Rockers - 25th Anniversary Edition

Starring:Various Artists
Studio: Music Video Dist.
Product Type: DVD

Product Description

ROCKERS - 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION (DVD MOVIE)

Amazon.com

Writer-director Theodoros Bafaloukos responded to Jamaica's siren call all the way over in Greece and came to the island to make this 1977 movie about a band of Rasta men/Robin Hoods getting their own back at the expense of those perennial bloodsuckers, the "uptown top rankings," as men of money and position are called in Jamaica. The reggae star-studded cast is undoubtedly the movie's most rewarding feature, though some reggae fans have objected to the demeaning sight of the incomparable late singer Jacob Miller threatening a friend with a knife over a purloined chicken leg or the equally great singer Gregory Isaacs exacting chump change for unlocking a tourist's rental car. However, these and other great reggae figures are also seen here in full and glorious performance at their peak. In fact, this film provides our only extended visual record of Miller's kinetic performance style and one of the best pieces of footage on Isaacs. Although Rockers doesn't approach the multilayered complexity of The Harder They Come and it does betray a little superiority now and then to its characters, there are plenty of laughs as well as insights into life at the time for Jamaica's growing Rastafarian movement. Drummer Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace makes an unlikely though quintessentially Jamaican leading man as he moves between wooing the rich man's virginal daughter and making pit stops at the shack he shares with his wife and children. His band of accomplices is priceless, and the scene in which each struts in his own "stylee" to Peter Tosh's "Stepping Razor" is alone worth the price. --Elena Oumano

Customer Reviews:

A must see.......2007-06-09

When I first watched this film I found it to be a unique movie that is really enjoyable. It is filled with allot of Jamaican roots music It has a Rastafarian glossary, english subtitle and great proformances by some of Jamaica's favorite artists including the late and very talented Jacob Miller who passed on in 1980. I feel this movie is a must see for those who love reggae music.

Great Film.......2007-06-06

Rockers is a film about music, struggle, family, friends, and religion. The musical influence in this culture plays a vital role in the lives of the characters. Faith and reality seem to act as crutch or support in the day to day experience in which they live. An uplifting film filled with music and heart, a must see.

Loved It!.......2007-02-04

This is my first time seeing the movie. I was introduced to the movie by a friend. I had recently seen "The Harder They Come" and liked it. This movie which was supposed to be a documentary was loosely based on "The Bicycle Thief" a movie done by the late Vittoria DiSica. The reggae artist played themselves not only as musicians but as Rastafarians.
This DVD explains the Rastafarian culture in Jamaica and how it relates to the movie. The Rastas do not embrace the establishment--capitalism, consumerism, and the police. Speaking of police, the police are an instrument enforced by the government to suppress the people and it did show when they were trying to prevent Horseman and his friend from playing dub at a club that was playing American funk music. The club owner didn't find it necessary to have them tear down the door to let him in. The clubgoers warmed up to the music.
This movie shows how expressive and powerful music is and government feels threatened by the words because they speak the truth. If anyone wants to know about the Rastafarian culture this is a good movie to start with. But it is also an entertaining movie because they are robbing from the rich to give to the poor.

African Movie Cult Fav.......2006-03-20

I thought the old school rasta independant movie was sooo cool. Livin in the states we have no idea how real people live in Jamrock. The soundtrack is bangin as well.

Peace
Lola

Loved it!.......2005-09-11

I loved Rockers. Authentically captures the magic of Rasta and the Reggae scene at its heyday. Great acting, delighful and chaotic Jamaican dialogue, and well filmed. The musical performances are just awesome, especially the hauntingly beautiful acapella version of Jah No Dead by a young Burning Spear.
The patois glossary in the extras is fun if a bit cheesy, and although the interview with the director is a bit slow it is still interesting for its insight into the Jamaican music scene at the time.
This film is a one of a kind and very satisfying for lovers of Reggae, Rasta and Jamaica.

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