Yardie
Yardie

Yardie

2018Movie101 minEnglish

Jamaica, 1973. When a young boy witnesses his brother’s assassination, a powerful Don gives him a home. But 10 years later, when he’s sent to London, his past catches up to him.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes70%
Metacritic60/100
Google Users75%
Director: Idris ElbaGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

In 1970s Kingston, Jamaica, a young man named D (Aml Ameen) witnesses his brother's murder, an event that sends him on a path of violence and retaliation. He later moves to London, still haunted by his past and entangled in the drug trade. D finds himself caught between his desire for a better life and the violent underworld he belongs to, ultimately confronting the man responsible for his brother's death.

Critical Reception

Yardie received a mixed to positive reception from critics. While many praised Idris Elba's directorial debut for its stylish visuals, atmosphere, and a strong central performance from Aml Ameen, some found the narrative to be somewhat uneven and predictable. The film was recognized for its exploration of Jamaican culture and the immigrant experience.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its vibrant visual style and atmospheric depiction of London's Caribbean community.
  • Aml Ameen's performance as D is a standout, carrying the emotional weight of the film.
  • Some critics found the plot to be derivative of other crime dramas, lacking a truly original edge.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the film's stylish direction, compelling lead performance, and authentic portrayal of Jamaican culture and the challenges faced by immigrants. While some found the story engaging, a few felt it was predictable.

Fun Fact

Idris Elba's directorial debut, Yardie, is based on the novel of the same name by Victor Headley, which was a cult classic in the 1990s.

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TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Brought up in an almost tribally violent Kingston in the 1970s, the young "D" (Antwayne Eccleston) is witness to the brutal murder of his brother "Jerry" but luckily adopted by the local kingpin "Fox" (Sheldon Shepherd) who ends up sending ...
Stephen Campbell

Stephen Campbell

**_Offers little to get your teeth into_** >_Studio One selection after Studio One selection. The selector had the dancers where he wanted them, begging for more. Nobody who understood the history and roots of reggae could resist any rec...