Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Jamaica...a place where the sun always shines and the beaches boast spectacular blue water and fine sand. We go there to celebrate our honeymoons or to escape from the drudgery of everyday life. This is what Jamaica is when we visit Jamaica as a tourist, but is there more to Jamaica than meets the casual eye? This movie boldly digs below the surface.

"Life and Debt" is a documentary by Stephanie Black that explores the troubles that plague the country of Jamaica. It shows us what it is like to live in Jamaica, not merely visit it. It begins by showing the economic problems that rose immediately after Jamaica's independence from England. On it's own, Jamaica lacked the resources to properly sustain herself. The film explores how institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have a large effect on Jamaica's economy, and economies of developing countries in general. Find out why the policies of the IMF hurt developing countries and why it is almost impossible for them to change those policies.

Think capitalism is the greatest system to ever exist? Watch this movie and find out how by using their wealth, countries like America are gaining more wealth at the expense of developing countries. Whether it is milk, potatoes, meat, or bananas, Jamaicans can't even sell their own domestic products without being outcompeted by richer countries. What does this make Jamaica? Just another country that serves as a market for goods from highly-developed countries and a source of cheap labor. "Life and Debt" takes you into the ironically-named "free zones", where Jamaican workers earn a pitiful wage working under horrible conditions. And doing what? Churning out products for American companies. Is there hope for change? Not if the people in charge can help it. They ban labor unions and keep a close lookout for any collaboration among workers.

One of the best things about this film is the fact that it features speakers that are natives of Jamaica, instead of a cast made up of entirely white scholarly analysts. You get the real story, straight from the source. "Life and Debt" also features a great reggae soundtrack featuring music from big names such as Bob Marley and Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers.

I say that the movie is for people 12 years of age or over, not because of any violence or sex, but because I simply think someone under 12 would not care too much for a film like this. Action, special effects, and suspense ratings are not applicable to this film.

Recommended: Yes

Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12