Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald takes on the life of reggae superstar Bob Marley in this well-rounded documentary that combines numerous interviews with excellent archival material. Born to a British soldier and a Jamaican teenager, Marley grew up in rural Saint Ann, but lost touch with his father early on, and Marley and his mother moved to poverty-stricken Kingston. Inspired by Desmond Dekker, Marley recorded his first song, "Judge Not," at the age of 16. When it didn't sell, he formed the Wailers with Bunny Livingston (a close friend since early childhood), Peter Tosh, Earl Lindo, Aston Barrett, and Carlton Barrett, and had better luck with "Simmer Down," although the lineup would change over the years. After his mother left for the U.S., where Marley briefly joined her, he found a father figure in Studio One producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd, but he would enjoy even greater success with Lee "Scratch" Perry. Marley turned to Rastafarianism and married Rita, who became a member of the IThrees, and the Wailers got their chance at the big time when Chris Blackwell signed them to Island Records. Cedella and Ziggy Marley, who co-produced the film, remember their father as strict and competitive, while Rita remembers his mistresses, including beauty queen Cindy Breakspeare. Marley later toured Africa and America, but cancer would eventually claim his life. Although 145 minutes might seem long for a biographical profile, Marley's rousing music and passionate beliefs justify the length. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director Kevin Macdonald and producer David “Ziggy” Marley, an “Around the World” segment on Bob Marley's impact on various locations (19 min.), an extended interview with Bunny Wailer (19 min.), “Children's Memories” additional interviews (10 min.), “Listening to ‘I'm Loose'” on a newly-discovered song (4 min.), a photo gallery, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a solid biographical profile.] (K. Fennessy)
Marley
Magnolia, 145 min., PG-13, DVD: $26.98, Blu-ray: $29.98, Aug. 7 Volume 27, Issue 5
Marley
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