The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry (2008) movie backdrop
The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry (2008) movie poster
200895 minDocumentary, Music
Audience VerdictAVERAGE

The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry

The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 6.5/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Documentary, Music genre.

Is The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies.

It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

6.510 votes
95Minutes
2008Release Year
Visual Story
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The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry Review

Last updated: January 11, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 2008, The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on The Upsetter tells the fascinating story of Lee Scratch Perry a visionary musician and artist from poor rural Jamaica who journeyed to the big city of Kingston in the late 1950’s with dreams of making it in the burgeoning record industry. Under the direction of Ethan Higbee, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Lee Perry. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.

🎥 Technical Mastery & Style

From a technical standpoint, The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.

🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context

Beyond the narrative, The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry resonates with current cultural themes in the Documentary space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.

📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info

As of early 2026, The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry is available for streaming on Philo. It is also featured on platforms like Night Flight Plus and OVID. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.

📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown

The plot of The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry centers on a unique premise within the Documentary landscape. The Upsetter tells the fascinating story of Lee Scratch Perry a visionary musician and artist from poor rural Jamaica who journeyed to the big city of Kingston in the late 1950’s with dreams of making it in the burgeoning record industry. He burst upon the scene with a brand new sound, inventing a genre of music that would come to be called Reggae, discovering a young Bob Marley and gaining international recognition as a record producer and solo artist. Soon he was being called upon by artists as diverse as The Clash and Paul McCartney to provide his unique sound. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2008 cinema will find fairly predictable.

💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential

The ending of The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.

📝 Final Editorial Verdict

Final verdict for The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry (2008): with an audience rating of 6.5/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a recommended for fans of Documentary, Music cinema who appreciate attention to detail.

Where to Watch The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

PhiloPhilo
Night Flight PlusNight Flight Plus
OVIDOVID
Fandor Amazon ChannelFandor Amazon Channel
Eternal FamilyEternal Family

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Parents Guide & Age Rating

Not Rated
The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry has not been officially rated yet.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2008 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry movie hit or flop?

The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry worth watching?

The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Documentary, Music movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry online?

The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry is currently available for streaming on Philo. You can also check for it on platforms like Philo, Night Flight Plus, OVID, Fandor Amazon Channel, Eternal Family depending on your region.

Explore More Verdicts

Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.5
The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-upsetter-the-life-and-music-of-lee-scratch-perry-74797" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.5</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry</div></div></a>

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People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry movie hit or flop?

The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry worth watching?

The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Documentary, Music movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry online?

The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry is currently available for streaming on Philo. You can also check for it on platforms like Philo, Night Flight Plus, OVID, Fandor Amazon Channel, Eternal Family depending on your region.

What is the story of The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry?

The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry is a Documentary, Music movie that follows: The Upsetter tells the fascinating story of Lee Scratch Perry a visionary musician and artist from poor rural Jamaica who journeyed to the big city of Kingston in the late 1950’s with dreams of making...

Is The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry family friendly?

The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry is classified as Documentary, Music. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.

What language is The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry available in?

The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.

Synopsis

The Upsetter tells the fascinating story of Lee Scratch Perry a visionary musician and artist from poor rural Jamaica who journeyed to the big city of Kingston in the late 1950’s with dreams of making it in the burgeoning record industry. He burst upon the scene with a brand new sound, inventing a genre of music that would come to be called Reggae, discovering a young Bob Marley and gaining international recognition as a record producer and solo artist. Soon he was being called upon by artists as diverse as The Clash and Paul McCartney to provide his unique sound.

Critic Reviews

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