Dharmendra Singh

(2013-05-25 07:10:23)

One Love

My limited knowledge of reggae culture comes mostly from my UB40collection and my recent discovery of Hassidic reggae artist Matisyahu.I therefore had no idea, for example, that Bob Marley died of cancer atage 36 (I thought he was shot dead). I had absolutely no clue that hewas mixed-race, and went by the moniker 'German boy' on account of hisWhite father. There was not much I did know about Jamaica's most famousfigure. No matter: Kevin Macdonald, the Scotsman who directed the excellent'The Last King of Scotland', does a superb job of educating people inmy position, and I have a feeling his superlative documentary will sateeven Marley's most ardent fans. This is one of the most joyous,interesting and educational documentaries I have ever seen. I wasutterly engrossed, in fact spellbound.The concert footage is mesmerising. Not many could generate as muchenergy without recourse to gimmicks. In rare and previously unseeninterview footage, we get a glimpse into the psyche of the man. He wasquite the philosopher. Everyone preaches peace and love, especiallysingers, but Bob practised it. That's why people in the most unlikelyplaces on Earth, as shown at the end, sing their hearts out to hissimple but powerful songs. I learned about Rastafarianism, the politics and history of Jamaica,the origins and influence of reggae music and, of course, about thedocumentary's primary subject, Robert Nesta Marley. His ascent wasridiculously unlikely, given his impoverished background, lack ofdirection and mixed heritage. If you were a religious person, as hewas, you might say divinity had a part to play. I can't say whether he was a genius, but I don't hesitate to call him asuperior human being. He genuinely wanted to see the two rival partiesin Jamaica (the People's National Party and the Jamaican Labour Party)unite under his synonymous phrase, 'One love'. Yet he had no politicalagenda; only a humanist agenda. The man even took a bullet for hisbelief and didn't let the material prospect of assassination deter him. It is so hard not to be infected by the brio of the interviewees,particularly Rita Marley, his uniquely tolerant widow and fellowWailer, who put up with Bob's notorious philandering when mostwouldn't. 'Who didn't want him?' is her rhetorical rationale. EvenJamaican Miss World, Cindy Breakspeare, couldn't say no. He loved football, his country, music, culture, women. He loved life.He loved people. That's why, when you hear his songs, it's impossiblenot to smile and, as he sings, 'don't worry about a thing, cuzeverything gonna be alright'. www.moseleyb13.com

Richard Reilly

(2013-05-25 00:05:08)

Flawed Documentary of a Great Man

The purpose of a documentary is twofold. First, it must excite peoplewho know nothing or very little on the subject. Second, it must give alittle extra to people who are already dedicated to the subject. To thefans of Bob Marley, this documentary is likely a beauty. To everyoneelse, it is nothing more than a below-average biography filled with alot of reggae music. Marley failed to intrigue the interest of peoplewho do not already love the musician.The strange thing about Marley, is that I find his life fascinating.For a musician to become to political and die so young is an incredibleand tragic story. The problem with Marley is the manner in which thestory is told. The movie starts from the very beginning and spends morethan half an hour telling the story of a young Robert Marley. It reallyisn't that interesting of a story. As the movie carries on, theydedicate a good ten minutes to the father of Bob Marley. It is amystery how they picked which parts of his life to focus on.The worst part of the story is its telling. The story is told throughthe people who were close to Bob Marley. That is not the problem. Theproblem is that the two people who carry you through the story are soeccentric that it's difficult to understand or focus on what is beingsaid. Several times they even interview fellow Rastafarians that simplycan't be understood—even with subtitles. Why such scenes were includedin the movie is beyond me.If editing was one of the bigger problems of Marley, then it led to yetanother problem. This movie is nearly two-and-a-half hours long. Adocumentary should never extend beyond two hours. This one certainlyhad no reason to. The documentation of his musical career goes intosuch detail that you are already at two hours by the time the moviestarts to wrap up. Even then, the move takes another thirty minutes…then tries to keep you through the credits. All respect that I had forMarley was lost as the movie carried on and on.The only people who should see Marley are Bob Marley and Reggae fans.If you are not a fan, the movie will come across as flat and incrediblyboring. If you are a fan, you will get a lot of information on yourfavorite reggae musician. Marley is an unfortunate documentary. For aman who lived such a fascinating life, he deserved a much bettertelling of his story.reillyreviews.wordpress.com

