On February 14th, Bob Marley: One Love premiered in theaters worldwide. The $70 million film focuses on Marley’s life in Jamaica and America. The plot centers around conflicts he faced becoming one of the world’s most renowned reggae musicians. 

Distributed by Paramount Pictures, Marley’s relatives collaborated as producers to give an accurate representation of his life and success. The musical drama has grossed $71.2 million in the US and Canada and $120.6 million worldwide at the Box Office as of February 25. The movie was introduced during Valentine’s Day and Presidents Day. This makes Bob Marley: One Love extremely beneficial in terms of revenue and the film vastly surpassed Madame Web. 

On the other hand Bob Marley: One Love sits at 42% rotten tomatoes and a drastic 92% audience score. Critics voice that the biopic does not serve justice to Marley’s life, however, the overall audience thought otherwise. 

The Story

In the 1970s, the power struggle in Jamaica after it became an independent country caused turmoil in the former British colony. Bob Marley, portrayed by Kingsley Ben-Adir, was the most influential voice through his music. Smile Jamaica, a unifying concert announced by Marley, made him a target for assassination.

The movie shows Marley’s childhood through his experiences as an adult. Marley spent his time creating music that would bring people together. His infusion of punk with reggae along with lyrics that gave people hope added to his world-wide fame and influence. 

It was in America that Bob Marley and the Wailers created their hit album, Exodus. This opened up the opportunity for them to spread the influence of reggae music on a global scale. On their Europe tour, Marley obtains a toenail infection which is later diagnosed as a rare skin cancer. As a result of his diagnosis, they go back to Jamaica where his followers gave a welcomed atmosphere. He also receives apologies from those who tried to inflict harm upon him.

Valuing his people over his life, Bob Marley decided to complete the peace concert that he used abandoned. And he brought opposing political parties together in front of the entire nation. The film ends off with a scene of his peace concert. This remind the audience that his songs remain as anthems of justice, unity, and freedom.

Pros and Cons

One Love is a true homage to the way Bob Marley used his voice and status to impact the world. His son, Ziggy Marley, contributed to the film by showing details about his life that were not shown in interviews. Kingsley Ben-Adir also embraced the essence of Marley, conveying the tough decisions he had to make.

Bob Marley’s music was used throughout the film, but unlike many musician biopics where the music is thrown in anywhere, One Love placed specific songs to fit the context of what was happening in the film. 

A song that truly showed what Marley advocated was War on his 1976 album Rastaman Vibration. The song promoted equal rights for all disregarding race or gender which was in direct relation to the power struggle and inequality being experienced in Jamaica in the ‘70s. One Love used music in the same way Bob Marley did — to share and to unify. 

Why watch?

Bob Marley has been and will continue to be an inspiration to generations through the his music. His songs served as symbols of unity, freedom, and justice and greatly impacted conflicts between humanity. He dedicated his life and career to promoting peace with his music which is still admired today.

The movie contains fast and slow-paced transitions and many may find it difficult to understand the content due to the characters’ heavy accents. Additionally, the flashbacks of Marley’s life were not added in very clearly and created confusion in the plotline of the story. Overall, the film brings a heartwarming conclusion that gives the audience a sense of contentment after viewing the disheartening moments in Marley’s life. 

One Love is a dedication to Bob Marley’s legacy and raises awareness of who he is and what he has done for the world. This biopic is a way to memorialize his achievements and raise awareness of his success. The film is dramatic, heartfelt, and musically entertaining, and allows viewers to gain insight into his short-lived yet fulfilled journey.

Verdict

Overall, Bob Marley: One Love did an excellent job in showing Marley’s life and impact on the world through reggae music. The incredible acting and accurate production made for a great film to watch for music and history lovers.

This story was originally published on Amador ValleyToday on February 20, 2024.