Countryman (Dickie Jobson) [DVD]

One certainly wouldn't recommend this film for the plotline or, indeed for the acting, which is almost universally comically bad. This is a document of a place in time, Jamaica in the late seventies, politics, nature and culture all portrayed with stunning realism.The story follows 'Countryman' a simple rastafarian fisherman who rescues an American couple when their light plane crashes in a remote swamp. Facing an election, and with public opinion swinging against them, the government seizes on the incident as an opportunity to make political capital by portraying them as CIA agents smuggling weapons to opposition supporters. Somewhat oblivious to the politics, Countryman hides them and helps them escape their army pursuers.One might think the plot had been lifted straight out of 'Tarzan' if it weren't such a faithful reflection of the climate of political intrigue and violence that characterized the bloody struggle between the JLP and the PNP in late seventies Jamaica. In fact the involvement of the CIA, publicly denied by Kissinger at the time, has since been confirmed on the record by retired CIA operatives.Countryman (credited as 'himself') is superb, injecting some depth to his part which is conspicuously lacking among the other actors. However, it is the scenery and (some ghastly supernatural effects apart) the production that are the real stars. The atmosphere of rural Jamaica is caught as faithfully here as urban life is in 'The Harder They Come' and anyone who loves the country couldn't help but be deeply moved.The soundtrack too is awesome, right up there with THTC as one of the ultimate documents of authentic Jamaican reggae.So, cineasts need not apply. For lovers of Jamaica, five stars all the way. Irie.

This film is a Jamaican classic that is relatively unknown outside of the west indian community. It centres around the island of Jamaica's natural mystic 'countryman' a man who lives a simple life completely in tune with nature and his attempts to save two americans which the authorities wish to use as scapegoats in a political war. Set to a wonderful reggae soundtrack this movie is a very enjoyable adventure which is just as enjoyable today as it was back in 1983.Discover your new favourite movie today.

rare type of film where the beauty of the simple life excels - Countryman is an exceptional person and the film is about himself - the story line is unimportant as the film portrays his simple life as art - don't worry about plot "but see how Countryman runs", a superb athlete, deep thinker and rasta - also meet obeah man Sadu Baba - love JamaicaAlso included is a short extra - interview with director Dickie Jobson / Chris Blackwell, and Michael Thomas from Rolling Stone mag.

Bim

Bought for my partner as he is Jaimican, but has lived in England for quite a few years, and therefore found this film very good and reminded him of what it was like when he was back in Jamaica. His son found it so good he wanted to keep it and I have to buy another one!!

Love the movie. Totally disappointed in the 4:3 aspect ratio considering that it was filmed in widescreen format. I would have enjoyed it more but this version doesn't do it justice. If there's a widescreen version I would buy it because that's what I thought I would be getting, besides, who uses a 4:3 screen in 2020. As it is, this was a complete waste of my time and money, hence just 2 stars. Great movie but a regrettable purchase.

I have owned this film on VHS since it first came out and bought this for the DVD quality. Shame it didn't deliver. The video looks like it has been captured from a VHS tape and in places has interference from an external source. Sound is fine. The subtitles aren't all the way through the film and only shown when somebody is speaking with a strong accent. For the hard of hearing this would be a problem. The special features contains interview with some of the crew from the film and Countryman himself. Well worth getting for just that if you are a fan of the film.

Love the music and the film

No clue. Was for a friend.

This is a great film. I loved it when it came out in the early 80's and it's still great today. If you like reggae you will enjoy the soundtrack. It broke my heart to read of Countryman's death last year . . .we were the same age. It depicts the culture and politics of Jamaica in those days with a fantasy adventure and the classic battle between good and evil. Countryman's personality as the Rasta super-hero and the music are what make it a classic.

Je ne sait pas si il est bien, est arrivé en parfait état, l'ai offert en cadeau, celui qui l'a reçu en était très content.

Countryman is no ordinary man. He is a man of the sea and a man of knowledge. He lives a peaceful live in effortless harmony with everything that lives and breathes. It is a wonderful story... a tale of modern adventure and ancient magic. You can see how "Babylon-System" works and even though the movie is almost 30 years old the system still remains the same. But good will conquer evil. The elements and Jah guidance protect I&I. The beautiful soundtrack features classic Reggae songs from Bob Marley, Steel Pulse, Lee Perry and many more. This movie is a must for all Jamaica fans... it is magic.

Great!