Bronx native directs new biopic "Bob Marley: One Love"
NEW YORK -- The life of a legend whose music spanned the entire globe has premiered on the big screen.
Bob Marley's message of "One Love" was released on Valentine's Day.
The movie "Bob Marley: One Love" focuses on two years of his life. Between 1976 and '78, he not only survived an assassination attempt, he brought people together through music.
"It's inspiring. It's just a positive feel, especially now in this day and age. It was just great," said Pat Horowitz of the Upper West Side.
"Every time I see it, it's like new emotions, you know?" said Rohan Marley, Bob Marley's son.
"Love, unity, that's all he stood for," added Briany Santos of Kingsbridge.
Movie goers, including Bob Marley's son, Ziggy Marley, one of the film's producers, filed into the AMC Theatre near Lincoln Center.
"When he was singing and stuff, that was the best part," one youngster said.
"He was able to just bring everyone together under one song," Andrew Ahtay added.
Kingsley Ben-Adir plays Bob Marley. He immersed himself into the role, spending time with Marley's family and childhood friends.
"They really helped me to understand who Bob was outside the icon status," Ben-Adir said.
Lashana Lynch, an actor with Jamaican roots, plays Bob's wife, Rita Marley.
"Being able to really have her have a voice in the film was important to me," Lynch said.
The story of triumph resonated with Bronx native Reinaldo Marcus Green, the film's director.
"He grew up hard with a hard life. That struggle, that strife, taught you that any kid from anywhere can make it," Green said.
While the movie only focused on a specific time in Bob Marley's life, some theater goers left wanting more.
"Bob Marley: One Love" is in theaters now. It's made by Paramount Pictures, which has the same parent company as CBS2.
