The life story of a pioneering music icon comes to the big screen in Bob Marley: One Love. This rousing biopic delves into the triumphs and tragedies of Bob Marley, the man who popularised the reggae genre and helped inspire a global message of solidarity in the face of hate.
Expect a nostalgia-inducing soundtrack, a narrative filled with drama and a transformative central performance from a rising British star. In short, One Love promises everything you want from a celebratory music biopic. Scroll down for all the key details of the movie.
What is the story of Bob Marley: One Love?
In the words of the official synopsis: 'Bob Marley: On Love celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.'
The movie encompasses Marley's roots in Jamaica, his marriage to wife Rita, his sell-out concerts and his eventual move to London. Along the way we're reminded of the horrific assassination attempt on Marley's life, the challenges he faced in spreading his 'one love' philosophy (the film's title is taken from his 1965 song, which he co-composed with his band The Wailers), and his tragic premature death at the age of 36.
Who portrays Bob Marley in One Love?
Bob Marley is portrayed by Kingsley Ben-Adir. In addition to his role as Basketball Ken in Greta Gerwig's blockbusting Barbie, the talented actor is perhaps best known for his role in the cult series The OA. More pertinently, he's generated acclaim for his previous big-screen portrayals of leading cultural figures.
In 2020, Ben-Adir depicted former US President Barack Obama in The Comey Rule. In 2021, Ben-Adir portrayed controversial Civil Rights leader Malcolm X in director Regina King's adaptation of the stage production One Night in Miami. The actor was acclaimed for his authentic observation of Malcolm X's mannerisms and his ideological impetus, attaining a BAFTA Rising Star nomination.
Clearly, Ben-Adir is not one to be intimidated by the demands of transforming into a significant real-life figure. On the subject of Marley, he tells CBS News: "He means so much to so many people. So there were a lot of instructions for me. You know, 'Remember, he's this. Remember, he's not that. Don't do this. Don't do that.
"He was very gentle and loving and, like, so popular and funny. And I think with an icon like Bob, it can be challenging because his public persona is so strong."
In the movie, Ben-Adir is flanked by Lashana Lynch (No Time To Die) as Marley's wife Rita and James Norton as Chris Blackwell, the founder of Island Records who helped bring Marley to wider global attention.
Who directs Bob Marley: One Love?
Bob Marley: One Love is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green who was acclaimed for his 2022 drama King Richard. The movie dramatised the fractious relationship between tennis coach Richard Williams and his protége daughters Venus and Serena. Green's sensitive helming of the material offered an intimate insight into the lives of two sporting superpowers and the movie yielded Will Smith's first Oscar win for his role as Richard.
"I’ve always loved Bob, his music was playing in my household growing up," Green tells Empire Magazine. "I was thinking, how serendipitous. Somehow it felt like it was written for me; Bob Marley lived at 42 Oakley Street in London and 42 is my favourite number. There were all these weird signs calling me to this film. And I think what Bob sang for, his message of unity and peace and love are the things I believe in as a human being.
"I’m sure they’ve been trying to make a Marley move for years and it’s never happened and somehow it’s falling on my doorstep. I just thought, 'yeah it’s a gigantic risk because Bob is so beloved and an icon, a fascinating character and he has a cult following so you don’t mess with Bob, you can’t get him wrong.'"
What has Bob Marley's family said about the film?
Bob Marley: One Love has been made with the blessing of the Marley family estate. Marley's son Ziggy, a noted reggae musician in his own right, has praised Kingsley Ben-Adir's performance, as you'll see in the following video clip.
Where was the Bob Marley: One Love premiere held?
The premiere of Bob Marley: One Love was held in Marley's birth country of Jamaica. The event took place in the country's capital Kingston and was attended by the film's cast and crew, and Ziggy Marley. You can watch the video highlights below.
Is Bob Marley: One Love showing at Cineworld in premium formats?
You can watch Bob Marley: One Love in premium format Superscreen at Cineworld. Unique to Cineworld, Superscreen fuses state-of-the-art projection, delivered on huge screens, with breathtaking multidimensional sound powered by epic Dolby Atmos speakers.
As the movie plays out the immersive dimensions of Superscreen will pull you further into the drama, inviting you to imagine that you're standing next to the legendary Bob Marley as he delivers his path-breaking music to the world.
When is Bob Marley: One Love released at Cineworld and where can we book tickets?
Bob Marley: One Love is released at Cineworld on February 14th and you can book your tickets via the link below.
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