Jamaica is truly a wild and wonderful place; full of intrigue, magic, rich culture and a stunning tropical environment. The long and dramatic history of the island nation plays a large part in its characteristics today. When European colonialists came upon the island that is now Jamaica, they not only settled it, they populated it. Thousands of African slaves were brought to Jamaica, causing an eventual amalgamation of stories, language and spiritual beliefs. The film "Countryman" offers a theatrical insight into many of those qualities, all within the confines of an action crime movie.
The story begins with two Americans crashing their airplane into a remote and jungle-filled area of Jamaica. An eccentric young fisherman witnesses the accident and quickly acts to rescue the foreigners. The Jamaican native calls himself Countryman, and proves to have an exceedingly positive outlook on life. It is soon revealed that one of the occupants of the plane is a CIA agent and was in the processing of smuggling guns into Jamaica. Of course this lands the whole group into a load of trouble with the local military authorities, and sets in motion a set of events worthy of an action film.
Yet "Countryman" is not just a crime story, it is a view into the Rastafarian lifestyle and Jamaican traditions in general. Most of the crew and cast are locals, adding an authentic edge to the film both in appearance and sound. Jamaican actors speak with a thick accent or in Patois, thus some versions contain subtitles. Additionally, the soundtrack bears a heavy Bob Marley influence.
While the film may have been funded with American money, it does portray certain aspects of Jamaican culture in ways most people do not see. For example, the dreaded Obeah Man is consulted for help by the Americans rescued from the plane. Countryman knows the dangers of the ancient sorcerer Obeah, but the Americans don't head his advice and proceed anyway.
Reviews of the film draw criticism for its campy style, but that is such a classic part of Jamaican film. Stepping away from typical American film styles, "Countryman" should be viewed in its own right as raw look at Jamaican culture. The amusing yet intriguing look at politics and policing in the country, along with Rastafarian traditions and music is wonderful. The sterile setting of a resort is set aside for a more realistic story that will end up drawing the viewer in even more.
The story begins with two Americans crashing their airplane into a remote and jungle-filled area of Jamaica. An eccentric young fisherman witnesses the accident and quickly acts to rescue the foreigners. The Jamaican native calls himself Countryman, and proves to have an exceedingly positive outlook on life. It is soon revealed that one of the occupants of the plane is a CIA agent and was in the processing of smuggling guns into Jamaica. Of course this lands the whole group into a load of trouble with the local military authorities, and sets in motion a set of events worthy of an action film.
Yet "Countryman" is not just a crime story, it is a view into the Rastafarian lifestyle and Jamaican traditions in general. Most of the crew and cast are locals, adding an authentic edge to the film both in appearance and sound. Jamaican actors speak with a thick accent or in Patois, thus some versions contain subtitles. Additionally, the soundtrack bears a heavy Bob Marley influence.
While the film may have been funded with American money, it does portray certain aspects of Jamaican culture in ways most people do not see. For example, the dreaded Obeah Man is consulted for help by the Americans rescued from the plane. Countryman knows the dangers of the ancient sorcerer Obeah, but the Americans don't head his advice and proceed anyway.
Reviews of the film draw criticism for its campy style, but that is such a classic part of Jamaican film. Stepping away from typical American film styles, "Countryman" should be viewed in its own right as raw look at Jamaican culture. The amusing yet intriguing look at politics and policing in the country, along with Rastafarian traditions and music is wonderful. The sterile setting of a resort is set aside for a more realistic story that will end up drawing the viewer in even more.
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