User Reviews

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.

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 .

Back in October 2011 I had the honor of introducing the documentary BOB MARLEY THE MAKING OF A LEGEND at the Chagrin Film Festival for Esther Anderson. What is a documentary? It enacts a story by sound and a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement. A documentary emphasize's or expresses things as perceived without distortion of personal feelings, insertion of fictional matter, or interpretation; "objective art". A documentary is "a film based on real life". It is not illusory, it is "real people; not ghosts". It is hard, historical, objective, and true. A documentary is GENUINE AND UNQUESTIONABLE. Esther Anderson and Gian Godoy have done just that. I loved this film from beginning to end. I feel why there is an ORIGINAL soundtrack is because Bob wanted it that way. He opened the door for us to hear something original, letting us know he is not the only one who carry's the MESSAGE. I loved the footage of Haile Selassie and Marcus Garvey. Bob Marley many times gave TESTIMONY of these two and is crucial for the world to understand this. This film leaves you with that. I loved hearing Esther narrate. I felt like I was right there riding in the Land Rover with Bob, Bunny, Peter and Esther. And my favorite part is when she relates about Haile Selassie's War Speech and the first time Bob heard it. Bob Marley spoke in an interview that the first time he left Jamaica to go out in the world was 1973 and for that we have ESTHER ANDERSON to be THANKFUL for. She brought Bob out into the world. ESTHER ANDERSON truly was part of THE MAKING OF A LEGEND. I've been into Bob Marley since 1976 and I experienced him in 1978 and 1980 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The night I watched the documentary at Chagrin Film Festival I know that Bob was smiling down on Esther. His spirit was there. JAH RASTAFARI

This is the true story of the rise of the Wailers told by themselves. This film is an intimate look at the roots of a spiritual and musical revolution that would soon change the face of popular music and the hearts and minds of struggling people all over the Earth. It is raw and pure, no glitz and glamor. It was presented that way so that its true audience could benefit from seeing it as close as possible to the way it was meant to be when the recordings were made in the 70's, and though all of the footage could not be recovered and Chris Blackwell refused to let his ex partner and co-founder of Island Records, Esther Anderson use the Wailers music for the score and soundtrack, it non the less shines like a beacon of light, guiding a new underground generation eager to change the current condition of the planet for the better in these revolutionary times. Watch it and be inspired to "Get up Stand up" as you learn the truth behind the writing of this Global anthem for freedom! Much is owed to Esther, Bob, Peter, Bunny, Family Man and the rest of the Wailers for being the artist visionaries that lead the way and still continue to do so today. The Rastaman Vibration is positive!

Went to the premiere of 'Bob Marley: the making of a legend' in Barbados...it was a delightful, honest, insight into the early life of Bob Marley and The Wailers...very refreshing. This movie was just a simple love story...a love for Bob, a love for the Wailers, a love for their music and a love for Jamaica. Esther Anderson's insight into what these artistes would become is clearly visible...the fact that this film was put together from reels of lost footage and the relentless vision to find same...says a lot for Esther's determination. I have been following the 'career' of this short documentary and very proud to see all of the accolades and the awards. Very impressed. Rosemary Parkinson

Who was the documentary about.

Wasn't about who it names in the title.

If your a Bob Marley fan don't just don't.

Esther Anderson met Bob Marley in New York at the end of 1972 shortly after starring in A Warm December opposite Sidney Poitier at the time when Bob was still unknown. A minority shareholder and co - founder of Island Records, Esther helped to launch the international career of Jamaican artists like Millie Small and Jimmy Cliff from the early 1960's in London. Growing up with The Beatles and The Stones in swinging London, and in Hollywood with Marlon Brando, Esther was the right person to transform the career of The Wailers into the most successful Reggae band in the world.

When Bob asked her to help him and the Wailers, and she listened to their revolutionary lyrics and rhythm with songs like Concrete Jungle, Slave Driver and 400 Years, Esther made a commitment to get them through the door. She returned to Jamaica to launch the band, rehearsing them, photographing them and filming their early development. A passionate artist, Esther immersed herself in the world of Reggae and the Rastafarian culture, becoming creatively and emotionally involved with Bob Marley, writing songs of protest and pioneering a historical social change in the struggle for equal rights and justice for the people of colour. This entire journey was recorded by Esther with a prototype Sony video camera and a super-8 film camera for a blue print film on the Wailers, Reggae music and the Rastafarian culture, and a Nikon camera for the promotion of their new image. Esther and Bob's first collaboration was the song Get up stand up for your Rights, followed by I Shot the Sheriff, Burnin' and Lootin', Talking Blues, Revolution, Easy Skanking, Road Block and War. Her photograph of Bob smoking a joint became the first iconic poster of Bob Marley and The Wailers and later the front cover of their album Catch a Fire. Her photographs on the gatefold Burnin' album, similar in concept to The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's album, created the union between Reggae and Rasta, which would become Bob Marley's image around the world. Seven years later, when Bob Marley passed away in 1981, his music spoke to all nations, and today he is the most popular artist in the world.......

