In 1978 the reggae culture in Jamaica was just reaching its peak. Several legendary artists were beginning to find their voice, and the people of Jamaica found themselves amid a whole new kind of music. This was the playground and growing-up era for artists like Robbie Shakespeare, Inner Circle and Peter Tosh. Anyone with even a remote interest in music began to pay attention.
"Rockers" was the brainchild of writer/director Ted Bafaloukos, and initially he meant for the film to be a documentary about the struggle for musicians to succeed in the Reggae genre. Several Jamaican artists agreed to be the subjects of the film. Through organic drama that erupted during the filming process, "Rockers" turned into a genuine docudrama. With the added elements of local talent, use of the Patois language and a Jamaican gangster presence, the movie is definitely authentic.
The story begins with drummer Horsemouth and his friend Dirty Harry jamming out a few tunes in an effort to make a living. Soon Horsemouth comes up with the idea to record and distribute records to surrounding shops in Kingston. He purchases a flashy new motorcycle to aid in his deliveries, but it is soon stolen by members of the local mafia. The film goes on to document Horsemouth stealing his motorcycle back from the mafia, which ends up getting him a beating. After swearing revenge on the gangsters, Horsemouth and his friends carry out a successful plan for justice.
This first taste of the storyline sounds like a good beginning to a novel, despite the fact that everything is real. It was meant to be a documentary, so there is no script and no official cast. The so-called gangsters are really genuine gangsters, and the beating Horsemouth endures is real. Insights into Jamaican culture are also authentic, and ultimately a great way to understand the class struggle that took place during the 1970's. Rastafari beliefs and family life are well documented, and although it is now more than forty years later, many of those qualities linger.
"Rockers" is not just for Reggae enthusiasts, it is for anyone with the slightest interest in Jamaica. Unbeknownst to most, director Ted Bafaloukos has a long professional history in art photography. Thankfully that background makes a deep impression on the film. The beautiful natural elements of Jamaica come through on the screen with vivid color and richness. Sit down, poor a drink and take in the wild and wonderful world that is Reggae in Jamaica.
"Rockers" was the brainchild of writer/director Ted Bafaloukos, and initially he meant for the film to be a documentary about the struggle for musicians to succeed in the Reggae genre. Several Jamaican artists agreed to be the subjects of the film. Through organic drama that erupted during the filming process, "Rockers" turned into a genuine docudrama. With the added elements of local talent, use of the Patois language and a Jamaican gangster presence, the movie is definitely authentic.
The story begins with drummer Horsemouth and his friend Dirty Harry jamming out a few tunes in an effort to make a living. Soon Horsemouth comes up with the idea to record and distribute records to surrounding shops in Kingston. He purchases a flashy new motorcycle to aid in his deliveries, but it is soon stolen by members of the local mafia. The film goes on to document Horsemouth stealing his motorcycle back from the mafia, which ends up getting him a beating. After swearing revenge on the gangsters, Horsemouth and his friends carry out a successful plan for justice.
This first taste of the storyline sounds like a good beginning to a novel, despite the fact that everything is real. It was meant to be a documentary, so there is no script and no official cast. The so-called gangsters are really genuine gangsters, and the beating Horsemouth endures is real. Insights into Jamaican culture are also authentic, and ultimately a great way to understand the class struggle that took place during the 1970's. Rastafari beliefs and family life are well documented, and although it is now more than forty years later, many of those qualities linger.
"Rockers" is not just for Reggae enthusiasts, it is for anyone with the slightest interest in Jamaica. Unbeknownst to most, director Ted Bafaloukos has a long professional history in art photography. Thankfully that background makes a deep impression on the film. The beautiful natural elements of Jamaica come through on the screen with vivid color and richness. Sit down, poor a drink and take in the wild and wonderful world that is Reggae in Jamaica.
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