Is James Brown: Live at Montreux Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1981)

📖 The Core Premise

James Brown: Live at Montreux returns to the screen in 1981, bringing a fresh narrative to the Music genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. ""Soul Brother No.1", "The Godfather Of Soul", "Mr Dynamite" are all titles that have been applied to James Brown over the years. A hugely influential figure in black American music, he was a driving force in the development of soul music in the early sixties and funk in the early seventies. He has had more R&B hits in the US than any other artist, and has charted singles in countries around the world. One of the defining elements of James Brown’s career has always been his electrifying live show and his performances at Montreux give ample evidence of this. This DVD focuses on his choice as the best of them all from 1981. It’s a string of hits from start to finish delivered with all the flamboyant style and showmanship for which he is rightly famous."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. James Brown shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Music. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is James Brown: Live at Montreux worth your time? If you appreciate Music films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1981, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, James Brown: Live at Montreux is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 71 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.