Watch What's Love Got to Do with It
- R
- 1993
- 1 hr 58 min
-
7.3 (25,126)
What's Love Got to Do with It is a 1993 American biographical film that depicts the life of singer Tina Turner. It stars Angela Bassett as Tina Turner, Laurence Fishburne as Ike Turner, and Raï¿1⁄2Ven Kelly as Raymond Hill. The film chronicles Tina Turner's tumultuous relationship with musician Ike Turner, her rise to fame in the 1960s and 1970s, and her triumphant comeback in the 1980s.
The movie opens in the 1950s when a young Anna Mae Bullock, who would later take the stage name Tina Turner, first meets Ike Turner at a nightclub in St. Louis. Ike is immediately taken by the shy young woman's voice and unique stage presence. He begins mentoring Anna Mae and transforms her into a soulful rock singer, changing her name to Tina Turner. As Ike and Tina's popularity grows, they start touring together and eventually get married. However, Ike becomes abusive and controlling over Tina.
Scenes of domestic violence are depicted as Ike beats and berates Tina. He is unfaithful and jealous of her fame. Tina endures the turmoil for many years, finding solace in her Buddhist faith. She finally builds up the courage to leave Ike after a violent altercation before a concert. With only 36 cents and a gas station credit card in her pocket, Tina sets out on her own.
The second half of the film focuses on Tina's efforts to rebuild her career. She struggles to book gigs and pay back debts incurred during her years with Ike. But with her trademark strong vocals and energetic stage persona, Tina begins performing in Las Vegas and makes an acclaimed appearance opening for The Rolling Stones.
Tina meets a new manager named Roger Davies who helps revitalize her act. After recording a rock-influenced album, Tina achieves a major comeback in the 1980s. The film culminates with her receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. What's Love Got to Do with It captures Tina Turner overcoming adversity and abuse to find her own voice and identity as a music legend.
Overall, the film is an inspiring depiction of Tina Turner's eventful life story from her early career with Ike through her solo success in the 1980s. Angela Bassett delivers a powerful, Oscar-nominated performance as Tina that showcases her indomitable spirit. The film features many of Tina Turner's most popular songs and highlights her electric on-stage energy. What's Love Got to Do with It celebrates the resilience and fortitude of a trailblazing artist.
What's Love Got to Do with It is a 1993 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 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 76.