Life and Debt

Having neither a degree in economics nor political science, I cannot refute any of the arguments put forth in this searing indictment of the devastating impact of globalization on Jamaica (think: International Monetary Fund), but I can attest to the undeniably persuasive images and voices in Stephanie Black's hard-hitting 2001 documentary. Like the fictional film, The Harder They Come, Black's exposé offers a revealing glimpse into the backyards of paradise--a world away from the posh resorts frequented by tourists--with commentary by writer Jamaica Kincaid dramatically underscoring the visuals contrasting the two Jamaicas. At one point, Kincaid remarks that a dilapidated building blithely passed by a tourist bus could be mistaken for an outhouse, but is in fact a school (the film seems contemptuous of tourists, who nevertheless represent one of the debt-ridden country's main revenue sources). Life and Debt's most telling moments, however, come during interviews with those who have had the most to lose from globalization, including factory workers and farmers whose livelihoods have been nearly wiped out. "When you sit down to eat your delicious meal," narrator Belinda Becker coolly relates, "it's better you don't know that most of what you are eating came off a ship from Miami." Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director Stephanie Black, 17 minutes of additional footage from Michael Manley's interview (with a text intro), a six-minute stills montage on the international anti-globalization movement, the music video “Mr. Heartless” by Anthony B., soundtrack info (with three accessible excerpts), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an eye-opening doc.] (K. Lee Benson)