In this epic, exhaustively researched documentary, Kevin Macdonald explores the reasons why music legend Bob Marley, who died in 1981 at the age of thirty-six, remains so universally appealing to millions of people across the world. He traces the reggae star’s evolution from his troubled childhood in Jamaica to the height of his fame in the late 1970s, and garners an impressive array of personal narratives from those closest to him, including bandmates, lovers, and close friends. Macdonald illuminates all aspects of Marley’s life to reveal a complex character, both politically and personally. Ultimately, of course, the music takes center stage. The doc features rare footage and photos that track Marley’s career from early covers of rock and roll hits to the unique and sophisticated sound that made him famous. The live concert footage captures Marley’s hypnotic charisma as a singer and bandleader, and provides a great testament to a man whose message and music far outlived his short life.  RM