Verdict: 3/5
Bob Marley lived by the belief that music could heal and bring people together.
It was a powerful thought given his career was influenced by a period in Jamaica’s history impacted by civil war and political unrest.
‘Bob Marley: One Love’ sharply focuses on a specific part of Marley’s story, being his 1976 peace concert and his survived assassination attempt.
There’s not a lot about Marley’s early years and the building of his career – in fact we come into the story when Marley is already Jamaica’s biggest star.
But the filmmakers struggle to stick to their guns here, often providing glimpses backwards that don’t really add to the story. The result is a sometimes jumpy, confusing narrative.
Nonetheless this is an interesting look at Marley’s career and the health battle that would ultimately claim his life.
Marley may have died in 1981 but his music has transcended generations and certainly moved the reggae genre into broader society.
If you’re unfamiliar with his story though, the film will feel it leaves more questions than answers given the limited time period it focuses on. I’m not sure a biopic really lands effectively when it leaves you unsure about so much in the subject’s life.
‘One Love’ certainly isn’t in the top echelon of biopics – it’s no ‘Ray’ or ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ – but it’s an enjoyable watch despite its flaws.
See this movie at Hoyts Penrith.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
