“Bob Marley: One Love” A Moving Glimpse of Marley’s Life

Last year, the Dietrich Theater featured the film, “Bob Marley: One Love,” as part of their 2024 Spring Film Festival. I initially planned on reviewing this film then, but didn’t get to review the film as planned.

So, now that I finally had the chance to check this film out, let’s talk about “Bob Marley: One Love.”

“Bob Marley: One Love” celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. 

Discover Bob Marley’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.

When the film biopic of Bob Marley was initially released in theaters, it received a mixed reaction from critics. But, audiences really enjoyed the film. Indeed, there are a few parts where the biopic feels a little formulaic. Yet, I felt that this film did a fairly decent job portraying Marley’s life and music.

Actor Kingsley Ben-Adir really knocked it out of the part with his portrayal of the late Bob Marley. Ben-Adir captured Marley’s persona absolutely perfectly.

As expected, the film’s soundtrack is great. The soundtrack blends studio recordings with live performances and it sounded amazing. During most of the music performances throughout this film, the Bob Marley actor can be fairly convincing and really brought out the Bob Marley persona in those moments.

Now, just like most film biopics of a famous individual, there were some mixed reactions. From what I’ve seen online after researching the film, some viewers felt that the film could’ve dove deeper into some other aspects of Marley’s life, such as his peace campaign or his political activism. Now the film does go into some detail of his activism a bit but not too much.

“Bob Marley: One Love” is a film that Marley fans will likely enjoy as it delivers an engaging look at his life and music. Granted, it may not satisfy everyone, but it’s still a worthy look at the talented late singer’s life.

Trivia: While filming in Jamaica, locals who had personal or at least second hand ties to Bob Marley had a chance to work on the film, in front of and behind the camera. Bob Marley’s son, Ziggy Marley, approved the casting of Kingsley Ben-Adir as his late father.

In June 2018, it was announced that Paramount Pictures was developing a biographical drama film based on the life of singer/songwriter Bob Marley, with Ziggy Marley serving as a producer. “Bob Marley: One Love” held its world premiere in Marley’s hometown of Kingston, Jamaica, on January 23, 2024.

MPA: Rated PG-13 for marijuana use and smoking throughout, some violence and brief strong language  (running time 107 minutes)