Rockers - Film

Rockers - Director - 1978

Theodoros Bafaloukos:            Starring Leroy 'Horsemouth' Wallace

'The Harder They Come' set a very high standard when it comes to films. It is much more than a reggae film. You could take the reggae out of the film, and it would still be a great film. 

Although it is a reggae film, and it was made in Jamaica and it was the first. 

Most reggae people wondered if anyone could ever come close again. That's how good it is.

In 1978 the second film from Jamaica was released - and it is another great work.! Just like 'Harder' the plot is simple but makes sense. It's all set in the ghetto with a remarkable selection of reggae artists in actors roles.

The Star is 'Horsie' Leroy Horsemouth Wallace. A fantastic drummer worked with all the greats - and worked on Burning Spear's 'Marcus Garvey' album. Burning Spear is in the film and sings a song from the album in a very moving part of the film. 

The producer of that album Jack Ruby is also in the film. Jack is playing his sound system Jack Ruby Hi Power when Leroy turns up with a tune he wants him to play. Jack starts to play the tune. And then the Police turn up. Somewhere during this raid - Leroy loses his brand new motorbike.

In the process of looking for the motorbike, Leroy discovers it's being stored in a warehouse by a local mafia boss.

Leroy along with a whole heap of supers - including Gregory Isaacs, Earl Sixteen, Jacob Miller, Robbie Shakespeare, Theo Beckford, Leroy Smart and Big Youth then decide that it's time for a 'Redistribution Of Wealth' Jamaican style!!!

Not only do they clean out the warehouse, they also clean out the home of the Mafia Boss.

All this is set to many many great tunes from Burning Spear, Gregory Isaacs, Bunny Wailers and Peter Tosh. The soundtrack also features music from Augustus Pablo 

Pablo was originally going to create a soundtrack for the entire film, but even what survives - is classic Pablo. It's a truly truly great film. 

If anyone wants to know what reggae music is all about just say watch 'The Harder They Come' and 'Rockers'!!!