Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend

An extraordinary documentary about the real human being, Bob Marley before he became famous. A true work of art, very carefully crafted and with a stunning music soundtrack. It is not surprising that it has been invited to more than 30 film festivals. I have watched it several times now, and each time I find something new. This film is not formulaic like so many music documentaries which exploit the artist rather than exploring his or her essence. No, this is different. This is for real. The narrative is built around the first ever footage of Bob Marley and The Wailers at a time when they were trying to cross over internationally, showing Bob Marley, Esther Anderson and Peter Tosh talking intimately at 56 Hope Road. We are taken to a river fall where we see the union of Reggae and Rasta with Bob and Ras Daniel Hartman, the star of The Harder They Come. Throughout the film, Esther Anderson, talks about how she started to work with Bob and the Wailers, and how they wrote together songs like Get up Stand up and I Shot The Sheriff. Particularly emotional is to see The Wailers first rehearsal at Hope Road. This film, and Esther's point of view helped me truly understand many things about Rasta that nobody else had explained before. Congratulations and thanks for the inspiration. Blessed.

Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend by Esther Anderson I often say that Bob Marley success is not without Esther Anderson .We have a lot to be thankful to her for. At times I do not think we give her enough credit. Bob Marley the making of a legend make Bob more of the Legend he is ... because Anderson was able to capture the human side of this great reggae icon. I am encourage by the out-pouring of support of Bob Marley and reggae. Anderson films archived a significant piece of Jamaica's history in pictures and her personal stories... Thanks . CRS supports this great work of Esther Anderson . True history is the preservation of all facts whether it be good or bad .We do not the right to embellish or edit history because this would be a travesty and a dis-service to the next generation. This films delivers .

Blessed is Our Creator!!! As one of millions and millions of humans whose life was positively affected by the wisdom and music of Bob Marley it gives me great pleasure to recommend this movie. To see the yet to be international musician deal with coming to the fork in the road of his life and his interaction with Ms. Anderson will leave a great impression upon the viewer not to cave into the pressures of life and aim for the purpose for that which a human was placed upon this blessed earth. May this film 'Catch A Fire,' within the minds and hearts of those who merit to see it. One learns of the prejudice that Ms. Anderson and Bob experienced on proposed business trip to Haiti and how that served to ignite a desire from within Bob to 'Never give up the fight.' Interviews from those who knew both are very insightful and should empower us non-Jamaicans not only to better understand the cultural context of Reggae music stripped away from the commercial considerations of the future of the music which at times have benefited the Reggae music community and far too many times weakened it unfortunately as well. One more point that I wish to add!!! The movie captures a certain period of time but that by no means makes the information static which one can access to assist oneself where does one fit within the painting frame of creation-is one an image or a message-the the instruction which permeates this film is that one can find a happy medium of being an image and a message or messenger and not compromise one's vision of how to live life according to one's ambition to grow like a tree planted by the waters of expanding consciousness!!!

Seeing this film with lost footage is like a window or a portal into a time & place & space in 1970's Jamaica the coming of fame or birth of the king of reggae. Bob Marley before the fame! Even the camera Esther Anderson used was a prototype Sony video camera.

I like learning motivation for songs and some gems are revealed here! I don't want to spoil the reveal! Enjoy riding in Esther's Land Rover with Bob Marley driving up and thru the Jamaican rolling countryside. Ever wonder what it would be like if you could have a spliff with the King of Reggae? Check it out here in the film as Esther does.

The soundtrack is phenomenal and fresh and upbeat and yet reggae classic in vibes. I definitely recommend it!

I was pleasantly surprised to the point of feeling honoured when I learnt that Esther, whom I have only known for 18 months, had chosen my song "Cry For Love" to be included In The original soundtrack for her documentary. My background as a Caucasian singer-songwriter guitarist includes playing lead guitar for visiting reggae artists such as TyroneTaylor, and writing and recording a single "Reggae Man" with Winston Reedy. At first, I thought I should therefore write this review under a pseudonym , so as not to appear biased, but I have rejected that idea.

Yes, I have been a huge reggae fan for 30 years, and my favourite records of all time, in all genres, Include Bunny Wailer's Blackheart Man. I have not seen The "big" Kevin McDonald film, "Marley" so I cannot compare.

So how do I review this? This film cannot, And should not, be compared to a film that enjoys an unlimited budget. Perhaps this would have allowed for a "better" product ...or just different. Who can Tell? Esther's determination has given us this film, this slice of history, on a shoestring. It is what it is, and the world is richer for it. Whilst I look forward to seeing the "other " film, I cannot for a moment imagine that it would even come near this on one very important feature: intimacy.

This is what gives "Making Of a Legend" such charm. Perhaps also that makes it less commercial, as I'm sure the "other" film appeals to a broader, less partisan audience, whereas this is IMHO one the Marley lover. As such it is invaluable, fascinating, charming, revealing, atmospheric, and given the story it unveils, thought-provoking. How can you put a price on the positive influence Esther had on wising Bob up for his journey into the wider world? It also makes me reflect on The huge influence Family Man had on giving Bob his musical grounding, production values, and making the songs memorable with his basslines. For all of which he has been sadly unrewarded.

I love the "fly on the wall" nature of the modern interviews. I love E's photography. I love the music. I feel as if I have been privileged to read the pages of a very private, very special, up-close-and-personal INTIMATE diary. Thankyou.