Beware some negative reviews of this film, which are ill informed and miss the point.This film makes available for the first time, Esther Andersons personal and intimate footage of Bob Marley & The Wailers. Don't expect polished cinematography, this is very much an earthly portrait of Bob and The Wailers from someone who was actually there. That is not to say that this is not a proffesionally produced and quality piece of filmaking,which it evidently is.

Esther Anderson has been the subject of personal abuse and harassment by racists on her social media sites who are pursuing a hidden agenda to undermine the success of this film. This is a must see film for anyone interested in The Wailers,Reggae Music,Rastafari and its message of universal love and unity.

Them tired fi see we face, but dem cant get us out of this race..

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!!!

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.

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 had high expectations when I purchased this film...and it delivered! I am a little shocked at the few poor reviews on here. Obviously, the intention of this film slipped right past them. If you are simply a fan of documentaries and looking for the typical format and rehearsed dialog that suits the purpose of sales and entertainment...then you may be disappointed. But, if you are a true Bob Marley fan with a desire to glimpse into the true life of Bob Marley, the man...and not just Bob Marley the Entertainer...then this film will take you on an intimate ride into the authentic, unadulterated journey that led and molded Bob into the legend that we all came to see. You cannot truly love someone without knowing their truth...and accepting it. No man is an island. There was a team that put this perfect package together. Esther Anderson tells of her personal and intimate experience with 'the man'...the side of Bob that you would not see on stage. A persons life is usually multifaceted..this is Esther's story...Her testimony. I am sure there are more stories out there...this is hers. Regardless of issues with rights to music...this film displays the personal archives of raw footage that you would not see otherwise. If I want to see a concert...I can watch one on Netflix. I wanted to feel his moods...his vulnerability...his passion. Esther Anderson was a lover...a coach...a friend. A choice consented between two remarkable people. To suggest that Esther used this film as a platform to flaunt her love affair reveals a person's ignorance and lack of insight pertaining to Esther. Have you read her extensive list of accomplishments? What laughable nonsense! She is a legend in her own right...not a desperate woman seeking attention. I know her personally, and she is elegant and graceful. She helped guide Bob into his glory. This film takes you into the beginning of Bob and the Wailer's career...with extra bonuses featuring Peter Tosh...I cherish this film...and I fell even deeper in love with Bob (and Esther). To the man who said that Esther painted a picture of Bob staring out windows with not much to say... I say, that is believable. His part in this dream-team, was to relay his message to the world and set our hearts on fire for hope, change, and love. His quiet countenance off stage needs no validation. Cheers to 56 Hope Street...The womb of a legend.

I fail to understand some of these poor reviews on here, obviously not written by true reggae fans who appreciate what Bob did for reggae. This film is a real treasure for any Bob Marley fan who would like to get a more intimate glimpse into his life. For the first time this footage is being shown in it's entirety, until now we've only ever seen short snippets of footage from this film in various Bob documentaries over the years and for the first time we get to see it all along with commentary and we get to see Esther revisit the old haunts where she used to hang with the Wailers. It's a a real gem but only appreciate by those who truly understand the importance of such footage. If your looking for a glossy commercial documentary with all the bells and whistles then you have come to the wrong place. Most of the footage was shot in the 70's on super 8 not as film, but as a record. I can;t think Esther enough for releasing this, despite her having obvious problems from the Marleys trying to stop her from using music in the film which is a great shame, they are obviously trying to spoilt her film as it's taking he limelight from the new Marley film due for release. If you love Bob Marley and what he stands for then this film is essential in your collection. Never before have we seen such intimate footage of bob in such a relaxing setting. Goo luck with the film ........

ONE LOVE

Ps Which film do you think Bob would want you to purchase? a film made by people who no nothing about reggae or a film made by his ex-girlfriend in his honour. I also wonder what Bob would have though about them using the 4.20 date as the release of this new Marley doc. Not seen this one yet but looking forward to it, i know the director has made some great films so i have high hopes for it but will see.

What Esther and Gian have put together here is a really interesting glimpse into the development of two dynamic souls (Bob and Esther) during a highly charged creative period. I, as many, am very very influenced by Bob Marley's music and I'm also very interested in the day to day stories and realities of clearly blessed souls. This documentary feeds both interests. As a professional in the music industry I find that its the inside stories which are the most revealing and, unfortunately, least told popularly as they do not feed a "PR approved narrative", you are provided here a "peeling back of the curtain" to show something that, obviously, wasn't spoken about in MARLEY nor in other accounts of Bob's life but prove to be invaluable in understanding how that soul and legacy unfolded. I applaud Esther for her hard work, courage and vision to bring this element of her and Bob's legacies to the general public.

