Search - Rebel Music - The Bob Marley Story on DVD

The Birth of Reggae and a Music Legend

Bryan Carey | Houston, TX | 07/27/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bob Marley is a giant in the world of music. He and his band, the Wailers, helped to introduce a new style of music to the world. His lyrics spoke volumes about what he experienced in his native land of Jamaica and his short life was mired by controversy. This documentary explores the late reggae singer's tenure on this planet, with lots of interviews and plenty of music.

Marley's life is laid out before the screen on this documentary with many of his friends, family, and associates speaking to the camera about the reggae legend. Former Wailers Bunny Livingstone and Peter Tosh talk about Bob Marley as a musician and friend. Chris Blackwell from Island Records, shares his feelings on Marley. Rita Marley, Bob's widow, talks more than anyone else and she provides some insight into Marley's personal life and family relations. It is known that Bob Marley had affairs with many different women and Rita talks about this on the documentary. She seems to have accepted husband Bob's infidelity- both then and now- even though she was obviously a little uneasy with the situation.

Marley himself speaks a few times in this documentary, but he only says a few words and what he says is often difficult to understand. His Jamaican accent is heavy and you have to listen close to decipher his words. When he sings, the words are easier to understand. It was nice to hear Marley speak, but he really doesn't get a chance to say much. As soon as he starts to answer a question, the camera switches to a different scene. This was a little frustrating. I would have liked to hear more words of wisdom directly from the man himself. I also would have liked to hear some comments from Marley's children, like Ziggy and the others. This would have added some more insight into Bob Marley's character.

Musical clips can be seen throughout this documentary. Some of the featured songs are well- known tunes, but there are some rarities too. And as an added feature on the DVD, you get a selection of musical tunes to listen to along with a discography of Marley's albums, including those issued after his death.

Bob Marley is a larger than life figure in his native land of Jamaica and he is a musical icon to many people around the world who gained inspiration from his music. This documentary has a few flaws, but it is still a very good one for fans of the late reggae singer. It includes plenty of interviews, rare photos, and lots of great reggae tunes from this musical genius.
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