“Bob Marley: One Love” is a film that celebrates not only the legendary Jamaican musician for his craft but also for his life’s work in promoting peace in Jamaica and abroad. This non-chronological biopic emphasizes the human side of Marley and shows how his Rastafarian beliefs shaped his life and mission. The film boasts an extraordinary, Oscar-worthy performance by actor Kingsley Ben-Adir as the singer.

As with previous biographical films which I have reviewed, I do not want to outline what can be learned about Marley’s life from other sources. But I will say that some facts stuck out to me.

First, I do not think that I remembered how young he was when he died in 1981. He was only 36 years old. I also did not know that he died of a malignant melanoma.

Second, I was not aware that he had a white father. At one point in the movie, he tells Rita that some people called him “yellow man.”

The film’s structure centers on the years 1976 to 1978. There are flashbacks to his childhood, teen years, and young adulthood. There also are several dream sequences.

Moving pictures are a primarily visual medium. It always has seemed somewhat anomalous to me that pictures about music are trying to visually represent another sense, viz. hearing. You do not usually watch a movie just to hear music which you can download and listen to so easily.

In this film, the director does a marvelous job, though, in not just playing Marley’s music, but in showing his creative process. Quite a few scenes are set in various recording environments, including studios and a home in Britain, where “Exodus” is first conceived. We get to see the dynamic process that songwriting is and the many permutations in trying to get the music right as a recording.

The picture also does a good job in depicting the basics of Rastafarianism. We see Marley at different ages learning about the faith. It starts with Rita, who talks about the universal “I” and the absence of “you.” So I-nity instead of U-nity. The reliance on Jah is clearly depicted. Its importance in dictating the messages that Marley wishes to convey in his music is made manifest.

Another aspect of his life’s story that is well-depicted are his personal struggles. He was a jealous man. He engaged in acts of physical violence. He could be combative with his supporters and record executives. He had personal doubts.

Before my screening, a clip with Ziggy Marley was shown. He stated that the family was on the set making sure that everything truly reflected who his father was. He and his mother Rita are both producers on the film.

The picture fortunately does not descend into hagiography. In a separate featurette in the press kit, Ziggy says that the concern was to present his father as a human being, not an idol or saint. I would say that this goal is achieved in this movie.

Of course the music is a highlight. Songs like “One Love” and “Redemption Song” will have audience members moving to the rhythm in their seats.

The film does a good job of summing up Marley’s goals of using reggae as a tool for peace. He agrees to do the “Smile Jamaica” concert in 1976 after being shot. In 1978 he returns to Jamaica to sing at the One Love Peace Concert, where he is joined onstage by the leaders of the two warring political parties. His belief in pan-Africanism led him to perform in the newly independent Zimbabwe on their independence day in 1980.

I especially enjoyed the scenes between the young Rita and the young Bob. These offer snapshots into the intimacy between them. At the time, Bob talks to her about his life being struggle. She admires his ambition.

Another highlight is the inclusion of clips of the real Bob Marley at the conclusion of the movie. These seemed to bring the world of Bob Marley full circle.

The Jamaican dialect initially was difficult for me. But what stood out to me as the film progressed was how it mirrored music in having its own rhythm and cadence.

Ben-Adir’s acting is so good that it bowled me over. Aside from the issue of looking like Marley to some degree, he seemed to be his embodiment as a musician, husband, father and friend. This early in the calendar year, his performance may be overlooked by the Academy, but at their own loss.

All in all, this movie is thought-provoking and informative. The music is superb. I would have liked more information about Marley’s earlier life and more depth in describing his political and religious beliefs. But this truly is an astounding achievement in cinema.

Four and a half out of five stars

BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.

Cast: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Lashana Lynch, James Norton, Tosin Cole, Umi Myers, Anthony Welsh, Nia Ashi, Aston Barrett Jr., Anna-Sharé Blake, Gawaine “J-Summa” Campbell, Naomi Cowan, Alexx A-Game, Michael Gandolfini, Quan-Dajai Henriques, David Kerr, Hector Roots Lewis, Abijah “Naki Wailer” Livingston, Nadine Marshall, Sheldon Shepherd, Andrae Simpson, Stefan A.D Wade
Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green
Story by: Terence Winter & Frank E. Flowers
Screenplay by: Terence Winter & Frank E. Flowers and Zach Baylin & Reinaldo Marcus Green