'Better mus' come' no ordinary experience

Kymarly Booth, Gleaner Writer

Better Mus' Come enters into the hybrid realism of film, heightened by the gripping imagery of emotions and the heavy tones of the average Jamaican living in the inner city from 1970-1978.

Its timing is a reflection of the loud echoes of Jamaican politics and its avid followers, whose very nature of patriotism and tribalism is no different from which is seen today.

But Better Mus' Come is probably not what most audiences would expect from the Jamaican film fraternity; the truth is, despite the range of storylines which could have been used to create the Jamaica Film Society's first film in 40 years, it was this story that had, had to have been presented.

One that tells the story of Jamaica in the spirit of the '70s - a period dominated by the fears of socialist influences that was as a result of the polarisation of Jamaica during the Cold War.

One man stands as leader among his friends, his family and his lover, yet stands alone in his quest in his struggle to find 'better' - a better life, better nation and a chance to become a better man.

Set in an arena filled with narrow escapes, the film is punctuated by well-known political underpinnings and warfare that appealed to the audiences' sentimental memories, stories and experiences of that compelling piece of political history.

The film is an illustration of the fight - mentally and spiritually - that taunts the souls of the 'ordinary' Jamaican living in the ghetto.

Storm Saulter's handsome directorship is a clear representation of mastering the medium, creating a film that exposed not just Jamaica but the rest of the world into the minds and hearts of the people who suffered the most during that period, by narrating their story.

The creative brilliance of the film stemmed from Saulter's own vision - but no greater gratitude could be paid to the production team headed by Paul Bucknor himself, whose management of the film created the avenue for the film's very existence.

Better Mus' Come is not a film that should be seen, but a film that has to be seen; made by Jamaicans reviving the facts in favour of the 1970s era of struggle and survival.

Better Mus' Come has already hit cinemas islandwide. Saturday Life encourages all to experience the film everyone is talking about!

Have you watched Betta Mus Come as yet? Email comments about the movie to saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com.