By Mark Fields
Earnest Drama Showcases Bob Marley’s Music, Activism
Bob Marley: One Love depicts several years in the tumultuous life and musical career of the legendary reggae artist as Marley develops his signature sound and uses it to unite his fellow Jamaicans in the early years of its strife-torn democracy. The film is a fairly straightforward telling of a highly dramatic story that shows both Marley’s musical prowess and his potentially-healing presence at the center of political upheaval. Kingsley Ben-Adir well captures the singer’s charisma and Lashana Lynch provides strong support as his wife Rita. There is nothing particularly noteworthy about Reinaldo Marcus Green’s workmanlike direction, but the familiar music and the lesser-known personal story behind Marley’s artistry carry the day in this unsurprising yet satisfying film.