I have been a Bob Marley fan for over 30 years now and therefore I have seen many documentaries, films, concert dvds, etc... about Bob Marley, like many of you I'm sure!

Let's face it, it turned out to be a lot of the same stuff over and over, repackaged, remastered... someone is making big bucks and it's OK because it helps to spread Bob's message over the world and through generations... which was meant to be !!!

Now this!! it is stuff I've never seen before, picturing a Bob that is a normal human being, before he became a legend, before the pressure of being a symbol of human rights... a funny Bob, a laughing Bob and that was very new to me, and so appreciable.

He wasn't born a superstar but became one, and this documentary shows simply how that happened. So of course it is for hard core fans who want to see and understand where Bob's coming from, not for once, what he became (tons of good movies about that, and I love them too).

So, if like me it seems like you've seen all there is to see about Bob, you will be delighted because this is new...

Also, Esther is a wonderful person, she's funny, witty and very dedicated when it comes to human rights and precious fights. It is not a coincidence that she and the Wailers had that special connection and she offers here a huge gift to the world of Bob Marley & The Wailers' fans. Thank you Esther Anderson !!!!

Loved this film! What a thrill it must have been to find this footage, lost for decades, from the early days of Bob, Peter, Esther and friends, of those raw moments of them as they were: rehearsing, pondering, relaxing, experimenting. What results is Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend, a truly unique portrait of the artists in their early days, a montage of those fleeting moments that made their music and their careers possible.

This film is not to be missed, offering a fascinating perspective unmatched in other synopses of Bob's life. Such a blessing this footage was found! A must-see!

Excellent film, as the second film of Eshter Anderson's trilogy, in collaboration with Gian Godoy, Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend is based on footage Anderson shot in the early 1970s that was lost for thirty seven years in a garage in Canada. The film is a beautiful kaleidoscopic portrait, with the narrator taking the viewer on a journey to Jamaica, Haiti, and their home at 56 Hope Road, in Kingston, you will see and hear the young Bob Marley before he was famous. The film explores the powerful relationship between the young Estehr Anderson and innocent Bob Marley, vignettes shows the Wailers' first rehearsal, when the idea of a Jamaican super musical group was still just a dream. One will see the launch of the groups early international career with major songs i.e. "Get Up, Stand Up", "I Shot the Sheriff", plus the groundbreaking Burnin and Catch a Fire albums which gracefully brought together Reggae music and true pure Rastafarian consciousness, by starting a revolution that would change rock music and contemporary world culture as we knew it.

Bob Marley: The making of a legend is definitely must see!

You will learn so much and be engaged from beginning to end!

This film offers a unique and intimate view of Bob Marley through a combination of personal interviews and recently resurfaced, lost footage filmed by Esther Anderson. As a successful actress Anderson, starred in several roles, including opposite Sindey Poitier in A Warm December, she is an honored NAACP Image Award winner and throughout the years has been accomplished in both the film and music industry. Needless to say, during the time period of their love affair both Esther Anderson and Bob Marley's stars were rising in many ways during the same time period they had shared together. If one ever desired to be the proverbial "fly on the wall" during one of Bob Marley's creative sessions this film offers this opportunity and the delightfully unexpected as well. Anderson and Marley were involved in both a creative and intimate love affair during his rise to fame and what makes the film endearing is that it is revealed through both this raw footage as well as the personal experiences of Esther Anderson who is best suited to explain the significance of the footage which she 'herself' had filmed so many years ago. This film is not a taste of a "commercialized" Bob Marley and the Wailers, it is revealed as pure and organic as the Rastafarian spirit itself.

In the jungle of releases, movies based upon robert nesta marley, the wailers,this one is clearly one to NOT be missed.

not solely you'll be discovering a side not really well know about that musical genius, you'll also enjoy footage that was taken by Esther Anderson, note that some part of her document was used inside others relases sometimes not even giving the full credits to Ms Anderson.

the footage was lost for almost 35 years, it was found by a film maker who gave it back to ms Anderson.

for sure this one ain't a blockbuster, and its not the aim of this documentary, you'll be able to see the reality behind the public image.

bob marley was an amazing musician, an artist who changed the view that was there at this time about jamaica, he was way way more than just a musician.

thanks to Esther Anderson, Gian Godoy for their work.

One Love

Fred P.

like the video as a matter a fact mi love it, it show a different side of Bob Marley that never been seen before, it make ppl know he was just a regular man with great ideas and dreams and how him follow through with his dream and mek his mother proud. big up Esther Anderson for showing us dat side of Bob. also to all Bob Marley fans remember its wasn't just bob alone it was his team that help him to full fill his gold so don't forget about the Wailers zeen Bob Marley and the Wailers, the Wailers was and still are great musicians so nuff respect goes out to them especially to my dad the living legend Aston Family Man Barrett. Esther Anderson big up yourself great film me seh dat one love @famshousemusic