Starring: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Lashana Lynch, James Norton, Anthony Welsh, Nia Ashi, Michael Gandolfini, Quan-Dajai Henriques
Distributor: Paramount
Runtime: 104 mins. Reviewed in Feb 2024
Reviewer: Fr Peter Malone msc
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The story of how reggae icon Bob Marley overcame adversity, and the journey behind his revolutionary music.
Bob Marley (1945-1981) was a significant figure in 20th-century music, with the album Exodus considered one of the greatest of the century. But Marley was also a significant figure in terms of politics and peacemaking. And, a native of Jamaica, he was a committed Rastafarian.
For those who know Marley and his music, this is an opportunity to be reminded of his story, hear excerpts from many of his songs and see performances. The action takes place between 1976 and 1978. We see his first attempt at a concert for peace and the union of clashing parties in Jamaica, an attempt on his life, his move to London, the work with his band, the Wailers, recordings, success, tours, then his return to Jamaica and the celebrated peace concert with the two clashing political leaders on stage with him.
For those unfamiliar with Marley and his music, it’s probably best to do a bit of research before seeing this film and find out about the spirit of Rastafarian beliefs from its beginnings in Jamaica, its spirit and spirituality and the link with the Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie.
One of the great strengths of this film is the range of songs included, the rhythms and lyrics.
British actor Ben-Adir (coroner Dr Marcus Summer in Vera, Malcolm X in One Night in Miami, and one of the prominent Kens in 2023’s hit Barbie) enters fully into his performance as Marley. It is an intense impersonation – in character, in his relationship with his wife, Rita (Lynch) and with his children. One of Marley’s children – Ziggy – glimpsed in the film, acted as producer of this film (and there are many Marleys in the final credits).
There are flashbacks to Marley’s childhood, his absent white father, his mother, poverty and growing up, his talent for music, the initial encounters with Rita, and early success with his band, recordings. During the action of the film, we see Marley is in his early 30s. He has a touch of the mystic, a touch of the roving eye and is consumed by the political situation in Jamaica. There is an attack on his life, a shooting attack on Rita, the constant violent gangs (and a later scene where his assailant asks forgiveness).
Norton appears as friend and adviser with a connection to the record industry and promoter of concerts. At times in Europe, Marley seems to be lost in the social swirl associated with his fame and concerts. But, ultimately, there is the return home and peacemaking. Marley dies of cancer complications at 36.
It is an attempt to honour Marley but, in comparison with other films about musicians and celebrities, this one is rather lightweight.
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