Watch Springsteen on Broadway

Springsteen on Broadway is a musical documentary film that captures the essence of one of the most iconic American rock stars, Bruce Springsteen. The film premiered on Netflix on December 16, 2018, and features performances and stories from Springsteen’s sold-out Broadway run at the Walter Kerr Theatre in New York City. The film opens with a close-up of Bruce Springsteen walking casually onto the stage, dressed in a black suit and holding his acoustic guitar. From the outset, it’s clear that Springsteen is unafraid to expose himself as a storyteller, a performer, and a human being. The stage is minimalist yet stunning, decorated by dim lighting and Springsteen's small band.

As Springsteen begins to tell his story, he takes the audience on a journey that feels like an intimate conversation with an old friend. He shares stories of his childhood, growing up in New Jersey, and his early days as a struggling songwriter in New York City. Springsteen's storytelling is as moving as his music, and he speaks candidly about his relationship with his father, who he calls his “most important influence."

Springsteen's songs are interwoven throughout the performance, and each one adds to the narrative he's building. He performs classics like "Born in the U.S.A.", "Thunder Road," and "The Promised Land" with heartfelt intensity, as if he's singing them for the first time.

The camera often pans to Springsteen's wife, Patti Scialfa, who sits off to the side of the stage, providing backing vocals and guitar. Scialfa is an important piece of Springsteen's story and the film, and her presence is a constant reminder of the people that helped shape his career and his life.

Springsteen on Broadway is more than just a concert film. It's a celebration of life, love, and everything in between. Springsteen is not just a rock star, but a poet, philosopher, and guardian of the American dream. He tackles tough subjects like poverty, inequality, and racism with honesty and compassion. In the end, his message is one of hope, and he leaves the audience with a feeling that anything is possible.

The film is not without its melancholy moments, however. Springsteen's performance of "My Hometown" is particularly poignant, as he reflects on the changes in his hometown of Freehold, New Jersey. He sings about how the factories closed down, how the people moved away, and how his own relationship with the town has been a complicated one.

Springsteen's performance is a masterclass in storytelling and emotion. He alternates between singing and talking, moving seamlessly from one story to the next. His voice cracks with emotion as he talks about losing friends to war, and there are moments when it feels like the audience is hanging on his every word.

The film is expertly shot and showcases the beauty of the Walter Kerr Theatre, a small yet grandiose performance space that feels both intimate and grand. The lighting is stunning, casting shadows and hues that feel otherworldly at times.

Springsteen on Broadway is a must-see film for fans of Springsteen, but it's also a film that anyone can enjoy. It's a celebration of art, culture, and the human spirit, and it's a reminder that the greatest stories are often the ones that are true.

Springsteen on Broadway is a 2018 music movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.5.