Bazbo

(2013-05-23 11:28:49)

Tuff Gong the Lion

I was expecting to see the same bits of footage, images, interviewsetc. that I've seen before but this doc reveals lots more. We learn howhis early formative years as a dual heritage child growing up in ruralJA gave him a unique philosophical view in which to form his own ideasof who he was and what his destiny was to be.The film also has the luxury of 144 mins to illuminate the genius thatBob was. I got to appreciate how influential and messianic he becamewithin his immediate circle, his community and his nation. Hisambition, drive and competitiveness were an integral part of hismake-up and became central to his mission to preach love, Rastafari andunity. Any resistance to this would be casually side-stepped.Whilst not a saint his soul crackled with energy and shone bright,perhaps too bright for the physical being that contained it and whichsadly gave out at only 36. But the legacy lives on in the music, thevoice of a struggling people, and we should listen as well as dance.Peace, love and blessings.

jokexom

(2013-05-23 00:04:56)

legend

This comprehensive documentary tells us about sign reggae artist BobMarley and traces his life, paying great attention to detail. Throughinterviews with family, friends and colleagues, view gives us pleasure,talking about the musician, as well as the beliefs and attitudes.As a teenager, Bob moved from the countryside to the slums ofTrenchtown. In 1960, his group The Wailers has found success inJamaica. Then, in 1972, the founder of Island Records Blackwell startedpromoting The Wailers as a rebellious project, which led the group tointernational celebrity. Over the next decade, life was full of Marleyworld tours, and changes in the composition of new hits.Directed MacDonald tells this story in a casual, almost Caribbean pace,showing the chronological development of events, using interviews,photographs, archival videos, concerts, and early recordings. BobMarley himself contributes to the narrative, thanks to interviews hegave throughout his career. On the way we come to understand his deeplyheld beliefs and bright Rastafarian experiencing violence, politicallymotivated attack on his home in Kingston.We also know the truth of his personal life stories. Bob has 11children by seven women, but in fact he was quite a shy person: womenpursued him, not vice versa. Rita Marley has remained faithful to hiswife, having passed through it. Along with giving us a deep look at hispersonality and attitude, the film helps us understand why Bob is seenas a messianic figure in the Caribbean and African culture. McDonaldalso pays attention to showing us exactly what makes an infectiousreggae music.This film - a fascinating and exciting, despite its thoroughness anddetail. It contains so many amazing shots that we can hardly acceptinstantly. Story is presented with the mind and personality, andprophetic zeal Marley captivates the viewer. If the movie is somethingmissing, it is the music: famous songs are, but only in certainportions. Perhaps it would be nice to see a new one, this time theconcert film.Be sure to watch all those interested in work of the great Bob Marleyand reggae music lovers of sun.

Jeffrdenson

(2013-05-20 16:35:27)

A beautiful man with a big heart and an amazing message.

Marley is a moving, and a very touching film. That could sum up thisfilm review. I will say this is a must watch for all music/human rightsfan. We should all be reminded and learn from Bob's actions and hislove. The movie was very touching and really brought out emotions Iwasn't expecting. Great watching his transformation. He loved hisfellow man, and that really comes through this great film. I wish Icould have seen him perform live. This film let's us in a little to hislive performance and his day to day life. Great to see all the lovesurrounding this man, and his ability to reunite a country and itpeople-Amazing!! What an incredible man who embraced the human spirit.I love Mr.Bob Marley more than ever.

Tim Robey

(2013-05-20 07:25:36)

Jonathan Demme and Martin Scorsese were both earmarked to direct at one time, but Macdonald and his team certainly know how to make the movie sing.

