LOCAL audiences should be drawn to Storm Saulter's feature film debut, Better Mus Come for quite a few reasons.

Firstly, Jamaicans enjoy seeing themselves on screen. There are stories of a near riot on opening for the classic, The Harder They Come, back in 1972, as eager fans tried to catch a glimpse of Jimmy Cliff and his fellow castmates on screen. Other local flicks including Cool Runnings, Dancehall Queen and Third World Cop have drawn similar reactions from audiences here. There is something about being able to relate to the characters on screen. For this reason only, there shouldn't be any empty seats at the cinemas in the coming days.

Better Mus' Come is a gritty tale set against the backdrop of 1970's Jamaica and the circumstances which could have possibly led to the infamous Green Bay Massacre.

Saulter's cinematic interpretation of this period in Jamaica's history will offer Jamaicans too young to know an insight into the politics, lifestyle and everyday existence of residents of a Kingston inner-city community. For those around at the time, Better Mus' Come is that graphic reminder of what was.

The story centres around Ricky (Sheldon Shepherd), a young 'leader' in his community who is fighting against forces, both external and within, as he seeks to eek out a better life for himself and those around him, including his young son.

Throw into the mix a lethal combination of party politics, poverty, drugs, the battle for turf, a spiralling crime rate, food shortages, and what you have is a high-octane concoction that is certain to explode. And explode it does.

At another level, part of the film's appeal will come from Saulter's multi-tiered delivery. Better Mus' Come is drama, action, comedy, has romantic elements and can also be viewed as a documentary -- set against the 1978 incident in which five young men were reportedly killed by the armed forces after being lured to the Green Bay area in St Catherine in search of jobs.

Director Saulter, who is also the scriptwriter, chose a young fresh cast to breathe life into his first feature length film. Lead actor Shepherd, is most known for his work as a poet and stage actor. He brings an intensity to his character, undoubtedly gained from his work in theatre. His ability to morph from the fearless gun-toting leader, into the firm yet doting dad and the passionate lover, all in one film, is testament to his range and depth.

Mention must also be made of the oft comedic efforts of Everaldo Creary as shortman. His moments of screen are sure to elicit laughter from audiences. Newcomer Ricardo Orgill who plays Flames, must be the find of this film. Raw and edgy, he brings a sensibility to the character that may have been contrived had a seasoned actor been used for the role.

The film offers an international flair in Hollywood actor Roger Guenever Smith's moments as the Jamaican prime minister. Model Nicole Grey gets her feet wet on screen giving a credible as Ricky's love interest, Kemala.

Better Mus' Come is well worth the long wait for a good Jamaican film. Though not perfect, it will hold its own when pitted against and compared to other local flicks, either those made in Jamaica or made by Jamaicans.

Young director Storm Saulter notes that he hopes Jamaicans well accept his work, giving it the push not just to become a great Jamaican film, but a great independent film.

Source:http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/Entertainment/Latest-Jamaican-film-opens-today_8050966