Ghett'a Life Review

1.-  Who was your favorite character (s) from the film? Why?

One of my favorite characters from the film is by far Dawn Thompson, Derrick's mother. I think that everyone has a soft spot for characters like her, a really brave woman that fights for his son dreams. The way that she stands up against his husband to let their son become a fighter, even though she knew the consequences that he might get, she still supported him until the end. Through the entire movie she showed herself as a strong, independent woman combating the sexism an patriarchy that surrounded her.

Manuel (the Coach) was one of my favorite characters too, because I liked how he taught not only about boxing, but also about "life", if that is the correct word. He showed the guys to work and learn together and like a team, no matter what the political differences. He also had to convince himself at the first point, because he had to see beyond the politics to perceive Derrick's talent.

2.- How do we see the political conflict portrayed in the film?

Since the beginning of the movie we can deduce the political conflict. The tense atmosphere between Derrick's neighborhood (Peoples National Party) against the one that the gym guys lived (Jamaican Labour Party). In the whole movie  we could observe Don Sin and Gully Rat fighting because of their parties and the political battle.

3.-  How are woman portrayed in this film? Is it a little or a big advancement compared to The Harder They Come?

Compared to The Harder They Come, I think that there is a big advancement on how woman are portrayed. One of the main characters was Dawn Thompson, and they lay out her as a very strong woman, that didn't take anyone's bullshit and constantly defended his son, letting know his opinion. In The Harder They Come she couldn't do that.

Nevertheless, there is still a lack of woman characters and development. All the main character were male, and there is still a stereotype of what women can do. Be a good mother, like Dawn, or a good granddaughter/loved one like Camella. If there wasn't that connection, she would get like two or three lines.