Tom Gooderson-A'Court

(2013-05-18 01:48:06)

Great man, great documentary

Marley is a 2012 Documentary film that tells the story of legendaryJamaican reggae artist Bob Marley. The film charts his life from hishumble beginnings in a small country village without electricity,through his rise to fame in Jamaica, to his exile in London, subsequentreturn to his Island of birth and eventual death at the age of just 36.Before going in to the cinema I wouldn't have classed myself as a BobMarley fan and although I have a couple of his albums and love his bestknown songs I knew very little about him. The film gives an honestaccount of his life and of Marley as a man. The story is told usingachieve interviews with Marley himself but mostly through interviewswith his friends, family and ex colleagues who are still living. Someof the interviewees are great characters and speak with wisdom. Othersare hilarious and most have a fantastic Jamaican Patois which isdelightful to listen to. The film also gives some background toRastafarianism, something else that I knew little about.The whole film is backed with over sixty Marley and Bob Marley and theWailers songs which start with the song he first recorded aged sixteenand ends with One Love. This film has one of the greatest soundtracksof any film I've seen. The highlight for me was Marley's triumphantreturn to Jamaica for the One Love Peace Concert in 1978. After yearsliving in London following an attempt on his life, Marley returned toJamaica and performed in front of 32,000 people and bought the leadersof Jamaica's warring Political Parties up on stage where he managed toget them to hold hands above their heads in a sign of peace. It was anamazing thing to witness, even in the cinema and its impact wasobvious.The final quarter of the film takes on a deceivingly sadder tone as wereach the final years of Marley's life. After a battle with cancer hedied in 1981 in Miami, USA. There were many people crying in thetheatre, including my girlfriend after a very sad few moments onscreen. The film ends on a positive note though by showing how Marley'smusic and message is still being used to educate and unite peopletoday.The film shows Marley to be both a great musician and great man butisn't afraid to look at his less impressive traits. His womanising ismentioned on several occasions, as is his poor parenting. Hiswillingness to do anything to make it is also a constant theme. He waswilling to change his style as well as drop his friends in order tobecome better known or appreciated and the film doesn't shy away fromletting this be known. A thread I'd like to have seen explored furtherwas his lack of success with black audiences outside of Jamaica. It washinted at several times but is an interesting area which could havebeen looked at further.Marley is a fantastic biopic documentary which sheds light on one ofthe world's best loved musicians. It isn't afraid to show both his goodand bad sides and does a good job of illustrating his life from startto finish. It is accompanied by a soundtrack that head my head bobbingand feet tapping throughout and made me want to go out and furtherexplore his back catalogue as well as his message of One Love.www.attheback.blogspot.com

Gerry Keating

(2013-05-17 10:42:08)

A documentary that focuses on the life of a musical Icon, Bob Marley.

The first official documentary featuring members of the Marley family,who reflect on the life of Bob Marley. A prophet to some and a lyricalicon who left the earth leaving a significant mark in musical history."Marley" is a beautifully crafted piece of work based on the lateJamaican star. The film is aimed at his biggest fans as well as thosewith little knowledge of his life, example being myself. Born in 1963,Raised in the slum's of Kingston, Jamaica, Bob Marleylived life an only child with his mother fending for food and water.Bob's life shows an affect for disaster with little knowledge of hisfather and any appearance being nothingshort of a myth. Just like Bob, friends and numerous characters from the Kingston areaare introduced in the film, expressing their upbringing in povertystricken Jamaica.We learn of the belief in "Rasta Fari". A god worshipped by certainJamaicans. Bob Marley describes him as the equivalent to Jesus. "Whitepeople have Jesus, we have Rhasta Fari". A belief which entitles themto smoke a ridiculous amount of weed each day.The concept of the documentary tells a tale of comedy, happiness anddepression as ones life is told through those who grew up with, andloved him most.His struggle for success is told through friends and numerous membersof The Wailers. How reggae was founded through a single chord? how BobMarley eventually left Jamaica for America to expand his ideas inmusic. A story of ambition and tragedy, relating to the shooting of BobMarley and certain members of The Wailers. How Bob Marley was begged torevive Jamaica's government torn gang war, bringing a country togetherthrough his music.Vital members of the Marley family are heard for the first time in thiscinematic masterpiece. Son of Bob, Ziggy Marley tells of hisremembrance, as we see a shocking resemblance to the late singer. RitaMarley, his first and last love tells the story of how she stayed withBob, despite his sexual antics.A revealing documentary of the Jamaican superstar, seen through theeyes of members of the music industry as well as a brilliant cast ofKingston locals who simply never left the scene since Bob Marley'sgrowing up."Marley" reveals a variety of live performances, showing Bob Marley athis best and a typically beautiful soundtrack, which mingles with everyscene. Fans and people today know of the ending that awaited BobMarley. This documentary is a terrific celebration towards a musicalgenius, who just like many icons, changed parts of the world,politically and musically.Overall, "Marley" is terrifically original, telling a story of a manwith a history guaranteed to make you laugh and cry. A film for fans ofall ages to enjoy.

