Camana Bay Cinema celebrated a record-breaking month with crowds packing theatres for the much-anticipated premiere of ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ on 14 Feb.
According to Corey Randolph, general manager of the cinema, the film has “set records for highest February sales, highest Wednesday single-day sales and, if it keeps up the momentum, is on track to become of one of our top-selling movies of all time”.
The biopic about the life and career of the legendary reggae superstar has surpassed US$100 million globally as of 24 Feb., according to Variety magazine, which said, “the musical biopic has generated $101.1 million worldwide after only 10 days in theaters, including $61.4 million in North America and $39.7 million from 59 international territories”.
Fans show love to the legend
With many wearing Bob Marley-inspired outfits, and sporting the gold, black and yellow of the Jamaican flag, fans packed the cinema to watch the film, which was directed by Reinaldo Green, and co-written by Cayman’s very own Frank E Flowers.
At the opening-night screening, moviegoers clearly enjoyed hearing the familiar Marley songs, with some shouting, “Rastafari!” throughout the film. The good feelings continued after the movie ended, with some people dancing their way through the cinema as they exited.
When Flowers’ name appeared in the credits, audience members cheered and applauded in recognition of his role in the feel-good musical biopic.
Local reggae singer, musician and former president of the Cayman Music Association, Jean Eric ‘Notch’ Smith told the Compass it was an “amazing” time for the Caribbean. “I love that we have embraced… or at least accept the fact that reggae music is the most dominant, and important of all the Caribbean genres. What we should be most proud of is that it’s a western Caribbean genre.”
Amid the many positive comments on the film provided to the Compass, however, a criticism that seemed to be shared by many was that there should have been more ‘authentic’ Jamaicans used in various roles in the film.
One moviegoer said, “I do believe that while I would’ve appreciated honestly more Jamaican actors in the movie, like, dem coulda fine a Jamaican to play Rita… but overall, I enjoyed the movie. I think although they weren’t authentic Jamaicans they did well… The language wasn’t all that off… it was good, the whole concept, I liked it.”
Many took to the Compass Facebook page with their reviews. “A fabulous movie that reignited my curiosity and love for Bob Marley,” @Erin Bodden commented. “I’ve been watching documentaries for days now. We are all so proud of you.”
@Barbara Oosterwyk said, “Great movie! Well done.”
@Renee Bernardo commented, “Movie was just incredible. Made me shed some tears as well.”
The premiere of the biopic also inspired celebrations such as a pre-screening event hosted by the Ministry of Culture on 15 Feb., and an after party at Cayman Cabana featuring live music by local singer, songwriter and musician Stuart Wilson on 16 Feb.
Randolph said he hopes the film continues its success, “and we are delighted that it has been so well received by the Cayman community. We assumed this film would resonate well with local audiences and therefore gave it as many screens as we could.”
Randolph confirmed the movie will continue “showing for a while.”
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