directed by Stephanie Black
USA 2001

Director Stephanie Black's documentary, Life and Debt, explores the economic and political fallout of globalization in Jamaica. With newsreel clips and current interviews, including extensive discussion with former Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley, we are able to follow the whirlpool of financial debt that results when the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank seemingly prohibit 3rd world countries from finding a prosperous outlet by utilizing their own workforce and natural resources. Once they are in this spiral of debt they will never recover. Jamaica is seen as a tourist hot spot for many, beautiful sandy beaches with warm weather and gorgeous scenery.... but this film shows the other side of the coin with introspection on their failed dairy and banana industry and influx of corporate business such as McDonalds and Burger King. What is left is a heartfelt look at a dieing country with a population left with few alternatives.  out of  

Gary W. Tooze

Theatrical Release: April 22nd, 2001 - Los Angeles Film Festival

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DVD Review: New Yorker -  Region 1 - NTSC

Comments:

This is a good DVD from New Yorker. Vibrant colors and a fairly tight anamorphic picture. The sound was clear and acceptable with some decent reggae music played as an adjunct. It has some valuable extras including a commentary from the director and an extension of the interview with former Prime Minter Manley. One complaint - I would have liked to see some subtitles as the Jamaican accent was kind of difficult to follow all the time. New Yorker put some real effort into this and it shows. out of               Gary W. Tooze

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