In 1972, director-writer Perry Henzell released his Jamaican crime flick “The Harder They Come” with singer-songwriter Jimmy Cliff — then, a burgeoning reggae star — as its anti-hero lead actor. For his menacing cinematic debut, Cliff provided the lion’s share of the film’s riveting soundtrack, with lilting songs such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and the movie’s title tune.
Both the soundtrack and film (the latter released in the United States in 1973) became sensations. “The Harder They Come” brought island culture to the world beyond the Caribbean, and helped popularize reggae in the Americas. Along with his anthemic title song becoming an instant classic, Cliff’s “Many Rivers to Cross” was subsequently covered by Linda Ronstadt, John Lennon and Annie Lennox, among other artists. Along with being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, the Library of Congress deemed Cliff’s “The Harder They Come...
Both the soundtrack and film (the latter released in the United States in 1973) became sensations. “The Harder They Come” brought island culture to the world beyond the Caribbean, and helped popularize reggae in the Americas. Along with his anthemic title song becoming an instant classic, Cliff’s “Many Rivers to Cross” was subsequently covered by Linda Ronstadt, John Lennon and Annie Lennox, among other artists. Along with being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, the Library of Congress deemed Cliff’s “The Harder They Come...
- 3/20/2023
- by A.D. Amorosi
- Variety Film + TV
The musical impact of The Harder They Come, Perry Henzell’s 1972 film about an aspiring reggae singer who becomes an outlaw and anti-hero, can’t be understated. At the time, few outside of Jamaica had ever heard of the likes of Bob Marley, but The Harder They Come — starring Jimmy Cliff — introduced a global audience to the rhythms of the country. In 2020, it was included in the Library of Congress’ National Registry, and its Cliff-dominated soundtrack, an essential reggae collection in and of itself, was ranked 174 on Rs’ Top 500 Albums of All Time.
- 12/14/2022
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
Today's Indie Beat comes in the form of the North American release date for Ghett'a Life, which just so happens to be Jamaica's highest grossing box office hit.
Here at Cinelinx we like to talk about all aspects of filmmaking and movie news. To that end, we now have Indie Beat where we'll highlight some of the latest news, trailers, and PR releases from the indie filmmaker scene. So if you're an independent filmmaker and want some coverage on our site, be sure to drop us a line at jordan@cinelinx.com. Now, let's get onto the news!
Jamaica’s highest grossing box office hit Ghett'a Life which enjoyed a 26 screen UK theatrical release in 2012 will be released on DVD and VOD in North America in 2013.
World sales agent Jinga Films has struck a deal with Mvd to release the physical DVD on February 19th with Gravitas Ventures exploiting digital rights soon after.
Here at Cinelinx we like to talk about all aspects of filmmaking and movie news. To that end, we now have Indie Beat where we'll highlight some of the latest news, trailers, and PR releases from the indie filmmaker scene. So if you're an independent filmmaker and want some coverage on our site, be sure to drop us a line at jordan@cinelinx.com. Now, let's get onto the news!
Jamaica’s highest grossing box office hit Ghett'a Life which enjoyed a 26 screen UK theatrical release in 2012 will be released on DVD and VOD in North America in 2013.
World sales agent Jinga Films has struck a deal with Mvd to release the physical DVD on February 19th with Gravitas Ventures exploiting digital rights soon after.
- 1/4/2013
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Jordan Maison)
- Cinelinx
Variety is reporting the 1972 Jamaican classic “The Harder They Come” will be remade the production companies of United Kingdom-base Xingu Films, Canada-based Conquering Lion and with producer Justine Henzell (“Ghett’a Life,” “No Place Like Home”). The original film was written and directed by Henzells father Perry Henzell. Conquering Lion’s producer Damon D’Oliveira described the remake as “a re-imagining that will move to contemporary reggae and reggae-influenced grooves. “Next year is the 50th anniversary of Jamaica and the 40th anniversary of the original film, so the timing is perfect,” said D’Oliveira to Variety. “’The Harder They Come’ was the first film to bring the real Jamaica to the world, and that spirit informs this new version.” The original film starred Jimmy Cliff, Janet Bartley and Carl Bradshaw. Its plot involved a Reggae singer pushing his singing career in the city, but finds it harder than he thought.
- 4/12/2011
- LRMonline.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.