DICK STEEL

(2013-05-16 03:13:14)

A Nutshell Review: Marley

There are a number of autobiographical films these days paying tributeto the current crop of musicians, singers and the likes, and are oftencombined with 3D to milk in the cash since they are going to reach outonly to a limited number of fans. So it's quite refreshing to see abiographical one told of a musical legend. For those who have noinkling to who Bob Marley is, or what reggae sounds like and itsinfluence, Marley the documentary is for you, and for Bob Marley fansalike. Directed by Kevin Macdonald, who made films like The Last Kingof Scotland, The Eagle and State of Play, Marley revisits the musicdocumentary, and it's really an ambitious one given the size and scaleof what was covered, and finding that fine balance that can appeal tothe serious fan, and the casual movie-goer without alienating them.Macdonald takes his time to tell the story of this influential musicianand charismatic performer, who came from humble roots in a small townin Jamaica, before doing what he does best with his band The Wailers,touring the world and spreading their message of love and peace throughtheir music. In 144 minutes, Macdonald provided a very linearpresentation in bringing us through the chronological series of eventsin Bob Marley's life, through a series of talking heads styledinterviews with family, friends, and those who have played asignificant part in various memorable episodes. You can sense thedirector's reverence for the subject in having carefully assembled andcrafted Marley's various performances into the narrative, as well asdigging through countless of archives to look for gems, especiallythose marking Bob Marley's formative years in Jamaica.Not only were the good put on display, but those that some of us mayfrown upon as well, got included rather than being glossed over, ordeliberately overlooked, such as the growing and smoking of weed, andhis rather free loving ways with women, fathering many children withdifferent women. But as the film painted them all out, somehow they allturned out good, with drugs never being part of the tours that madecountries go jittery, and the open relationships that somehow gotthrough with tacit understanding, that one may think of as terriblygenerous.There's really little to say about what's covered in the film, becauseof its broad spectrum and attention paid to significant portions andincidents in Bob Marley's life, that the curious can probably look upWikipedia and get the whole tale. But a film allows more to bepresented, especially for those who have never seen him live, to have afeel at his stage presence from the archived clips that were carefullycurated, even though I'm almost certain some days down the road, oreven now, that some would have already turned up on file or videosharing sites. But I digress.Macdonald knows his material, and the film got wonderfully edited inengaging the audience, even when there were moments that dwelled on hislineage and family background, or having to work on deeper issues likehis music and Rastafari philosophy, allowing appreciation of mattersclose to Bob Marley's heart, and to see for oneself in what actuallymade him tick. Anecdotes from close friends, colleagues, and fellowmembers of the industry, whether from the studios point of view, orfrom members of his band who had come and gone, all brought outdifferent facets of the man's life, whether from the angle of him beingthe consummate professional, the inspirational songwriter, or seenduring his leisure activities in running and football.It's also history on film, with how Macdonald reminded how closely tiedBob was to the politics of his home town, and the political infightingthat had threatened to pull the country apart. It is here that Iwitness first hand the power of music as a unifying force for peace,healing the rift divided by reasons long unknown and diluted, butresolved once again by an artform, which in this case is music,together with Bob Marley's powers of improvisation and sincerity inwanting to make the world a better place, starting with his hometown,country, then other continents, and hopefully one day, the world. Hisphilanthropy, no matter how disorganized it may seem, also got thrustinto the spotlight, and from various news reels, interviews, notablequotes, Marley the documentary paints a more than three dimensionallook at the man behind the music.If you're not a fan of Bob Marley or have never listened to any of hismusic, Marley will urge you to do so by the time the end credits roll,as I doubt the reggae sounds will not cause you to be moved, or sparkan interest in wanting to know, and listen to more. A staggeringdiscography of more than 60 songs got packed into this documentary toprovide like a quick overview to the music of a legend, and if youaren't a fan, chances are that Kevin Macdonald would have made you oneby the time you're through. Highly recommended and into my shortlist asone of the best of the year!

