Movie Review: 'Bob Marley: One Love'

From the air, the Caribbean island of Jamaica looks beautiful, peaceful and inviting. Green mountains covered with tropical foliage, miles of white sandy beaches all surrounded by sparkling blue water – what could be more appealing? On the ground, however, in the mid-seventies Jamaica was still beautiful but anything but peaceful or inviting. Differences between the two leading political parties manifested themselves in violence. Riots, gunfire and random terrorist acts were rampant in the streets and homes of the residents – not a place for tourists. There seemed to be no hope for peace.

Across the sea lives a native-born islander who has an idea. His name is Bob Marley (Kingsley Ben-Adir). He was born in rural Jamaica and was of humble origins but raised with loving care. The death of his father when Marley was only ten was upsetting, he turned to his maternal grandfather for guidance. It was with him that Marley developed an interest in music and regard for others. In primary and middle school, Marley organized a group of musicians and began to make recordings. By 1966, the name of his group changed a bit, but he eventually decided on the name The Wailers. They soon achieved praise and global recognition.

The Wailers brought reggae music to a global audience. Their albums were so popular the group began performing to their enthusiastic fans throughout the world – their fame was assured. Of great support and inspiration to Marley was his wife, Rita (Lashana Lynch). In spite of having moved to London, Marley’s heart remained in Jamaica. In 1976, he convinced Rita they should return to their troubled island and perform a concert – Smile Jamaica. He hoped to promote peace and unity among the warring groups by performing his music. Preparing for the concert at their Jamaican home, Marley, Rita and members of the group are attacked and shot at by terrorists.

The wounded were rushed to the hospital and survived the attack quickly enough to perform the concert. At the concert’s conclusion, just before walking off stage, Marley shows the audience the scars from his recent attack. He was crushed by the fact that his own countrymen would try to kill him and his wife. He suggests Rita take the children to safety at his mother’s home in Delaware, US. Marley will return to London with the group to continue their work. Once there, Marley has difficulty coming up with an idea for a new album, so he suggests Rita join him – together, they will be able to create something. In London, the two attend a screening of a new film – Exodus.

The film inspires Marley to create a new album as the film depicts his own situation. The Exodus album is a huge success and also contributed to the popularization of Rastafarian teachings and reggae music. Based on his fame, Marley decides to return to Jamaica and try once more to bring peace by uniting the forces that are still troubling his country. He plans to have another concert to debut a song from his newest album – One Love.

Directed by Reinaldo M. Green (Credits: King Richard, Joe Bell) “Bob Marley: One Love” runs 107 minutes and is a “should see” for a insightful well told story. Ben-Adir’s performance is compelling and the message of the film relevant to the present time.