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Roots Rock Reggae (1977)

Director: Jeremy Marre

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From Time Out Film Guide

Marre's documentary is not just about a form of music, but about its cultural source. Although it deliberately makes political points, it sensibly allows the people involved to explain themselves, and it's here that it is most successful. No amount of commentary could evoke the class barriers and poverty as poignantly as shots of kids 'auditioning' in the hills for a big Kingston producer; nor could commentary explain as effectively as film of Bob Marley's lifestyle why the kids choose music as their way out. But perhaps it all works so well because it captures some of the spontaneity that lies at the heart of the music - a spontaneity undoubtedly assisted by the biggest joints in the world, and by a sense of humour in the face of desperation.

Author: SM

Time Out Film Guide


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