kosmasp

(2013-05-15 13:15:33)

All you need to know

I'll admit freely that I hadn't looked at any biography of Mr. Marley(please tell me you didn't think this movie had anything to do withthat dog film starring Owen Wilson? Thanks), so maybe that helped or itdidn't while watching this. But I think this is as accurate and fullyexplored as far as biographies go. It covers quite a lot of ground andis a really satisfying look behind the curtains of a man that more thaninfluenced (music) history.It might be a bit too long for some, but the time is needed to exploreas much as I stated above. If you like the music or music in generaland don't mind documentaries, you can't go wrong with this one(throwing in a few songs for good measure).

ligonlaw

(2013-05-14 05:54:54)

Brilliant, Excellent, Oscar-worthy

Until I saw "Marley" at the Sonoma International Film Festival lastweekend, I knew little about the reggae star but liked a lot of hismusic.Director Kevin MacDonald was nominated for an Oscar for "The Last Kingof Scotland," the excellent film about Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.MacDonald won an Oscar for the documentary "One Day in September." Hehas directed a number of fine films, but none any finer than this gem. This is an excellent biography of a musical genius, who died veryyoung. While he lived, he was a force of nature. What is particularlydelicious about this film is the sound. There is a lot of musicthroughout, much of it in the background, but in the foreground are thepeople who knew and played with Bob Marley. The Jamaican language makesthe film very compelling. There are sub-titles which translate Englishinto English. The language adds so much to understanding why Reggae iswhat it is.This is a fine film, an artistic achievement and a fitting tribute to agreat musician. See it, if you have even a passing interest in reggaeor Bob Marley.

The_creator2010

(2013-05-13 20:34:48)

Detailed documentary focusing on the life of musical icon, Bon Marley

The first official documentary featuring members of the Marley family,who reflect on the life of Bob Marley. A prophet to some and a lyricalicon who left the earth leaving a significant mark in musical history.Marley is a beautifully crafted piece of work based on the lateJamaican star. The film is aimed at his biggest fans as well as thosewith little knowledge of his life. (ME) Raised in the slum's ofKingston, Jamaica, Bob Marley lived life an only child with his motherfending for food and water. Bob's life shows an affect for disasterwith little knowledge of his father and any appearance being nothingshort of a myth. Just like Bob, friends and numerous characters fromthe Kingston area are introduced in the film, expressing theirupbringing in poverty stricken Jamaica.We learn of the belief in "Rhasta Fari". A god worshiped by certainJamaicans. Bob Marley describes him as the equivalent to Jesus. "Whitepeople have Jesus, we have Rhasta Fari". A belief which entitles themto smoke a ridiculous amount of weed each day.The concept of the documentary tells a tale of comedy, happiness anddepression as ones life is told through those who grew up with, andloved him most.His struggle for success is told through friends and numerous membersof The Wailers. How reggae was founded through a single chord? how BobMarley eventually left Jamaica for America to expand his ideas inmusic. A story of ambition and tragedy, relating to the shooting of BobMarley and certain members of The Wailers. How Bob Marley was begged torevive Jamaica's government torn gang war, bringing a country togetherthrough his music.Vital members of the Marley family are heard for the first time in thiscinematic masterpiece. Son of Bob, Ziggy Marley tells of hisremembrance, as were are shown a shocking resemblance to the latesinger. Rita Marley, his first and last love tells the story of how shestayed with Bob, despite his sexual antics.A revealing documentary of the Jamaican superstar, seen through theeyes of members of the music industry as well as a brilliant cast ofKingston locals who simply never left the scene of Bob Marley's growingup.Marley reveals a variety of live performances, showing Bob Marley athis best and a typically beautiful soundtrack, which mingles with everyscene. Fans and people today know of the ending that awaited BobMarley. This documentary is a terrific celebration towards a musicalgenius, who just like many icons, changed parts of the world,politically and musically.Overall, Marley is terrifically original, telling a story of a man witha history guaranteed to make you laugh and cry. A film for fans of allages to enjoy.Did you enjoy my review? check out my previous and up to date reviewsat my blog - http://gerrysreviewsforthosecurious.blogspot.com/

onumbersix

(2013-05-12 15:25:10)

Out of darkness

Who never heard of Bob Marley? Probably, not many people. Who reallyknows Marley's story? Probably, not many people also. This documentaryaims to be complete and without complacency. I believe it attains itsgoals as much as it is possible with such subject matter. All ofMarley's life and death are displayed. Born in abject poverty,ostracized for being born to a white father passing through and a blackmother; this man elevated himself over the masses and became a symbolfor brotherhood and liberty. Marlye is not shown as sympathetic but sovery charming, as it is often the case among the greats. Marley createda whole new genre of music, Reggae. This is quite a feat. Marley is afilm to see and appreciate at many levels.

Mayer Nissim

(2013-05-12 07:02:35)

Up there with No Direction Home and The Filth and the Fury, Marley is one of the greatest ever historical music documentaries.

Jack` Harding

(2013-05-05 19:44:57)

One love. One doc'...

Usain Bolt and bobsleighs aside, when someone says "Jamaica", you thinkof either Reggae, Rhastas or weed. In other words, you think of BobMarley. The man who came to epitomise everything we associate with thatlaid-back corner of the globe. But he was a little more than just anonchalant, splif-toking Jamaican. As far as singer/songwriters go,they don't come much bigger than Bob. His and The Wailers' universalsongs of love, peace and hope rank amidst some of the finest and mostrecognisable ever given up to music. There are even those who wouldliken Bob to Ghandi. A bit O.T.T, sure, but the comparisons are there(sorta): an immortal advocate of peace and altruism; a liberal; anational treasure. And yet Bob Marley was not without fault and, 'tillnow, a fair share of unworthy documentaries.Kevin Macdonald's bio' doc' about Bob's life and legacy is a stylishand honest mediation on the man behind the myth that charts hisphysical and spiritual journey through the music- world; his quest forsuccess that would transform him from the rejected front-man of abudding ska band to the iconic, liberating arbitrator whose timelesstunes went beyond music; unified colours, creeds and nations andtouched millions.Made with the full cooperation of Bob's family and friends and toldlargely through their accounts, Marley is a potent and essentialjourney through his touching life and times. Macdonald's Bob doc'doesn't make the beloved man out to be some kind of saint in spite ofits hyperbolized ending creds', though. The director's variousinterviews with those who knew Bob best in addition to a tonne ofarchival stills and footage paint him in a variety of ways; conflicted,poised, selfish, kind, wanton, loyal, driven, stubborn, free.Macdonald's Marley lays bare the heart and soul of the dread-lockedRhasta in some style. A distinct level of cohesion and humanity isfound in the director's attention to detail regarding Bob's estrangedpersonal life; from his impoverished roots and search for acceptance tohis self-serving, self- sacrificing ways and stirring date with cancer. Despite a muddled and stuttered opening, Marley boasts an absolving anddeeply moving final third that ties the hefty, 146 minute bio doc' upin style. This is a fresh and thoughtful journey through the life of amusic legend with scope and soul in spades; an intriguing and chicfusion of art, music and history. Marley is the quintessential portraitof Bob Marley's life. See it.

