One Love DVD Review:

Drenched in sun shine One Love is a both a pastiche of Romeo & Juliet and it is also a charming ode to Jamaica: land of the sunshine. Co directed by Rick Elgood and underground DJ cum punk filmmaker, Don Letts takes the story from England’s Southwest (One Love started life on the stage in Bristol) and whisks it, home creating an affecting romantic tale.

The story focuses on Kassa (Ky-Mani Marley, son of Bob) a Rastafarian with a passion for music. Through his meeting with Serena (Cherine Anderson) the beautiful daughter of the town’s Pentecostal preacher, a bond forms between the two. Not exactly allied by the prejudices afflicting their flowering love the couple face many obstacles in finding true happiness.

Given life through a healthy cash injection from the New Cinema Fund has all the gloss of a Bounty advert with added soul. Or is that a crass analogy? No. Not in a picture that relies a little too heavily on typically Jamaican stereotypes. It is understandable that Letts and co wanted to create a film with wide appeal, but the haughty attitudes of Serena’s Christian father and the fact that it appears bars in Jamaica only serve Rum and Red Stripe, highlight a film laced with a few cultural issues.

But alas, any faults with One Love are lost in the warming performances of its two leads. Complimenting each perfectly Marley and Anderson convince in portraying the social divides of their homeland. Set against the atmospheric beats of Bob Marley, Sean Paul and errr… Shaggy, Jamaica itself takes centre stage with its lush tropical surroundings making the experience of watching One Love an even sweeter experience.

Verdict:
One Love is a sun kissed tale that never fails to warm the heart. Graced with rounded performances from its lead actors all faults are lost in a sunny daze.

Extras:
A promo video and stills gallery make up this disappointing set of features.



Shaun Davis