Despite garnering mixed reviews from critics, the new biographical musical drama on the life of Bob Marley, titled “One Love,” has resonated strongly with audiences, achieving an outstanding score.

The biopic, “Bob Marley: One Love,” features Kingsley Ben-Adir portraying the iconic reggae legend, chronicling Marley’s rise to international fame and his commitment to spreading a message of peace. Alongside Ben-Adir, Lashana Lynch takes on the role of Rita, Marley’s wife, promising an authentic portrayal supported by the involvement of Marley’s children, Ziggy and Cedella.

While critics’ responses on Rotten Tomatoes were varied, with a modest score of 43% based on 141 reviews, audience reception has been overwhelmingly positive. The audience score stands at an impressive 94%, based on over 1,000 reviews. Critics’ opinions appeared divided, with some expressing a desire for a more extravagant homage to Marley, while audiences found the biopic to be a fitting tribute to the music icon.

The significant disparity of 51% between critic and audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes is notable, especially for a biopic. Typically, such divides are more common in films with ambiguous narratives, yet recent trends indicate a growing divide between critics and audiences, even in uplifting, truth-based stories. This phenomenon was also observed in the reception of “The Boys in the Boat.”

Critics’ critiques of “Bob Marley: One Love” echoed concerns about pacing and depth, with some finding the biopic overly long and lacking in capturing Marley’s essence. Conversely, audiences appreciated the film’s accuracy and viewed it as a respectful homage to Marley’s legacy.

The differing perspectives on “Bob Marley: One Love” highlight the complexities of portraying a legendary figure within the constraints of a film. While some may prefer a more comprehensive exploration of Marley’s life, others appreciate a simpler, heartfelt tribute that aligns with the artist’s spirit of humility and love. Ultimately, the interpretation of the film may vary depending on whether viewers seek to celebrate Marley’s larger-than-life legacy or his enduring message of peace and unity.