RightersBloc

(2013-05-05 17:56:41)

enlightening

I am amazed at the amount of information not publicly known about anicon such as Bob Marley. This movie goes into great (and previouslyunmentioned) detail regarding his life, his family, his music and hisuntimely death. The interviews with his wife, his girlfriends, hischildren, band mates, etc. tell much of the story that we never wereprivy to prior. While it is more than two hours in length, you willsoon realize it takes every bit of this and then some to detail thelife of someone who unfortunately only lived to the age of 36. Thereare recoding sessions, interviews with Marley himself and footage ofhis many tours and concerts. This documentary will convert anyone yetunderstanding how important Robert Nesta Marley was to world music andworld politics. I highly recommend it.

Guy Lodge

(2013-05-05 01:14:27)

[A] generous, absorbing, family-authorized docu on the late, still-reigning king of reggae music.

Twins65

(2013-05-04 05:49:03)

One good thing about music…

…when it hits, you feel no pain. Excellent job on this documentary to Mr. Macdonald. I probably wouldhave been a bit restless sitting through this in a theater, as heprobably could have trimmed about 20 minutes off for my overallenjoyment, but since I watched it on DVD, it was a nice viewing over a2 day stretch.Going in, I felt I knew quite a bit about the life of Bob Marley, but Icame away knowing a whole bunch more. The shots of poverty strickenTrench Town really make you appreciate what a privilege your everydayUSA upbringing was compared to what it's like for others around theworld (including poor Jamaicans), and the last 25 minutes leading up tohis death were quite moving, as I never knew about his stretch inGermany just before he passed.Macdonald really did a great job finding all these interviewees whowere related to or knew the man, and got them all the to open upseemingly at ease. For example, I never also knew his daughter withRita (Cedella) was an actress, who I subsequently discovered was thelead in an indie movie filmed in NYC in the mid-nineties. The bit aboutThe (latter day) Wailers opening for The Commodores to attract a biggerblack following in the US was also new to me. And it was sure waschilling to hear them discuss the assassination attempt in 1976.My only other real quibble is the lack of discussion about variousfamous albums, their legacy, and/or tracks on them. I've always lovedalbums, even as they seem to have become an afterthought since the dawnof the internet has pretty much made people quit buying them. Eventhough we heard most of these songs playing on the soundtrack and manyof them are somewhat self-explanatory from the words, I wanted to hearmore about the origin of and making of:"Exodus", "Kaya", I Shot the Sheriff, Is this Love, Buffalo Soldier,Iron Lion Zion, Waiting in Vain, Could You Be Loved, and a few othercuts.But do check this out, and it's well worth the time spent.

Sean Lamberger

(2013-05-03 01:15:24)

Warm, Complex and Genuine, Just Like its Subject

One of the most exhaustively-researched biographical docus I've everseen, and nary a moment of its two-plus-hour runtime is wasted. Packedwith honest, revealing, enlightening face-to-face chats with everymajor player in Bob Marley's story, this candid tell-all effectivelycaptures the social impact of his work on-stage and in-studio, alongwith the intimate details of his private life. It doesn't take muchprodding to realize that before we can fully comprehend one, we mustalso understand the other. Dedicated apostles of the icon shouldwelcome the personal insights, while more passive appreciators arebound to be staggered by the power of his voice on multiple levels -musical, political, religious and intellectual. Warm, complex andgenuine, just like its subject - I can appreciate his work on a wholenew level today.

wayofthewhiterabbit

(2013-05-02 20:09:32)

Out of focus

So I am a Bob Marley fan. Not that I can tell you all the dates ofalbum releases etc but I know his music, I know his lyrics and I gethis message. The problem with this film was it's focus was wrong. Ifelt much more focus should have been given to Bob's message andcontextualised more in society then and now. For example Bob was aboutblack unity, the film hinted at the racism that exists in the UK, ithinted at CIA interest in Bob but it never went into any depth at whyBob felt black unity was such an issue. Virtually no world politics wasdiscussed. No parallel movements such as the black panther party werementioned etc. None of his most political songs were played....thismatters because this is truly what Bob was about. Far too much time wasspent talking about his relationships with various women, it seemedthis was there to add to our feelings of moral superiority. I justdon't think it was particularly relevant, after all this was supposedto be serious documentary not a feature in a gossip magazine. Bob wasabout awakening people to truth and I think the film failed to do this.Having said that it is still worth watching for the footage and some ofthe early interview segments in the documentary.