Yardie Film

Yardie - Director - Idris Elba

The sound system as shaped not only Jamaican music but Jamaican society. It means a lot to people. It brings people together - it's a very powerful force and like any powerful force, it can and does attract good and bad people.

The first sound systems were set up in the late forties - and steadily became more and more popular over the years.

And from Jamaican with immigration to England and America, the sound system went with them as well. 

The story that Yardie tells is the story of a man and a little sound system who tried to bring people together and got killed in the process.

His little brother 'D' played by Aml Ameen - his traumatized by his elder brother's death at the sound system peace dance. 

Fast forward about ten years and 'D' is now working for a top reggae producer 'King Fox' played by Sheldon Shepherd. A violent encounter with 'D' and someone at a pressing plant - draws 'D' deeper into King Fox's business - which is drugs. 

King Fox sends him to England with a package of drugs. This brings him into contact with Rico - 'D' does not get the warmest of welcomes.

He decides not to hand the drugs over to Rico - and that sets into motion - a whole series of twists and turns.

Including linking up with the UK based Sound System 'High Noon' 

It's at this point that King Fox comes over to London - to find out what is going on.

Everything is then sorted out between Rico,

'D' , King Fox. And Clancy who killed 'D' s brother.

It sounds complex but it's not. What it is, is a great film exploring the once-close relationship between London and Kingston.

Loads of great music can be heard in the film. And not just what you would expect to hear. And that increases the connection to the film. It feels real. 

And all credit to Idris for making it so. It must have been a real struggle to get the funding for it - but the result is a film he can be proud of.