MaestroReviews

Deb and I are artists, painters actually. We go see films as often as once a week. That's right, we go to the theater and sit in a dark room with strangers to see movies. We rarely rent. We like "little" movies, foreign and documentary films. We try to stay away from mainstream and blockbusters whenever possible, but a couple sneak in each year. We seek out the obscure. We try to avoid violent movies, and that really limits our choices, most film makers seem to think violence makes a story interesting.
I try not to give anything away in the reviews, but offer an honest reaction.
We rate them 1~10, 10 being highest.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Marley

Deb 9        Me 9

This is a straightforward well done documentary on Bob Marley, one of the originators of reggae music and an advocate of the Rastafari movement. Now this is embarrassing to admit, but I knew nothing about Bob. I'm not a fan of reggae and turn the radio channel whenever I hear that peculiar rhythm, so I don't know Bob's songs. That's all changed now.
The documentary takes us from Marley's mixed lineage, the social circumstances he was raised in and his development as a musician. It is really an inspiring rise as told by friends, family and collaborators in archival footage and new interviews that are artfully woven.
Like so many great men with a universal vision, they often overlook those closest to them. The cat is not a god and even though this film focuses on the buttered side of the toast, flaws are revealed too. But in the movie the things he stood for and accomplished so heavily outweigh his weakness that some of them seem almost incidental. 
The little bit I heard about the Rastafarian religion, the little bit of the music I have heard (not knowing the artist), the little bit I've seen of his mug on tee shirts for the last forty years did nothing to prepare me for what a dynamic cat this is. The things that influence him are explained to a satisfying point without loosing sight that the subject is Marley the man, not his religion or music or environment. 
But these elements shape his vision. His impact on individuals collectively moved nations to change. I am really enthused about what this film gave me, a reminder that one man armed with universal positive values can have global impact. It could be and should be you and me doing the same things with whatever tools we have, there is a way to get good messages out there.
There were a few things brought up that weren't revisited or resolved, but the basic package of telling a life story in two and half hours is done Very well. Whether you are a fan or not, I hope you see it. The next time I hear that peculiar rhythm I will turn up the radio and listen to the words.
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