11 goosebump moments from Bob Marley: One Love

Jamaica’s biggest star Bob Marley lives on through his reggae music and spirit of peace for one and all. This stirring biographical music drama stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as the celebrated singer-songwriter with Lashana Lynch and James Norton in supporting roles as Rita Marley and Chris Blackwell.  

Produced by the likes of Ziggy Marley and Brad Pitt, this epic biopic captures the essence of the legend and immerses viewers in the life and times of the music icon and pioneer. A heartfelt film in the key of Bohemian Rhapsody, it trades in the purity of Marley’s mission for all mankind. Here are 11 goosebump-inducing moments from Bob Marley: One Love.  

1. The opening sequence

The opening sequence conjures up the story with a few lines to give political context to the rise of Jamaica’s icon. Undergoing outbreaks of violence and on the brink of civil war, the emotive and soulful music builds as documentary footage underlines the film’s rich mix of docudrama. A character portrait, the opening sequence comes to rest on Marley’s contemplative face. 

2. Beautiful Jamaican background

Jamaica is a lush Caribbean paradise composed of mountains, rainforests and reef-lined shores. Bob Marley: One Love paints an idyllic picture of the freedom-loving lifestyle of the country as Marley and his crew play soccer and swim under waterfalls. Set to the tune of Get Up, Stand Up, the euphoric scenes echo the sentiment that the best things in life are free. The dream is, however, interrupted.  

3. The recording of I Shot The Sheriff

Not surprisingly, there’s a strong dose of Jamaican flavour to Bob Marley: One Love. This is best reflected in a smokey recording session where Bob and his band lay down a track for the much-loved I Shot the Sheriff. An intimate tape environment with a few guests that plays like a club scene on a balmy evening, the iconic song captures a slice of life through this authentic setting. 

4. The drum circle

A pulsating deep bass drum beat sets the scene for a hazy fireside drum circle. The rhythmic drums have a spiritual undertone as the soulful music and ganja smoke rise and infuse. A contemplative, introspective and even romantic scene, it conjures up an earthy warmth as peace and freedom filters into the moment. 

5. Making peace with his demons through song

Music concerts and large gatherings have a way of creating a oneness as crowds face in one direction and share an often visceral, uplifting experience. This must have been the norm for Bob Marley performances, capturing a transcendent moment as the icon reaches to the heavens with a spiritual and surreal gesture. Past traumas materialise in a moment of cleansing fire as Marley confronts and attempt to make peace with his demons.  

6. Punk vs reggae in the UK

While Jamaica gained independence in 1962, it still has ties to the United Kingdom. Worlds apart in many ways, Marley’s fish-out-of-water London experience is captured with a humorous touch as he and his boys attend a frenetic Brit punk concert. In a strong contrast, they encounter hooligans, unabashed racism and police profiling that jars with their love-one-another reggae vibrations.    

7. Jammin' while out on a run

Bob Marley and his band of merry men take to the streets for a run as Jammin’ fills the air. This soul-satisfying montage recaptures the hang out vibrations of earlier scenes as they play soccer in the park. The feel good groove filters into their studio recording and mixing session as everyone gets into the flow. A strong contrast to earlier scenes, the infectious spirit remains and you can’t help but move to the music. 

8. Exodus in Europe

Voted Time Magazine’s most important album of the 20th Century, it’s easy to see how pivotal this moment was to Bob Marley’s music career. Capturing the highs of the European leg of the Exodus tour with the soundtrack building to a crescendo, the feeling of oneness becomes palpable to the tune of the album’s title track with echoes of “movement of the people”.  

9. Flashbacks to the Rita romance

Nostalgic flashbacks to Bob and Rita’s young romance play out and create tension in contrast to the uneasiness of their relationship in the here and now. At first a heartfelt ballad, No Woman, No Cry takes on a melancholic edge as their once lofty ideals are undercut by the hard realities and trials of life on the road.   

10. Fans at the airport

Airport scenes have an emotional tug, which resounds as Bob touches down and disembarks from an airplane to a crowd of adoring fans. The soundtrack swirls as cheers emanate to usher in the timeless song Three Little Birds as Marley’s low-key motorcade rolls on to the lyrics “don’t worry about a thing”.  

11. "We must make it"

An earnest, honest interview with Bob harnesses and heightens optimistic feelings as a look of contentment slides across his face with the words  "we must make it".  A deeply contemplative expression serves as a prelude to another soulful One Love concert performance as Marley’s unsettling visions come full circle. 

Stream Bob Marley: One Love on Showmax now.