How accurate is the new Bob Marley biopic 'One Love'?

The much anticipated biopic about the legendary Bob Marley 'One Love' was released this week. 
It focuses on the life of the reggae star between 1976 and 1978 and on his relationship with his wife Rita.

But early reviews have been mixed with some saying the legacy of the star deserved better. 

Despite the public criticism, Bob's biographer Chris Salewicz, who spent time with the musician in Jamaica in the 70’s, says the film is a beautiful portrayal of his life.

"I found the film very uplifting and positive. It's really good. I came out of it feeling really good." 
-Chris Salewicz, Bob Marley’s biographer 

Salewicz says the film's portrayal of the relationship between Bob and Rita was very accurate. 

"First I was told the film would focus on his relationship with Cindy Breakspeare but that's not really there. I talked to the producers who said it just didn't work so that was cut out." 
-Chris Salewicz, Bob Marley’s biographer 

"Bob running in Bull Bay every morning and going up to Cane River to washing their locks in the waterfall, this is all accurate stuff."
-Chris Salewicz, Bob Marley’s biographer 

But Salewicz says there were some small inaccuracies from Bob's time in London in 1977. 

"There's some good detail when Bob was living on Kings Road in London during the white rock punk scene. But there was one scene of a subway escalator showing a punk with a giant Mohican. That didn't happen until 1982.  But Bob goes to see the punk rock group The Clash at the Rainbow Theatre, which he really did do."
-Chris Salewicz, Bob Marley’s biographer 

Bob was only 36 years old when he died but his music continues to transcend generations. Salewicz says the period in which the film focuses on is an interesting part of his life. 

"He struggled growing up in Trench Town. He was really a country boy and grew up in the secluded part of northern central Jamaica. It's a microcosm of the country. I think the period of him in the country is fascinating as well. This is also where his foot was injured while planting seeds for crops. This is alluded to in the film and there are flashbacks." 
-Chris Salewicz, Bob Marley’s biographer 

In terms of the geopolitical situation at the time, Jamaica became a battle ground between the Soviet Union and United States. 

Salewicz says Bob became the personification of that. 

"Bob's shooting was certainly a political act, probably orchestrated by the CIA. In terms of giving the film a larger canvas, it's a good area to concentrate on. Covering his whole life is probably too difficult." 
-Chris Salewicz, Bob Marley’s biographer 

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