Film Review: ‘Marley’ Highlights the Movement, Forgets the Man

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CHICAGO – The enigma and idolization of Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley is an ongoing, quasi-religious advocation. His influence on reggae music and its variations, plus his general representation of the Rastafari movement has lived beyond his short time on earth. The life and times are encapsulated in the new documentary “Marley.”

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.0/5.0
Rating: 3.0/5.0

As an explanation of the Bob Marley phenomenon, the film works best as a introduction to the music and movement of his particular style, but falls short in regard to getting to know Bob Marley the man. In a sense, the popular reggae and Rastasfari movement might be his greatest gift to the universe, but as a human being there are few glimpses into who he is. As soon as there is a part of the film where that might happen, there is a quick cut to a perspective interview or a larger concert scene.

Bob Marley was born in 1945, in a small town in Jamaica called Nine Mile. He was the product of an affair between a white English settler and his native Jamaican mother. He was quoted as saying this puts him on “God’s side,” between both racial worlds. He fell into the Rastafari religion early, starting from his mentor Joe Higgs, and recorded his first songs at 17 years old in 1962. One year later he founded Bob Marley and the Wailers, the group he would be associated with until 1974.  

It was with the Wailers that he began to formulate and define his signature sound. The mix of reggae, ska and rock found an audience early in the 1970’s as tunes like “Get Up, Stand Up,” “I Shot the Sheriff” and “No Woman, No Cry” reached mainstream audiences. His status as idol started around the end of the Wailers in ‘74, as his message infiltrated worldwide, and his representation regarding the Rastafarian religion and man of peace took hold. His songs “One Love,” “Stir it Up” and “Buffalo Soldier” became standards, made more poignant through his death from cancer at the age of 36.

“Marley” has a limited release on April 20th, including Chicago. Check local listings for theaters and show times. Featuring interviews with Bob Marley (archive), Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Rita Marley, Cedella Marley and the Wailers. Directed by Kevin Macdonald. Rated “PG-13”

StarContinue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Marley”

The Mythic Bob Marley in an Archival Photo for ‘Marley’
An Archive Photo of Bob Marley in ‘Marley’
Photo credit: Magnolia Pictures

StarContinue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Marley”

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