Is Peter Gabriel: Growing Up Live Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2003)

📖 The Core Premise

Peter Gabriel: Growing Up Live returns to the screen in 2003, 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. "Peter Gabriel: Growing Up Live presents the complete 2003 Milan concert from Peter Gabriel's tour based around the album Up, featuring 17 tracks across 134 minutes. Literally central to a memorable show is a revolving stage that sees Gabriel going for a cycle ride in an exuberant "Solsbury Hill," performing "Growing Up" inside a Zorb ball, and delivering a gravity-defying sky walk in "Downside Up" with daughter Melanie. Accompanied by regular sidemen David Rhodes (guitar) and Tony Levin (bass), Gabriel is joined by the legendary Blind Boys of Alabama for the spine-tingling "Sky Blue," throughout mixing recent tracks like the abrasive "Darkness" and "The Barry Williams Show" with established crowd pleasers such as "Red Rain," "In Your Eyes," and "Sledgehammer."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Peter Gabriel 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 Peter Gabriel: Growing Up Live 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 2003, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Peter Gabriel: Growing Up Live is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 134 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.