OK for kids 13+
Comprehensive docu on iconic reggae musician.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Marley is an excellent and comprehensive documentary on the iconic reggae musician. Unsurprising to those familiar with Marley, reggae music, and the Rastafarian religion, there are frequent pictures and videos where Marley and his band The Wailers are smoking marijuana, and there is discussion about marijuana and its role in Marley's life and Jamaican culture. There is also frank discussion of Marley's numerous affairs; he had 11 children with seven different women while married. To provide necessary context, viewers see news footage of the sometimes violent civil unrest in Jamaica in the 1970s. However, none of this overshadows the central message of the film: Bob Marley was a deeply spiritual man dedicated to making others happy with his music, and to using his music as an instrument to promote peace, unity, and love.
- Families can talk about the power of art and music. What does this documentary say about music and its power to transcend cultures and politics? What role does art play in politics throughout history?
- What challenges do you think the filmmakers faced in presenting Bob Marley's life and music, as well as Jamaican culture, religion, and politics?
- What are the different cinematic tools the filmmakers use to tell Bob Marley's story? Which do you think are the most effective?
The good stuff
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Messages: This documentary shows the healing and transformative power of music. It demonstrates music bringing happiness to people throughout the world, and the ability of music to bring about unity in times of deep political divisions.
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Role models: At his core, Bob Marley was a deeply spiritual man who used his music as a vehicle in which to express an earnest desire for peace and love for all mankind. Not everyone will approve of some of his life choices, but his legacy as a musician is transcendent.
What to watch for
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Violence: The film features news footage of Jamaica's political unrest during the 1970s as a backdrop to Bob Marley's life and career. There are riot scenes, people on the streets of Kingston shooting guns, a man getting bitten and dragged in the leg by a police dog, and a dead body on the street.
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Sex: There is frank discussion of Bob Marley's sex life, and how he fathered 11 children by seven different women.
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Language: Not much iffy language other than "ass."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Predictably enough to anyone familiar with Bob Marley, reggae music, and the Rastafarian religion, this documentary shows frequent marijuana use, and discussion of marijuana smoking and its relation to Rastafarians.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
EPIC, Brilliant Doucumentary by bwalker78
for $6.99 on Time Warner Pay Per View you get to enjoy this amazing film for 48hours. I've watched it 3 times. It's amazing from the score and story. even if you are NOT a reggae fan
GO
SEE
THIS
FILM
5
Bob Marley, Poet and a Prophet by NathanA
A fantastic documentary, detailing the life of Bob Marley. I learned that Bob's cause and purpose was born through living a life of poverty and seeing a way out through his God given talents for poetry and music. It is said in the movie that the harsh circumstances of his youth can make any person quickly go down a path of being good or bad. As a natural humanitarian, Bob chooses to not only elevate himself, but all people that suffer. As he discovers his music and his faith, Bob realizes his dream to bring all people together. The documentary has great detail from many people close to him, including his wife, children, producers and fellow musicians, all lending their voice to unfold Bob's story. The films compelling portrayal of Marley is told much more through the narrative drama of his life and less through a straight interpretation or celebration of his music. It's about illuminating Marley's roots and the trials he faced in his tragically short life. Highly recommend!
5
Marley by vegasGK
This movie was awesome whether you are a Bob Marley fan or not! It told the incredible life story of Bob Marley from the point of view of many different people who shared his life as well as wonderful film footage of Jamaica and old videos of Bob Marley that most people have never seen and of course it was set to the beautiful soundtrack of his life, his music of peace and struggle, love and war, happiness and sorrow. He was a beautiful soul who left the world a better place, he will forever be in my heart.
5
Marley by TheBlackEbert
I just saw Marley the documentary on reggae star BobMarley and it was EXCELLENT!!! A must see for any Marley fan or any music fan who wants to come into a understanding of not only the music but the man and the motive behind the music, VERY informative! A+
5
MARLEY!! MARLEY!!! MARLEY!!!
Just a beautiful film. It is an in depth look at this man's life. Way beyond the music! Bob IS way beyond music! He IS of a kind! He IS Rasta! This is a must see for anyone that is about unity, love, and power of people! I have never been to a film where people were singing and dancing during it...BUT MARLEY ...it was a common scene!! The film is a blessing!! ONE LOVE to my brother BOB!! NEVER GIVE UP THE FIGHT! JAH RASTAFAR I!!!!
5
Kudos
Excellent documentary. I've read many books about the life of Bob and the documentary captured a great deal of his life and legacy. I learned new things and it was both informative and fun. This is definitely a must see!
5
Footprint in my heart by Steeler_Fan80
It was excellent! I'm not a Bob Marley follower so to speak, but I do enjoy listening to his music. My daughter however does love Bob Marley & I purchased the tickets to take her & myself.
The documentary was very interesting for myself as a parent & for my daughter. We both enjoyed it very much! It's a long documentary but keeps you interested & well informed throughout the film. The footage is clear. The documentary takes you back when Bob was small where he lived & where he grew up. It talks about his family, surroundings & what he believed in. I can tell you that I learned more about him & now have a different hearfelt perspective on what his journey represented in life. Bob Marley left a foot print in my heart that I didn't have prior to me seeing the documentary. The film made me laugh & cry.
I would recommend this film to 16yrs of age and older. Even if you don't know anything about Bob Marley I would still recommend the film.
"ONE LOVE"
4
Marley by cadchick60
This movie shed light on Bob Marley. Interesting cast of characters. I would have liked to have heard more from his children. The movie was long. Sad he died so young.
5
Inspirational by jdestache
Not only does this movie pay a great tribute to the King of Reggae and one of my favorite artists of all time, but this movie is so inspirational. It is very long though, so plan on it. Don't drink to fast, have lots of food, and find a comfortable position because you won't want to miss a moment.
5
One Love- Marley by Mjones8723
I love the film. It was a wonderful documentary and educational film for the whole family.