One Love 2003 with Kymani Marley, Cherine Anderson & Idris Elba

In this episode of Reels and Riddims, we finally watched the 2003 Jamaican film One Love, starring Ky-mani Marley, Cherine Anderson, and a young Idris Elba (back when most people only knew him as Stringer Bell from The Wire). This romantic drama explores forbidden love between a Rastafarian musician and a Pentecostal preacher’s daughter who meet at a music competition in Jamaica.

We had plenty to say—about the love story – classic tropes of star-crossed lovers, the acting, the music, and a little side-eye for the plot holes. Beyond the chuckles and plot quirks, we dug into the film’s cultural context, its nostalgic portrayal of early 2000s Jamaica.

Ratings

Accent Authenticity: 4.5/5
Character Development: 3/5
Storyline: 2.5 to 3/5
Music & Soundtrack: 4.5/5
Visual Authenticity: 4/5
Overall Average: 3.6/5

While the story lacked depth and was a bit predictable, the cinematography, soundtrack, and nostalgic vibes made it a worthwhile watch. Plus, Ky-mani Marley left us wanting to see more of his acting range.

Hear the full breakdown, our funniest moments, and what surprised us most about this throwback Jamaican love story.

Join the Conversation!

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Until next time—happy watching, and don’t forget to follow Reels and Riddims for more episodes!