Bob Marley: One Love – A Harmony of Life and Music

Movie Review Bob Marley : One Love

Overview:

Rating: 7/10

"Bob Marley: One Love," a 2024 biographical drama, chronicles the life of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley, portrayed by Kingsley Ben-Adir, from his rise in the mid-1970s to his passing in 1981. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, the film premiered in Jamaica on January 23, 2024, and later hit U.S. screens on February 14, 2024, distributed by Paramount Pictures. While receiving mixed reviews, it garnered $123 million globally.

The narrative unfolds around Marley's decision to host the Smile Jamaica concert in 1976 amidst political turmoil. Surviving an attack just before the event, Marley, along with his wife Rita and band, recuperates, prompting him to suggest Rita and their children relocate to the U.S. for safety.

To overcome the creative obstacles for a new record, Marley calls Rita back, and the two of them start recording, motivated by their experiences and the soundtrack from the movie Exodus. The resulting album becomes a worldwide sensation, promoting reggae and Rastafari. While on tour in Europe, disagreements come up between Marley and Rita about a variety of topics, which are made worse by Marley's health worries due to a rare skin cancer diagnosis.

Producer Chris Blackwell confronts Marley about treatment, but Marley, dismissing medical advice, faces his mortality. Reconciling with Rita, Marley decides to return to Jamaica in 1978 and prepares for a peace concert.

The film concludes with Marley's return to the Jamaican stage, performing "One Love." A montage shows real footage of Marley's One Love Peace Concert, where political leaders joined him on stage. The film reveals that Marley performed in Zimbabwe before succumbing to cancer in 1981 at 36. "Bob Marley: One Love" encapsulates Marley's musical journey, his struggles, and his enduring message of peace and unity.

Cast:

Kingsley Ben-Adir: Bob Marley
Lashana Lynch: Rita Marley
James Norton: Chris Blackwell
Tosin Cole: Tyrone Downie
Umi Myers: Cindy Breakspeare
Anthony Welsh: Don Taylor
Nia Ashi: Teen Rita Marley

Directed by:
Reinaldo Marcus Green    

Writing Credits: 
Terence Winter (screenplay)
Frank E. Flowers (screenplay)
Zach Baylin (screenplay)
Reinaldo Marcus Green (screenplay)

Review:

"Bob Marley: One Love" is a heartfelt movie that shares the incredible story of the reggae legend, Bob Marley. It gives us a close look at his life, showing the good and tough times. The film, made with the help of Marley's family, feels real and is packed with great music, telling us about one of the most important people in music history.

Kingsley Ben-Adir does a great job playing Bob Marley. The movie begins by showing us Marley's early years, especially when he and the young Wailers made music in a busy studio in Kingston in 1963. These scenes capture the passion that drove Marley to use music to talk about peace and say no to violence.

The film doesn't hide the personal side of Marley's life. Lashana Lynch plays Rita, Marley's wife, bringing depth to the character. The movie talks about Marley having other relationships, but it does so in a way that adds to the story without making it all about that.

In a scene where Marley visits Britain, it is made clear how difficult life is for him due to the country's racism and rain. However, it also highlights Marley's playful side, as he plays football in the park and interacts with people. We also get to witness the recording of the well-known album "Exodus" and a fantastic London concert in 1977. 

The movie also talks a bit about Marley's childhood through quick flashbacks. Even though these scenes are short, they help us understand where Marley came from and how he became a music icon. One interesting part is when the movie talks about Marley's father not being around and how Marley connects this to his beliefs. This adds a deeper layer to Marley's character and the story.

"Bob Marley: One Love" is a movie that shows Marley's strength, creativity, and how much he influenced culture. It tells the author's account of Bob Marley's life quite well and has a ton of fantastic music, although some may find it overly serious. The movie is an engrossing journey into the legacy of a man whose music still touches hearts today, for fans or anyone curious about the life of this music legend.