Watch Respect

Respect is a biographical film that depicts the life of Aretha Franklin, from her upbringing in Detroit to becoming one of the greatest soul singers of all time. This film was released in 2021 and stars Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin, alongside Forest Whitaker as her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, and Marlon Wayans as her first husband, Ted White.

The film begins in the early 1950s, where we see young Aretha living with her family and attending church with her father, a well-known pastor in the Detroit area. We are introduced to Aretha’s mother, who is fighting for her right to vote, and also see glimpses of Aretha’s musical talent as she performs in her father’s church. The film then quickly moves onto Aretha’s teenage years, where we see her struggle with personal traumas and perform in various venues throughout her hometown.

The movie follows Aretha's journey as she signs a record deal with Columbia Records and releases her first album, which fails to make an impact. We see her struggle to find her style and identity as an artist, and we witness the emergence and eventual dominance of Motown Record’s influence in the music industry.

As the film progresses, we see Aretha's talent finally catch fire, and she eventually signs with Atlantic Records, where she releases some of her most famous music. We are shown the creative and collaborative environment at Atlantic Records that allowed Aretha to completely transform the music industry.

Throughout this movie, we witness Aretha’s personal struggles and her battle with alcoholism, domestic abuse, and her father's controlling behavior. We are also given a glimpse of her romantic relationships, including her turbulent marriage to Ted White. This depiction of Aretha's life highlights her strength and determination to rise above these challenges and become an iconic figure in music history.

Respect is a beautifully crafted film, with breathtaking performances from Jennifer Hudson and the rest of the cast. Hudson effortlessly portrays Franklin’s signature singing and powerful stage presence, which earned her the title of the “Queen of Soul.”

The film also touches on the political and social climate of the era, which influenced Aretha's music and artistry. We see Aretha's evolution from a gospel singer to a political voice, using her music to address the injustices of the time. Her song “Respect” became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement, and her collaboration with other activists like Martin Luther King Jr. exemplifies her dedication to social justice and equal rights.

Respect is not only a story about the remarkable life of Aretha Franklin but also a tribute to her contribution to the music industry, civil rights movement, and her legacy. The depiction of her life highlights her grace, resilience, perseverance, and courage, which inspired and continue to inspire generations.

In conclusion, the movie Respect is a captivating story of Aretha Franklin's life, with breathtaking musical performances and inspiring storytelling. The movie celebrates the life and legacy of an artist who changed music and the world forever. Hudson's performance truly captures Franklin's iconic talent and personality, making it a must-watch for any fan of her music and for anyone interested in the story of a remarkable human being.

Respect is a 2021 drama. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 61.