One Love

A journey through the rise, struggle, and legacy of Bob Marley.

Bob Marley: One Love is a 2024 American biographical musical drama film based on the life of reggae singer and songwriter Bob Marley, played by Kingsley Ben-Adir. The narrative spans from his rise to fame in the mid-1970s to his death in 1981. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, who co-wrote the screenplay with Terence Winter, Frank E. Flowers, and Zach Baylin, the film stars Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley and James Norton as Chris Blackwell. It premiered at the Carib 5 in Kingston, Jamaica, on January 23, 2024, before its United States release by Paramount Pictures on February 14, 2024. The production received mixed reviews from critics but achieved a worldwide gross of $181 million.

Quick Facts

Artist: the Wailers
Album: The Wailing Wailers
Released: 1965
Studio: Jamaica (Brentford Road, Kingston)
Genre: Ska, rocksteady
Label: Studio One
Writer: Bob Marley; Curtis Mayfield (uncredited)
Producer: Clement Dodd

Facts from the source article.

Lore & Background

The story begins in 1976 amidst armed political conflict affecting daily life in Jamaica. During preparations, Marley, his wife Rita, and several band members are shot by assailants. Both Marley and Rita survive and recover in time for the concert. After performing, a saddened Marley shows the crowd his bullet wounds and walks off stage. He instructs Rita to take their children to Delaware, while he and the band head to London to record. Struggling with new album concepts, Marley asks Rita to rejoin him in England. Inspired by the soundtrack of Exodus and their own situation, they record the album of the same name alongside a second 1978 release. This success popularizes reggae and Rastafari globally. Tensions rise regarding his responsibilities and infidelities, leading to friction with Rita and an altercation with manager Don Taylor over finances.

Reader's Guide

Production development began in June 2018 with Paramount Pictures and producer Ziggy Marley. Reinaldo Marcus Green was hired to direct in March 2021, joined by writers Zach Baylin, Frank E. Flowers, and Terence Winter. Following an extensive year-long search, Kingsley Ben-Adir was cast in February 2022, with Lashana Lynch joining in August. The rest of the cast, including Michael Gandolfini, Nadine Marshall, James Norton, and Anthony Welsh, joined in February 2023. Principal photography started in December 2022 across London and Jamaican locations like Kingston, Trench Town, Norman Manley International Airport, Bull Bay, and Cane River Falls, wrapping in April 2023. Kris Bowers composed the score. The soundtrack EP released on February 14, 2024, by Island Records and Tuff Gong, while Kacey Musgraves covered "Three Little Birds" on January 26, 2024. The film opened in Jamaica with a record $100,000 day one gross and an 89% market share, eventually earning $51 million over its first six days in the US.

Did You Know?

The film was originally scheduled for release on January 12, 2024, but was moved to February 14, 2024.
The pre-credits montage includes real footage showing Bob Marley joined on stage by the heads of both Jamaican political parties.