Watch Marley

Marley is the 2012 documentary film that explores the life, music, and legacy of the reggae music legend, Bob Marley. The film was directed by Kevin Macdonald and features interviews with Bob Marley's family members, friends, fans, and collaborators, as well as archival footage and performances. The documentary covers Bob Marley's early life, growing up in poverty in rural Jamaica. From his early childhood, Marley showed a love for music and rhythm, inspired by the sounds of Jamaica, including ska, rocksteady, and gospel music. As a young adult, Marley formed the Wailers with his friends Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, and the group began creating a new sound that combined elements of reggae, soul, and Rastafarianism.

Marley's music became increasingly political, reflecting the social and political issues of the time, including poverty, discrimination, and colonialism. His songs became anthems of hope and resistance, inspiring people all over the world to fight for justice and equality. Marley's message of unity and love is a recurring theme throughout the documentary.

The film also explores Bob Marley's personal life, including his relationships with his wife Rita and his children, including Ziggy Marley, who also appears in the film. Through interviews with his family members and friends, we get a sense of Bob Marley's warmth, charisma, and spiritual depth. Marley's life was not without its challenges, however, including his battles with cancer and his complicated relationships with women.

The documentary also explores the impact of Bob Marley's music and legacy. Interviews with musicians and fans from around the world reveal the profound impact that Marley's music had on their lives. The film shows how Marley's music transcended national boundaries and cultural differences, bringing people together in a spirit of peace, love, and harmony.

One of the strengths of the film is its use of archival footage and audio recordings, which bring Bob Marley's performances to life. The film includes some of Marley's most iconic performances, including his concert at the Lyceum Theatre in London in 1975. The concert footage is interspersed with interviews and commentary from people who were there, capturing the energy and excitement of Marley's music.

Another strength of the film is its exploration of the role that Rastafarianism played in Bob Marley's life and music. Through interviews with Rastafarian elders and experts, we learn about the tenets and beliefs of Rastafarianism, including its emphasis on spirituality, social justice, and the importance of Africa as the spiritual homeland of black people. The film shows how Bob Marley's music was deeply influenced by Rastafarianism, and how his music helped to spread Rastafarianism to a wider audience.

Overall, Marley is a powerful and moving tribute to one of the most important and influential musicians of the 20th century. The film captures both the personal and political dimensions of Bob Marley's life and music, celebrating his legacy and continuing relevance today.

Marley is a 2012 music movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 82.