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Respect

Play trailer 0:50 Poster for Respect PG-13 2021 2h 25m Biography Drama Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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Respect

Respect

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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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Critics Reviews

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Michael Blackmon BuzzFeed News 12/17/2021
The film touches upon the major moments of Franklin's life, but does not coalesce into a fulfilling narrative. Go to Full Review Sandra Hall Sydney Morning Herald 10/13/2021
3/5
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. Go to Full Review Jonathan Romney Uncut Magazine [UK] 10/01/2021
3/5
[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. Go to Full Review Francesca Steele iNews.co.uk Dec 10
3/5
There is so much information that the depth of character is lost, hitting all the right notes but losing the flair of its subject. Go to Full Review Annlee Ellingson CineWomen 07/29/2024
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. Go to Full Review Tyler Strandberg InSession Film 07/19/2023
B+
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... Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Bridget 10/08/2021 Fantastic... Jennifer Hudson amazing!! See more Johnny L 10/07/2021 It was so real and I still am weepy eyed. I pray all the women who suffer through abuse. May God give you strength. See more Sue 10/06/2021 Great background of her life and ends with live performance by Aretha. See more Estaire P 10/02/2021 Music and singing were amazing! Tells the real story! See more Charles Harris 09/30/2021 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. See more LA Vaughan 09/29/2021 The movie was fantastic. Unfortunately, the movie goers behind me sang along with the movie. It was an annoying distraction. See more Read all reviews
Respect

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Cast & Crew

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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

Movie Clips

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Respect

Respect: Movie Clip - Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin Performs Think Respect: Movie Clip - Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin Performs Think 0:53 Respect: Movie Clip - Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin Performs Respect Respect: Movie Clip - Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin Performs Respect 1:01 View more videos

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Respect

Jennifer Hudson on Becoming Aretha Franklin for 'Respect' Jennifer Hudson on Becoming Aretha Franklin for 'Respect' 6:12 Respect: Teaser - Becoming Aretha Franklin Respect: Teaser - Becoming Aretha Franklin 0:50 Respect: Featurette - First Look Respect: Featurette - First Look 3:42 Respect: Trailer 2 Respect: Trailer 2 2:25 Respect: Trailer 1 Respect: Trailer 1 1:14 Respect: Sneak Peek Respect: Sneak Peek 0:38 View more videos
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Respect

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Movie Info

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
BRON Creative, Creative Wealth Media Finance, Glickmania, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
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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