It is impossible not to be amazed by the exceptional performances of Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley and Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley in this biographical film by Reinaldo Marcus Green (King Richard: Beyond the Game).
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A biographical film about a person whose face is familiar is always a challenge and Kingsley Ben-Adir rises to the challenge impressively, with the British actor becoming Bob Marley through his walk, gestures and intonation. Additionally, the script, written by Terence Winter and Frank E. Flowers and heavily edited by Zach Baylin and filmmaker Reinaldo Marcus Green, focuses on just four years in the reggae legend's life, making it possible to make a feature film much more political to design King Richard: Beyond the Game, even if it ultimately remains very conventional stylistically.
Bob Marley (Kingsley Ben-Adir, masterful) decides to hold a concert in Kingston, Jamaica, calling for peace on the Caribbean island rocked by political violence. But the musician and his wife Rita (Lashana Lynch, fantastic) become victims of an assassination attempt. And if both survive – Marley is only superficially injured, Rita will recover quickly – it is still time to think about exile.
Bob Marley settled in London and, together with the other members of the Wailers, composed his Exodus, which has lost none of its power to this day. And every time he wanders, Rita is there to get him back on the right path. Focusing on the key years between 1976 and 1978, “Bob Marley: One Love” is full of sometimes unimportant details — like the graphic design of the Exodus cover or that inauguration of a Paris art gallery — that add to the already “Charged” lyrics his musical hits.
Filmed in Jamaican Creole (British English or subtitles would have been offensive to say the least, but the fact is unusual enough to be highlighted), the feature is intended to be less of an exploration of Bob's musical career. Marley explains his spiritual, political and social commitments. On the other hand, we regret the sometimes too quick overview of these topics, which are still relevant even after more than 40 years.
At 104 minutes, “Bob Marley: One Love” may seem short, but Reinaldo Marcus Green makes a point of offering the widest possible range of the musician’s music. Produced by the Marley family, who were deeply involved in all aspects of the feature, this biographical film never falls into complacency and aims to capture as faithfully as possible the spirit of a man who became a legend.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Bob Marley: One Love brings Reggae to cinemas across the province from February 14th.