Respect

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Respect

PG-13

Released Aug 13, 2021

2h 25m

Biography

Drama

Music

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

68%

Tomatometer

191 Reviews

95%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Verified Ratings

Following the rise of Aretha Franklin's career from a child singing in her father's church's choir to her international superstardom, RESPECT is the remarkable true story of the music icon's journey to find her voice.

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Critics Consensus

This standard-issue biopic falls shy of its subject's transcendent brilliance, but Jennifer Hudson's starring performance absolutely commands Respect.

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Audience Says

Much like the Queen of Soul herself, Respect serves up a powerhouse performance that holds nothing back and leaves audiences wanting more.

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Michael Blackmon

BuzzFeed News

The film touches upon the major moments of Franklin's life, but does not coalesce into a fulfilling narrative.

Dec 17, 2021

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Sandra Hall

Sydney Morning Herald

The film soars whenever the music takes over, as it does for large chunks of the action. But the backstage story is less exhilarating. Franklin had a life as big as her personality.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 13, 2021

Full Review

Jonathan Romney

Uncut Magazine [UK]

[Jennifer Hudson is] a winning presence, the expertise and exuberance with which she recreates the great songs at least distinguishing Respect as a superior jukebox tribute.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 1, 2021

Full Review

Francesca Steele

iNews.co.uk

There is so much information that the depth of character is lost, hitting all the right notes but losing the flair of its subject.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 10, 2024

Full Review

Annlee Ellingson

CineWomen

Draping the film in a nostalgic haze, [director Liesl] Tommy suggests a lack of clarity during these early years as Aretha stumbles toward freedom, driven by a stirring soundtrack of hit after hit, and powered by [Hudson's] performance.

Jul 29, 2024

Full Review

Tyler Strandberg

InSession Film

While Jennifer Hudson is an incredible performer, I was worried that this would feel too formulaic to be enjoyable. I came out blown away and incredibly emotionally moved...

Rated: B+

Jul 19, 2023

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Bridget

Fantastic... Jennifer Hudson amazing!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/08/21

Full Review

Johnny L

It was so real and I still am weepy eyed. I pray all the women who suffer through abuse. May God give you strength.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/07/21

Full Review

Sue

Great background of her life and ends with live performance by Aretha.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/06/21

Full Review

Estaire P

Music and singing were amazing! Tells the real story!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/02/21

Full Review

Charles Harris

The movie was excellent. I love the storyline and the acting was an Oscar performance by Jennifer Hudson. I learn so much about the life of Aretha Franklin.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/30/21

Full Review

LA Vaughan

The movie was fantastic. Unfortunately, the movie goers behind me sang along with the movie. It was an annoying distraction.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/29/21

Full Review

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Liesl Tommy

Director

Jennifer Hudson

Aretha Franklin

Forest Whitaker

Rev. C.L. Franklin

Marlon Wayans

Ted White

Audra McDonald

Barbara Franklin

Marc Maron

Jerry Wexler

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Respect: Movie Clip - Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin Performs Think

0:53

Respect: Movie Clip - Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin Performs Respect

1:01

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Jennifer Hudson on Becoming Aretha Franklin for 'Respect'

6:12

Respect: Teaser - Becoming Aretha Franklin

0:50

Respect: Featurette - First Look

3:42

Respect: Trailer 2

2:25

Respect: Trailer 1

1:14

Respect: Sneak Peek

0:38

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Synopsis

Following the rise of Aretha Franklin's career from a child singing in her father's church's choir to her international superstardom, RESPECT is the remarkable true story of the music icon's journey to find her voice.

Director: Liesl Tommy
Producer: Harvey Mason Jr., Scott Bernstein, Jonathan Glickman, Stacey Sher
Screenwriter: Tracey Scott Wilson
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co: Creative Wealth Media Finance, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Glickmania, BRON Creative
Rating: PG-13 (Racial Epithets|Mature Thematic Content|Violence|Smoking|Strong Language|Suggestive Material)
Genre: Biography, Drama, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 13, 2021, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 28, 2021
Box Office (Gross USA): $24.3M
Runtime: 2h 25m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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