Standing In The Shadows of Motown (2002)

92% of critics liked it
(88 reviews)
86% of users liked it
(3,011 ratings)

Based on the book of the same name by Allan Slutsky, Standing in the Shadows of Motown is a historical tribute to the unsung heroes responsible for some of the greatest hits of pop music. Part documentary and part concert performance, this film is an introduction to the intriguing personas of the… More Based on the book of the same name by Allan Slutsky, Standing in the Shadows of Motown is a historical tribute to the unsung heroes responsible for some of the greatest hits of pop music. Part documentary and part concert performance, this film is an introduction to the intriguing personas of the Hitsville studio band originally assembled by Berry Gordy in 1959. Over 40 years later, the remaining members reunited in their home base of Detroit, MI, to tell their stories, remember their departed bandmates, and put on a concert. The creation of the Motown sound is told through in-depth interviews, archival footage, and reenactments. Personal stories are intercut with live tracks from the concert performance featuring the Funk Brothers live on-stage along with popular vocalists interpreting some of their biggest hits. Some of the guest singers stick around for conversation with the musicians and offer a contemporary perspective, including Joan Osborne, Me'Shell NdegéOcello, and Ben Harper. The film follows the group's contributions through the '60s up until Gordy moved the label to Los Angeles in 1972. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By: Paul Justman
Written By: Walter Dallas, Ntozake Shange
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Documentary

In Theaters: Nov 15, 2002 Limited
On DVD: Apr 22, 2003
Studio: Artisan Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
There have been better documentaries to come out this year, but none can touch this one for unadulterated pleasure.
Eleanor Ringel Gillespie, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I promise, you'll never listen to a Motown classic in the same way ever again.
Randy Cordova, Arizona Republic
The documentary stumbles where it could have soared.
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star
Try as you might to resist, if you've got a place in your heart for Smokey Robinson, this movie will worm its way there.
Steven Rosen, Denver Post
The movie lets us realize this Sound, still so alive and vibrant today, was created by flesh-and-blood people, each of whom has a compelling story to tell.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
A triumphant documentary.
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
may not be the most creative of documentaries, but it's certainly an essential one that all music lovers should see and hear
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Even after decades of performing the same songs, the energy never flags.
Thomas Delapa, Boulder Weekly
The feel-good documentary of the year, featuring the irresistible 1960s music that made Detroit famous.
Dan Jardine, Apollo Guide
The cheap and easy recycling of old myths and superficial treatment given the significant social milieu of the time is startling.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...guaranteed to turn Motown neophytes into fans.

Read all 11 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Lesley N

Fantastic documentary about a group of unknown musicians, self-named The Funk brothers who were the musical force behind so many of the Motown classics; partnering Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, Smokey Robinson... name a hit, and chances are, they were playing on it.… More
Fantastic documentary about a group of unknown musicians, self-named The Funk brothers who were the musical force behind so many of the Motown classics; partnering Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, Smokey Robinson... name a hit, and chances are, they were playing on it. Narrated by Andre Braugher, the film for the most part keeps him in the background and lets the musicians speak for themselves, and they do in a series of gentle stories and anecdotes. mixed with sadness about the musicians they lost along the way. The reminiscing is interleaved with a recent reunion concert where, if you weren't convinced so far, they prove once again that their contribution to the Motown sound was priceless. If you're a fan of the music already, this is a must-see.
Leo L

Great!
Buddy A

An excellent documentary about the Funk Brothers. What, you've never heard of them? Unfortunately, most people haven't either, despite the fact that they played on nearly every single Motown song ever recorded. Together, they've played on more number one hits than the… More
An excellent documentary about the Funk Brothers. What, you've never heard of them? Unfortunately, most people haven't either, despite the fact that they played on nearly every single Motown song ever recorded. Together, they've played on more number one hits than the Beatles, Elvis, the Beach Boys, and the Rolling Stones combined. This documentary finally sheds some light on these fantastic musicians (several of whom have unfortunately passed on) and does so expertly, resulting in an immensely entertaining film experience. Highly recommended.