Ensure you have plenty of legroom when you make an ‘exodus’ and see Marley on the big screen.
You simply won’t be able to refrain from tapping your feet to the infectious reggae rhythm sounding the backdrop to this mesmerising doco, or suppressing a smile from creeping in as you follow the ganja-smoking Rasta from a shy and outcast kid in the ghetto of Jamaica to a charismatic global superstar of extraordinary spirit.
This is Marley’s definitive story, told by the people who knew him best: family, friends, band members and lovers.
Seems everyone who met the late legend adored him; apparently not even his mistresses could hold a grudge.
He had 11 children by seven different women, but as one former partner said: ‘we could never hate him for it’.
His wife Rita even helped usher ladies out of her husband’s bedroom when it came time for sleeping.
With the Marley family’s private archives – never before seen by the public – and riveting footage pieced together by Oscar-winning director Kevin MacDonald – we see the enigmatic man-child entranced on stage, smoking spliffs, kicking the soccer ball and bringing rival politicians together.
It’s a joyous two-and-a-half-hours – you really feel undeniable peace and positivity.
Most will leave with some niggly negativity however: regret for never seeing the great man shake his dreadlocks and wail out Jamming or Could You Be Loved in the flesh.
MARLEY (CTC)
Directed by: Kevin MacDonald
Starring: Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Chris Blackwell
Screening: from June 21
Rating: Four stars
Reviewed by: Sara Fitzpatrick