Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Comprehensive docu on iconic reggae musician.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Marley
What's the Story?
MARLEY is the definitive documentary on the life, times, and music of iconic reggae musician Bob Marley. It follows Marley from his birth in 1945 in St. Ann, Jamaica, where he began with an outcast status because he was born to mixed-race parents, and continues to show his growing love for music. It follows Marley's early career in the 1960s, his minor hit songs in Jamaica, and a brief move to Wilmington, Delaware when he believed his musical career wasn't going anywhere. The film also shows his growing interests in the Rastafarian religion and how this informed and inspired his music, as Marley returned to Jamaica and became an international star in the 1970s, as his homeland descended into political unrest, even leading to an assassination attempt on Marley. Exiled in London, Marley continued to create music loved by millions; a homecoming concert culminated in a dramatic on-stage display of unity between the leaders of two warring political factions. The film documents Marley's world-wide success, concern over Third World injustice, and his untimely death at age 36 of cancer.
Is It Any Good?
Marley is a comprehensive and ultimately moving documentary of the man who is still -- several decades after his death -- the face most associated with reggae music. What emerges from the interview footage with those who knew him best and the video footage of Bob Marley and the Wailers concerts is a man inspired to use his music as a way to spread peace throughout the world, and to raise awareness of the plight of the Third World.
News footage of Jamaica's independence in 1962, of Haile Selassie (considered to be a god to Rastafarians) arriving in Jamaica, and the civil unrest throughout Jamaica during the 1970s provides the context for Marley's concerns as expressed in his songs and his concerts. For those with only a familiarity with Bob Marley songs and a bare bones idea of Jamaican culture, you can expect to learn many things about the ups and downs in Marley's life as he became an international superstar before his life ended much too soon. Simply put: It is an informative and inspiring tribute to a beloved artist.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the power of art and music. What does this documentary say about music and its power to transcend cultures and politics? What role does art play in politics throughout history?
What challenges do you think the filmmakers faced in presenting Bob Marley's life and music, as well as Jamaican culture, religion, and politics?
What are the different cinematic tools the filmmakers use to tell Bob Marley's story? Which do you think are the most effective?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 7, 2012
- Cast : Bob Marley , Rita Marley , Ziggy Marley
- Director : Kevin Macdonald
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Magnolia Pictures
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , History
- Run time : 145 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : drug content, thematic elements, and some violent images
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate