Marley Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A chill dude smokes a lot of weed, plays some music, has a bunch of kids, and then…spoiler alert…gets foot cancer; real bummer, mon.

🍿 Marley: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Humble Beginnings

The documentary explores Bob Marley’s birth in rural Jamaica to a white father and a black mother, highlighting his mixed heritage and the challenges he faced growing up. It shows his early exposure to poverty and the influence of his surroundings on his developing worldview. This period laid the foundation for his later themes of social justice and equality.

Musical Development and The Wailers

The film details Marley’s move to Kingston and his immersion in the local music scene. It chronicles the formation of The Wailers and their early ska and rocksteady recordings. The documentary emphasizes the struggles they faced to gain recognition and their eventual transition to reggae, which would become their signature sound.

Rise to International Stardom

Marley’s breakthrough into the international music scene is explored, focusing on his partnership with Chris Blackwell and Island Records. The film shows the Wailers’ tours, their growing popularity in Europe and the United States, and the development of Marley’s iconic stage presence. This section highlights his impact on global music and his increasing influence as a cultural icon.

Political Activism and Social Commentary

The documentary delves into Marley’s increasing involvement in Jamaican politics and his role as a voice for the marginalized. It covers his efforts to promote peace and unity in a country plagued by violence and division. The film portrays his commitment to social justice and his use of music as a tool for political and social change.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bob Marley (Self (archive footage)): A legendary Jamaican musician who rose from poverty to become an international icon promoting peace, love, and Rastafarianism through his reggae music.
• Ziggy Marley (Self): Bob Marley’s son who offers insights into his father’s life and legacy.
• Rita Marley (Self): Bob Marley’s wife who provides a personal perspective on his life, music, and relationships.
• Bunny Wailer (Self): A founding member of The Wailers, offering a firsthand account of the band’s formation and rise to fame with Bob Marley.
• Chris Blackwell (Self): The founder of Island Records, who played a key role in bringing Bob Marley and reggae music to a global audience.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bob Marley: “Me don’t deh pon nobody’s side. Me don’t deh pon the black man’s side nor the white man’s side. But, upon God’s side, the man who create me, who cause me to come from black and white.” – Marley explains his unique position, born of a white father and black mother, and his commitment to a universal perspective.
• Bob Marley: “I only have one thing I’d really like to see happen. I’d like to see mankind live together. Black, white, Chinese, everyone. That’s all.” – Marley expresses his simple yet profound dream of global unity and racial harmony.
• Bob Marley: “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.” – This lyric from Redemption Song encapsulates Marley’s message of spiritual and intellectual liberation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,413,480
• Worldwide Gross: $3,842,919

💥 Marley Reviews

Personal Review

As a casual Bob Marley listener, this documentary completely changed my perspective. Seeing his early struggles and the roots of his message was incredibly moving. The concert footage is electric, and I especially loved the parts focusing on his efforts to bring peace to Jamaica. It’s more than just a music doc; it’s a story of resilience, faith, and the power of music to unite.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Bob Marley fans”
  • “Reggae music enthusiasts”
  • “Documentary lovers”
  • “Those interested in music history”
  • “Viewers seeking inspiring stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of poverty”
  • “Drug use (marijuana)”
  • “Discussion of infidelity”
  • “Violence (mention of assassination attempt)”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “An extraordinary film featuring wonderful never before seen video and insightful interviews. Truly fascinating to watch Marley’s development as a musician and human being. His personality was one that brought people together. We get descriptions from Marley’s own voice, as well as the voices of his wife Rita, his children (including Ziggy), his girlfriends.
• reillyreviews.wordpress.com: “The purpose of a documentary is twofold. First, it must excite people who know nothing or very little on the subject. Second, it must give a little extra to people who are already dedicated to the subject. Marley failed to intrigue the interest of people who do not already love the musician.
• moseleyb13.com: “This is one of the most joyous, interesting and educational documentaries I have ever seen. I was utterly engrossed, in fact spellbound. In rare and previously unseen interview footage, we get a glimpse into the psyche of the man. Everyone preaches peace and love, especially singers, but Bob practised it.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the rare footage and intimate interviews with those closest to Bob Marley.: Fans agree the film is a comprehensive and moving portrait of a musical icon and his lasting impact on the world.

Overall Consensus: A comprehensive and moving documentary providing insights into Bob Marley’s life, music, and legacy. Highly recommended for both fans and newcomers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film includes rare footage and interviews secured with the full cooperation of the Marley family, offering unprecedented access to his personal archives.”
• “Kevin Macdonald discovered that there is no known footage of Bob Marley from the first 10 years of his performing career (1962-1973), highlighting the challenges in documenting his early years.”
• “The documentary explores Marley’s mixed-race heritage and its impact on his identity and music, a theme often discussed by Marley himself.”

🖥️ How to Watch Marley?

Marley is readily available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, where it is often available for rent or purchase. It’s also commonly found on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for digital rental or purchase. Check your local listings for availability on these and other streaming services. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also available for purchase online and in stores, offering a high-quality viewing experience and bonus content.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Marley, you might like these similar films:

• Amy (2015): A raw and intimate portrayal of a gifted musician’s life and struggles with fame, mirroring Marley’s exploration of Bob Marley’s personal challenges.
• The Last Waltz (1978): A legendary concert film that captures a pivotal moment in music history, similar to how ‘Marley’ showcases Bob Marley’s influential performances.
• Searching for Sugar Man (2012): An exploration of a musician’s mysterious story and rediscovery, echoing the documentary’s deep dive into Bob Marley’s life and legacy.

🛒 Marley Related Products

• Bob Marley: The Capitol Session ’73 [Blu-ray]: Experience a rare and intimate performance from Bob Marley and the Wailers, filmed live at Capitol Studios in 1973. Features crystal-clear picture and remastered audio. A must-have for any serious fan.
• Funko Pop! Rocks: Bob Marley (One Love): Celebrate the reggae legend with this detailed Funko Pop! figure. Perfect for displaying on shelves or desks, it’s a fun and quirky way to show your love for Bob Marley.
• Bob Marley – Legend: The Best of Bob Marley & The Wailers: The essential Bob Marley collection, featuring all of his greatest hits. A perfect introduction for new fans and a must-have for long-time listeners.
• Bob Marley: Portrait of the Legend [Paperback]: Discover the comprehensive book featuring a collection of images and essays which honor the Jamaican musician.

🎧 Soundtrack

Marley features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Exodus” – performed by Bob Marley & The Wailers
• “One Love/People Get Ready” – performed by Bob Marley & The Wailers
• “Get Up Stand Up” – performed by Bob Marley & The Wailers
• “No Woman No Cry” – performed by Bob Marley & The Wailers

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Bob Marley interview 100% true

Ever wonder what Bob Marley was *really* like? This interview gives you a glimpse straight from the source. Seriously, it’s pretty awesome to hear him talk about life!

Top 10 Things We Discovered About Bob Marley From Watching One Love

So, you’ve seen ‘One Love’? Think you know everything about Bob Marley now? This video drops some knowledge bombs on things you might’ve missed. You’ll definitely be impressed!

Mark Kermode reviews Bob Marley: One Love – Kermode and Mayo’s Take

Want to know if ‘One Love’ is worth your time? Mark Kermode breaks down the good, the bad, and everything in between. His reviews are spot-on, so give it a watch!

✨ Rate