By Kimberly Grant

I was recently shocked.  Last year, while attending a concert of The Wailers in Cutler Bay, FL, I was speaking to a 20-something who had never heard of Bob Marley.  I just stared at her in disbelief for a few moments before realizing that she is a part of Generation Z.  Luckily, there is a new film to introduce the younger generations to the legendary musician.

Bob Marley: One Love will be aptly in theaters starting Valentine’s Day.

One Love, Two Hearts

One Love is written by Terence Winter, Frank E. Flowers (both wrote the story), Zach Baylin, and Reinaldo Marcus Green who is also the film’s director.  It’s about the titular singer/guitarist’s last years of performing with his band The Wailers.  It begins with Marley (played by Kingsley Ben-Adir) and his family being targets for the opposing Jamaican political parties, the Jamaican Labour Party and the People’s National Party.  Caught in the middle of their civil war, the Marleys endure assassination attempts on both their lives.

Marley and his wife, Rita (Lashana Lynch) were shot, along with manager Don Taylor (Anthony Welsh) who took six bullets for Bob at their home in Kingston, Jamaica.  This was all because Bob Marley and The Wailers wanted to have a peace concert to bring the people of Jamaica together.  Fortunately, everyone survived their injuries and go on to make more music, as well as have that peace concert, called “Smile Jamaica”.  Injured yet triumphant, both Rita and Bob ended up taking the stage just two days after being shot.

Soon after, Bob sends his family to the US, while he and the band go to London for their safety.  While apart, Bob Marley and The Wailers record the award-winning “Exodus”.  In the film, the audience also gets a glimpse of the band’s time in London, as well as their tour through Europe.  And, the film addresses certain areas of Bob’s life, including how important Rita was to his creative process, Bob’s early life as an orphan, then amongst the Rastafarian people.  It also touches on Bob’s views on life as shaped by his beliefs.

Love Letter to Their Father

Very little time is spent touching on Bob’s infidelity, the harsh treatment of Rastafarians in Jamaica, and his, at times, complicated relationship with Rita.  The Marley children (specifically Ziggy and Cedella Marley) and their mother Rita were instrumental in the making of the film as producers; with Brad Pitt serving as producer as well.  In fact, before the film, Ziggy tells the audience that he was on set everyday of filming.  And went on to say: “My family and I are so proud of what this movie has become.”

That said, it feels like some key parts of Bob’s life were left out.  Of Bob’s 12 children, only five of them were had by Rita, who helped raise all of her husband’s kids.  Given that these other children are products of extra marital affairs, it’s not hard to know why some of their mothers are portrayed in the film, but don’t speak.  If I were in Rita’s shoes, I would probably do the same thing.

As an audience member, these plot holes make the film feel incomplete.  We all know Bob had affairs and kids from said affairs.  A Google search will tell all.  Then again, it’s clear that the producers wanted to honor Bob’s legacy by glossing over his flaws and showcasing his talents as a musician, as well as his activism, and commitment to Rastafarianism.

Relevance

Speaking of the religion, there are a number of references to the Rastafarian religion.  Unfortunately, a lot of audience members are not familiar with the religion, so scenes and references are lost in translation.  While being a love letter to Marley, the film does not take into account those who aren’t overly familiar with Marley and probably weren’t even born by the time he passed away; like this critic.

In the relevance category, Ben-Adir, who has been a rising star for years, gives his all to the titular character.  Although, I am biased because Ben-Adir is as handsome as he is talented.  He played Malcolm X in One Night in Miami….  I would watch him in anything. 

Another favorite of mine plays the other major character.  Lynch gives depth to the powerhouse that is Rita as she navigates the tumultuous life of being Bob Marley’s wife.  Again, I am biased because I enjoy everything Lynch is in.  Rita had to be wife, backup singer, muse, and understanding partner, while being a vibrant woman.  Not only is she all of these things, but she has to share her husband with the world.  That can’t be easy; in real-life and on the screen.

Other talent in the film includes Aston Barrett Jr playing his father Aston “Family Man” Barrett.  Fun fact, Barrett Jr is currently playing in the latest iteration of The Wailers.

A Timely Film

Despite some key parts of Bob’s life not being in the film, Bob Marley: One Love is timely.  Marley’s message was always about love and equality.  To this day, his music is still associated with unity, justice, and freedom.  So, while the film leaves the audience with questions, it sets a precedent for each individual to research the man on their own.  And, most importantly, the film is an introduction to his moving music to a new generation looking for guidance to make the world a better place in these times of division.  As the title states, it’s all about one love.

Liked what you read?  Sharing is entertainment.  See below.

You can read more reviews by K. A. Grant in her Entertainment Blog.