Wednesday 14 February 2024 marks the release of the long-awaited Bob Marley biopic. We had the chance to see it in advance. Here’s what we thought!
The wait is finally over for cinema-goers and reggae fans on Wednesday 14 February 2024. Bob Marley: One Love is out today ! Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir in the title role, the film plunges us into the hectic life of the Jamaican icon. Paramount Pictures France and UGC gave us a sneak preview of the film on 13 February. Does the biopic live up to our expectations? Find out now!
Immersion in a piece of Bob Marley’s life
After Ray Charles, Freddie Mercury and Elvis Presley, it’s Bob Marley’s turn to have his own biopic. To this day, the artist remains an emblematic figure whose influence transcends musical and cultural boundaries. His commitment to peace, his fight for democracy in Jamaica and his musical legacy continue to inspire entire generations. While his life was already the subject of a documentary in 2012, Bob Marley: One Love focuses on the events that took place between 1976 and 1978. We meet him at the very height of his career, when he narrowly avoids death after a murder attempt. This is followed by his famous Smile Jamaica concert, the recording of his greatest album Exodus, his arrival in England (where he enjoyed the benefits of fame) and the discovery of his cancer. The film also includes flashbacks to his childhood, his promising beginnings with the Wailers and his budding relationship with his wife Rita.
A short biopic with some fine performances!
For Bob Marley: One Love, director Reinaldo Marcus Green took a bold step. He enlisted the help of actor Brad Pitt, the singer’s two children, Ziggy Marley and Cedella Marley, and his widow, Rita Marley, to bring the Kingston of the 1970s to the big screen. Although the atmosphere is there, the film is rather smooth. Certain events remain on the surface and are not sufficiently developed. The running time is certainly to blame, as the biopic only lasts 1 hour 47 minutes. We’d have liked to see more! For his part, Kingsley Ben-Adir, already seen in Barbie in 2023, gives a decent performance. Even though he tends to overplay his hand at times, the British actor is committed to his role, and you can see it! But if there’s one actress who really shines, it’s Lashana Lynch, who slips into the role of Rita. The actress we’ve seen in The Woman King and Captain Marvel embodies her character with strength and charisma.
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A musical tribute
In the heart of the film, the soundtrack is definitely the most positive aspect. It reintroduces us to the singer’s classics. Each key moment in his life is illustrated by a song from his repertoire. Unsurprisingly, iconic hits such as No Woman No Cry, Redemption Song and War are all featured. Bob Marley fans are in for a treat! The verdict is in: top or flop for this biopic? Despite a lack of depth and a short running time, Bob Marley: One Love manages to captivate us. It is good entertainment to be consumed without moderation, but it will not go down in history.
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