Watch Lou Reed's Berlin

Lou Reed's Berlin is a concert film of the legendary musician's performance at the St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn, New York in 2006. The film is a passionate and emotional rendition of Reed's landmark concept album from 1973, which chronicles the tragic love story between two drug addicts in Berlin. The show is a deeply emotional and visual representation of Reed's music and captures the essence of his vivid and haunting lyrics. The stage is adorned with sets designed by the renowned artist Julian Schnabel and his team, depicting the streets of Berlin, as well as the sets of a nightclub and a prison. The visuals are backed by stunning lighting design, creating a stunning and immersive audio-visual experience.

Lou Reed and Fernando Saunders lead the band with their impeccable musicianship - Saunders on bass and backing vocals and Reed on lead vocals and guitar. They are joined by an ensemble of talented musicians, including the soulful Sharon Jones as a backing vocalist, adding depth and passion to the performance. Reed's gravelly voice and Saunders' demonstrative bass grooves are brought to life by the band's cohesive sound, with each member contributing to the unique atmosphere of the show.

Following the theme of the album, the show progresses with a series of spoken word pieces, storytelling, monologues, and musical pieces, interwoven with the narrative of the album. The story of the fleeting love affair and downward spiral of Caroline and Jim unfolds tragically, mimicking the same events that have haunted Reed's life. However, Reed's performances of such iconic tracks as 'Berlin', 'The Kids', and 'Sad Song', imbue the piece with the sense of hope that lingers beneath the darkness.

Reed is on top form throughout the performance, emoting with intensity, enthralling both longtime fans and newcomers to his music. The iconic performer is at times backed by a choir, adding another layer of depth to his mesmerizing vocal performance. Along with Saunders' deeply grooved basslines, Reed's guitar playing and the band's instrumentation combine to create something that truly resonates with the audience.

At the end of the film, the crowd gives a standing ovation to Reed and the band, who started their career with a lot of adversity and have become the living legends of rock and roll. Regardless of the viewer's familiarity with the album, the film is a moving tribute to Lou Reed and his music, which have always been a reflection of his personal struggles and triumphs.

The documentary captures both the somber yet exhilarating atmosphere of Reed's Berlin show with expert camera work and seamless editing. The result is a film that is not just a great concert film, but an emotional journey and an exploration of Lou Reed's complex but immensely influential musical legacy.

Overall, Lou Reed's Berlin is a stunning portrayal of some of the most enduring music from an icon of rock history that still resonates with millions around the globe. A must-watch for fans of Lou Reed's music and anyone with a deep appreciation for the power of music to touch the soul.

Lou Reed's Berlin is a 2008 musical with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 72.