Ghett'a Life Review

Ghett'a Life is a 2011 movie by the director Chris Browne

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

I think my favourite character is Dawn Thompson. I like her because I think she represents well how many women may feel in this world and the things they have to do in it to live their lives.  She is portrayed as an actual person and not just a fictional character, also I like the fact that even if she's trying to be a good mother or help someone or whatever thing she does, she does not forget herself. She is constantly showing her independence and that she doesn't depend on anyone. 

2. How does the film compare to the other Jamaican films from the 70s? (Besides visual effects, think about the plot and character development).

I think that the 3 movies that we saw had a very strong connecting ideas. I loved how they portrayed Jamaica because they remind me a lot of Chile itself. I don't know why but I really like low budget films! Maybe it's because they might preserve the essence of the people they are trying to represent. 

A difference from this film compared to the other two we saw (The harder they come & Rockers) that I think got into my head the most was the representation of the female characters. I don't think that in the other movies there were a lot of time for the actresses on screen, and even if this wasn't a huge change from that at least they showed a more empowered woman (for the standards). Of course I understand that it is very difficult to find a jamaican movie from those years with a leading or at least an important female character, maybe that is why I appreciate this about this particular movie. Besides I like that they showed a little more of other characters and not only the main one. 

3. How are woman portrayed in this film? Is it a little or big advancement compared to the films from the 1970's?

I think I might have respond this question in the answer before but now I will get a little bit more critical. Even tho there was one strong female character, al of the other still correspond to the model that we would expect. Women, as always, are sexualized and as far as the movie went you could see that it was full of stereotypes. I can't really say I'm surprised because like I said before, for a Jamaican movie from the 70's we can't expect to find films with a more feminist view that easily, But I think it is truthful that the movie portrayed them like that because that is how society sees women.