One Love: a love letter to Bob Marley

Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, already known for his biopic on the Williams family, the director this time tackles the life of the most famous reggae singer in the world: Bob Marley. In the current wave of musical biopics, after Elton John, Elvis Presley and Whitney Houston… Bob Marley finally sees his exceptional destiny brought to the screen.

One Love celebrates the life and music of an icon who left a lasting imprint through his message of love and unity, inspiring entire generations. This biopic, released in theaters on February 14, powerfully explores the story of Bob Marley, highlighting his resilience in the face of adversity and the journey that led him to create revolutionary music.

TW: If you don’t know anything about Bob Marley’s life, this film may not teach you much.

Indeed, the film mainly focuses on the period of peace concerts in Jamaica from 1976 to 1978. We see the singer’s daily life, illustrating his strict routine, his discipline, his generosity, as well as his complex relationship with religion. restafari, created in Jamaica in 1930.

The story quickly follows Bob, played by British actor Kingsley Ben-adir, to London and on tour in Europe, revealing the aspirations, hopes and complexity of Bob Marley. Despite some liberties taken and some secrets kept, the film pays exceptional homage to Marley’s iconic songs.

By revealing the dark side of his childhood marked by abandonment and violence, the film explores Bob Marley’s life as a mixed race living in a divided society. His powerful live vocals and studio composition sequences capture the essence of his creativity and commitment to peace in Jamaica.

Although the film reluctantly admits to Bob Marley’s polygamous nature, highlighting his numerous relationships, it sheds light on certain aspects of his personal life, notably his affair with former Miss World Cindy Breakspeare and the birth of their son Damian Marley. Rita Marley also produces the film, we can believe that she probably chose not to address certain tumultuous aspects of her late husband’s love life.

Despite some shortcomings, the biopic offers an immersion into the singer’s intimacy, highlighting his Rasta values of peace, unity and love. Lashana Lynch’s compelling performance as Rita Marley adds an emotional dimension to the film, providing a heart-warming musical encore.