The late Perry Henzell’s 1973 homage to his Jamaican homeland now looks less a cult movie than a milestone in world cinema. Its storyline is simple – a country boy corrupted by city life – but allows Henzell to paint a vivid portrait of Jamaica in all its beauty, squalor, exuberance and desperation. The result is a blend of Thirties gangster flick and ganja western, propelled by a boss soundtrack and an immaculate lead performance by Jimmy Cliff. NEIL SPENCER
The late Perry Henzell’s 1973 homage to his Jamaican homeland now looks less a cult movie than a milestone in world cinema. Its storyline is simple – a country boy corrupted by city life – but allows Henzell to paint a vivid portrait of Jamaica in all its beauty, squalor, exuberance and desperation.
The result is a blend of Thirties gangster flick and ganja western, propelled by a boss soundtrack and an immaculate lead performance by Jimmy Cliff.
NEIL SPENCER