Standing in the Shadows of Motown poster

Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002)

"The soul behind the sound."

6.920021h 56mEN
DocumentaryMusic

Directed by Paul Justman

Rating

6.9/10

Runtime

1h 56m

Language

EN

Release

September 11, 2002

Director

Paul Justman

Official Trailer

Trailer thumbnail

Overview

In 1959, Berry Gordy Jr. gathered the best musicians from Detroit's thriving jazz and blues scene to begin cutting songs for his new record company. Over a fourteen year period they were the heartbeat on every hit from Motown's Detroit era. By the end of their phenomenal run, this unheralded group o...

Cast

Richard 'Pistol' Allen

Richard 'Pistol' Allen

Self

Jack Ashford

Jack Ashford

Self

Bob Babbitt

Bob Babbitt

Self

Benny 'Papa Zita' Benjamin

Benny 'Papa Zita' Benjamin

Self (archive footage)

Eddie 'Bongo' Brown

Eddie 'Bongo' Brown

Self (archive footage)

Bootsy Collins

Bootsy Collins

Self

Johnny Griffith

Johnny Griffith

Self

Ben Harper

Ben Harper

Self

Joe Hunter

Joe Hunter

Self

James Jamerson

James Jamerson

Self (archive footage)

Uriel Jones

Uriel Jones

Self

Montell Jordan

Montell Jordan

Self

Introduction

In this latest movie review, we dive deep into Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002), exploring its intricate plot and standout performances that have everyone talking.

In 1959, Berry Gordy Jr. gathered the best musicians from Detroit's thriving jazz and blues scene to begin cutting songs for his new record company. Over a fourteen year period they were the heartbeat on every hit from Motown's Detroit era. By the end of their phenomenal run, this unheralded group of musicians had played on more number ones hits than the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones, Elvis and the Beatles combined - which makes them the greatest hit machine in the history of popular music. They called themselves the Funk Brothers. Forty-one years after they played their first note on a Motown record and three decades since they were all together, the Funk Brothers reunited back in Detroit to play their music and tell their unforgettable story, with the help of archival footage, still photos, narration, interviews, re-creation scenes, 20 Motown master tracks, and twelve new live performances of Motown classics with the Brothers backing up contemporary performers.

🛑 Story ExplainedSpoiler Warning

Our story explained section breaks down the complex narrative of Standing in the Shadows of Motown. The full story follows a progression that challenges typical tropes, leading to a climax that requires careful analysis.

🏆 Final Verdict

5 / 5 Stars

A triumphant piece of cinema that blends gripping narrative with breathtaking visuals.

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