Coming to theaters this Valentine’s Day is Bob Marley: One Love.  The film is a biographical musical drama directed and written by Reinaldo Marcus Green.  It is based on the life of the most well-known reggae singer and songwriter of all time, Bob Marley.  The movie follows him through his difficult childhood until his death.  The Paramount Pictures film has received a lot of attention, especially on social media platforms such as TikTok.  Fans of the artist are excited to gain more insight into the fascinating life of the beloved musician.  

“I think the movie is going to have some very interesting insight into the details of Bob Marley’s life and show details that tell us more about him as a person than his effect on the media,” said junior Tessa Rudegeair.  

Kingslet Ben-Adir will portray Bob Marley with Lashana Lynch as his wife, Rita Marley, in the upcoming film.  The movie is meant to highlight the moments in the artist’s lifetime that made him the significant figure he is today, alongside how his music changed the political landscape of Jamaica.  Many steps were taken to make the movie as accurate as possible.  For example, some of the scenes were filmed in Jamaica, and in order to ensure authenticity, his son Ziggy Marley joined the team as a producer, making the film even more special. 

The score of the movie was composed by Kris Bowers, also known for the  scores of Monsters and Men as well as King Richard, which were nominated for multiple Oscars in 2022.   Additionally, country star Kasey Musgraves released a cover of one of Marley’s most famous songs “Three Little Birds”  earlier this year, which will be featured in the film.

Marley grew up in Nine Mile, a rural village in northern Jamaica.  In his spare time, he learned the guitar and played music with his friends.  When he was 18, he formed a band called The Wailers with two of his friends.  The band released 11 studio albums, including the hit-song “One Love,” which was a call for peace.  As Marley constantly said, “Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights.  Don’t give up the fight.”  

After receiving tons of attention, the Wailers signed with Island Records and Marley moved to London.  After touring for a few years, the band broke up; however, Marley’s musical career did not end there, and he became a global star.  His album Legend remains the best selling reggae album of all time.  Sadly, he died of melanoma in 1981, but despite his short lifetime, his legacy remains stronger than ever.  

“I love Bob Marley’s music.  It’s so calming and everytime I hear it, it reminds me of summer.  Everyone is always happy when his music comes on.  It radiates positivity,” said junior Emma Goldberg.  

Even though his music brings so many people joy, Marley’s message was that of political activism.  He fought hard for social justice and sought peace for Jamaica in times of turmoil.  Unity is a very common theme in his songs, and his music is considered to be very spiritual.  Marley shed light on both issues in Jamaica and on their culture.  Today, he is recognized as a pioneer of reggae music and emblem of Jamaican culture. 

“Bob Marley’s music was the first exposure I ever had to reggae music and since then, I have fallen in love with the genre.  I also appreciate how his music carries a message,” said senior Sadie Muller. 

Bob Marley is widely-recognized for his contributions to reggae music and helping to bring the genre into the mainstream.  Bob Marley: One Love is a wonderful tribute to his art and will further ignite the love for him all around the world.  The film hit theaters on Feb. 14, so make sure to buy tickets!