Bob Marley: One Love (Movie) - Nomi's Pics

Music can define a time in my life like nothing else can. 

A passion for a band or a singer can be ignited in a flash and burn brightly for a short period before flickering out to make room for another, or it can burn intensely in the heart of you and transcend time to have meaning throughout your life. 

Since my teenage years, Bob Marley has had an undeniably strong effect on my mood. His songs make me think and feel deeply, sing loudly, and dance joyously. Most importantly, they remind me of good times, travel, and people I love. 

For example, when I was 20 and living in the Middle East, I traveled to Dahab, a Bedouin village on the Red Sea in the Sinai Desert. In the 1980s, Dahab was a very primitive place, which was part of its appeal.

It was a freeing experience to snorkel all day, hang out on the beach, sleep in Bedouin tents, and eat local food under the stars while reclining on cushions … and listening to Bob Marley being played from the speakers just outside the tent.

When I hear Three Little Birds, I am transported back to a time when being told, "Don’t Worry About a Thing" leaves me feeling like "every little thing is gonna be alright", even in a place that is patrolled by UN peacekeepers and known to be volatile. 

In the early 2000s, my younger brother, a follower of Rastafari, opened a store in Kensington Market in downtown Toronto. He sold hemp clothing, handmade jewelry, rolling paper, pipes, and bongs. Always the colorful character, he was well known in the neighborhood for his crinkly smile, friendly manner, and community-mindedness. 

One summer day, I decided to surprise him with a visit to his store. It was warm and sunny, and the area buzzed with happy vibes. Walking down the street, I could hear music coming from inside many of the shops I passed, but my brother’s shop had an added feature…my brother dancing to Bob Marley with a giant smile on his face, the music blasting from huge speakers that he had dragged outside for all passersby to enjoy. This image of my brother is seared into my memory as sweet. 

When I heard that a movie based on Bob's life was being made, I felt both nervous and excited. I was excited because I love and admire him, but anxious that I might hate how he is portrayed. That anxiety was for naught because this film respects the man, the artist, and his message. 

It begins by explaining Marley’s origins and the political climate of the mid-1970s in Jamaica. The film delves into Marley’s introduction to the teachings of the Rastafarian movement, his challenges with spreading messages of unity and love to a troubled nation, his relationship with his wife Rita, and his health crisis, which ultimately took his life at such a young age. 

Most importantly, the emotional depth conveyed in showcasing his backstory, emotions, and circumstances behind each song was profoundly touching. I highly recommend this biopic. It was created with respect for the man and the artist, which is fitting and, ultimately, his due. 

I will forever be moved by Bob Marley’s music and grateful for the images his songs evoke throughout the various time periods of my life. 

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