dekker, The Maytals, The Melodians, and The Ethiopians.
The film is a crime drama with a runtime of 102 minutes, certified 15, and subtitled. It has received widespread critical acclaim, with scores of 6.9/10 on IMDb, 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, 6.6/10 on TMDB, and 72% on Trakt. The film's soundtrack, which features a collection of iconic reggae tracks, has been particularly praised for its influence on popular music. The Harder They Come has been described as "possibly the most influential of Jamaican films and one of the most important films from the Caribbean".
The film's reception has been generally favorable, with critics praising its hard-hitting drama and insightful social commentary. The soundtrack has been hailed as a flawless collection of reggae tracks, introducing international audiences to the genre. Viewers have also praised the film, noting its entertaining plot, solid lead performance from Jimmy Cliff, and excellent music. Some have noted that the film's production values are somewhat basic, but the strong soundtrack and engaging characterisation make up for this.
The screening of The Harder They Come will take place on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, at Resident Music in Brighton. Tickets are on sale: say tickets are with the button beside the article. This is a unique opportunity to experience a classic film that has had a lasting impact on popular music and culture. With its influential soundtrack and thought-provoking themes, The Harder They Come is a must-see for fans of reggae music and drama.
Stills
What viewers say
r96sk · 8/10
'The Harder They Come' is entertaining crime flick fare. Jimmy Cliff brings a solid lead performance and some excellent music, which is certainly this film's strongest element; the eponymous track and "Sweet And Dandy" being my personal picks. The other cast members play their respective parts well. I've not got much more to note. Good music, enjoyable plot and sturdy messaging. What else is needed? 8/10, for me.
Read on Trakt
CinemaSerf · 6/10
Firstly, a quick shout out for the new Garden Cinema in Holborn, London where I saw this recently. A small cinema, but it's great to see a new venue opening so give it a go if you are nearby. To the film, well that sees Jimmy Cliff as "Ivan" - a would-be reggae singer who manages to get himself a record deal with a fairly unscrupulous local producer. The song does OK, but he gets a pretty measly share. Frustrated - and broke - he takes to…
Read on TMDB
r96sk · 8/10
<em>'The Harder They Come'</em> is entertaining crime flick fare. Jimmy Cliff brings a solid lead performance and some excellent music, which is certainly this film's strongest element; the eponymous track and "Sweet And Dandy" being my personal picks. The other cast members play their respective parts well. I've not got much more to note. Good music, enjoyable plot and sturdy messaging. What else is needed? 8/10, for me.
Read on TMDB
Comments
Sign in to your Hidden Beach account to comment.
Loading comments…