Dear Editor,

I was fortunate to see the Bob Marley: One Love movie in Toronto; I thought it was absolutely brilliant.

I got goosebumps knowing that the film, which was very well produced and promoted, had a central Jamaican theme which included the culture, dialect (which did not require subtitles), scenery, and politics. It also captured the underlying violence and, poverty in the country. It was authentic to the core without any filters and still made it to number one at the Box Office.

The acting was superb, especially the lead, Kingsley Ben-Adir, who played Bob Marley, and Lashana Lynch, who played Rita. But, for me, Lashana’s performance stood out and was most memorable. Her character was dominant and consistent, and I would not be surprised if she gets nominated for an award for the supporting role. Kingsley, as Marley, understood the assignment and acted very well.

Although a few people in the mostly white audience left during the film, most stayed to the end, even while the credits were playing. I am not sure if those who left found the dialect difficult to follow or were turned off by the violence.

The soundtrack was well chosen and appropriate for various scenes and the film promotion was great, with Marley memorabilia (T-shirts) being sold at the cinema — rarely do we see that. There was even a Jamaica commercial before the film, which initially I thought was from the Jamaica Tourist Board, but it was actually a Canadian Airline promoting Jamaica as a destination, which was fantastic.

The use of symbols, such as the Red Stripe beer and the iconic Air Jamaica plane in the background, was also strategic. Marley’s influences and inspiration was dotted throughout the film, and it was good to see him as father, husband, and family man, despite his success.

I recall that one of the most difficult books I’ve ever read, Marlon James’s A Brief History of Seven Killings, was also loosely based on Marley’s life at the peak of his career and mostly written in patois and filled with violence. The book became a best seller and won the coveted Man Booker Prize in 2015 for literature. Those who criticise the movie must understand that a film is a work of art and a lot is based on interpretation, symbolism, and perception. It is a creative process and the director strives to link scenes, casting, music, and script to tell a story which he or she hopes will captivate and interest the audience. Some will get it, others won’t, and if most get it, the director, producers, actors, and crew have done their jobs. It is equally bizarre that some critics expected a complete life story from birth till death, which would’ve been impossible given the time limit and budget of the film.

Nevertheless, there were many scenes connecting Marley’s youth, his time with the Wailers, and his budding love affair as a youngster with Rita, who he chose to marry and have several kids. The focus of the film is Bob Marley, the legend. I, therefore, cannot find any sympathy for those who couldn’t understand the story, or wanted more.

Cindy Breakspeare, who created controversy during the film’s premiere, should be pleased that her character was shown in some scenes, albeit voiceless and in the background looking on. She has told her story many times, but this was not her moment, neither was the focus on Marley’s multiple affairs.

Rita knew him best, she knew him when he was nothing, she toured and performed with him, and stayed with him as wife and partner to the end.

If I had one criticism, I would’ve added a few more lines to the script to help to fill in some gaps, such as how did Marley learn to play the guitar, was he self taught?

In the end, I think many were surprised to see well-known Hollywood actor Brad Pitt listed in the film credits as Executive Producer, which should give the film even more credibility. This was by no means a fly by day pitch by night production.

The Marley family should be commended for producing the movie, which will be great for Brand Jamaica.

Hopefully, it will also reopen the conversation as to why Marley, a global legend and Jamaica’s most famous person, ought to be considered a national hero for what he was able to do for Jamaica, even decades after his death.

The message of love, humility, and unity lives on in his music and continues to inspire.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com