Search - Ras Ivi and the Family of Rastafari, Sizzla, Anthony B :: Life & Debt

Good, solid reminder of the film's message

aramie | Louisville, KY | 06/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw "Life & Debt" (documentary about effects of globilization specific to Jamaican life and culture) and thought the music was excellent. It was not merely there as background comfort, but really lent itself to the message of the film. The tracks hold lots of meaning for me having seen the film already, yet seeing the film is not necessary to dig the music. The "Life and Debt" by Matubaruka is a personal fave., as is Buju
Banton's "Circumstances". For those interested in the issues of globalization, World Bank, etc., the proceeds from the soundtrack go to URGE (non-profit org. founded by Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers. Solid reggae recording with an excellent purpose; also I think it is useful for spreading the message about globalization issues without preaching. I've had friends ask "what does he [Mutabaruka] mean by 'American farmers get the upper hand'?" and I go "well, it's like this....""

Excellent, unbiased, factual. Puts a face on the 'why'.

Claudine | Ocho Rios, Jamaica | 03/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Where did these overgrown vegetables come from?

Grapes? American Apples? What are they doing in the Jamaican marketplace? Why would a lush country as Jamaica import potatos, onions, carrots from the USA?



I saw the effects of the WTO on Jamaica from pre-teen to now my young adult years, but I never really understood all the why's. All Jamaicans and peoples affected or unnafected by the World Trade Organisation should watch. I watched it with a friend from India and he was amazed - as this agri-colonialism is what India is currently fighting in the WTO. I especially liked the commentary from the Rastafarian/Biblical points of view. And of course, the soundtrack is great - Buju B goes accapella!"

A SEQUEL WOULD BE WELCOMED!

Roy Wilson | USA | 10/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
I have viewed this interesting documentary, three times since 2001.



It is looking at the conditions of poverty and desperation inflicted on poor countries, such as Jamaica, by the agenda and policies of international agencies such as the International monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.



At first, I found the documentary overdramatic--propaganda filled. In my opinion then, it did not adequately address the issue of the true nature of neo-liberalism ('globalization') in poor countries.



After reexamining the documentary, I concluded that the 'dramatization' may be necessary to convey the message effectively to people far removed from the scene of "Third World" poverty.



I am also wondering if the creators of "Life and Debt" have looked into the role of the local middle class in the perpetuation of the social and economic issues illustrated in the film.



Who are the local beneficiaries of IMF policies in the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and Asia?



Perhaps, the local representatives of imperialism--rightwing and "Left-lites"--the lumpen-bourgeoisie!



Historically, members of this class worked to resist meaningful change coming from the people.



They work through their media and institutions to direct discontent and popular demands into the opportunistic arms of the main political parties, ensuring that the status quo of inequality from which their privileges spring, is not disrupted.



In fact, these political parties have ruled since independence, with a firm hand, using the police force brutally, with impunity against the people.



A sequel to "Life and Debt" would be welcomed, if it examines debt and poverty in the third world from a more historical and critical perspective.



"Life and Debt" is still a great documentary. I recommend it highly!



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