Get on Up (2014)

Set against the pulsating rhythm of his own life's soundtrack, 'Get on Up' introduces us to the tumultuous journey of music legend, James Brown. This vivid narrative weaves through time, unfolding in a nonlinear pattern that mirrors the cadence of Brown's own consciousness, creating a symphony of asynchronous events and guiding us through the often unseen fracturing of the fourth wall. We begin in 1993, in an eerie, dimly lit hallway where Brown walks alone, the chant of a distant audience echoing around him. He is haunted by the voices from his past, a chorus of figures who shaped his life. Then, a sudden shift to 1988, in Augusta, Georgia where Brown's minor act of retribution, firing a shotgun in his strip mall, attracts the law's attention. The narrative swings back to the 1960s, where we witness Brown and his band, The Famous Flames, taking a brave stance. They traverse to Vietnam, showing support to the black troops through the universal language of music. Their performance is met with thunderous applause, and for a moment, they eclipse the war with harmony. James Brown's story is rooted in hardship. Raised in the woods by his parents, Susie and Joe Brown, his early years are marred by poverty and physical abuse. It's through these trials that he meets Bobby Byrd, who forms The Famous Flames. Byrd's family sponsors Brown's release from prison, and he becomes the lead singer of the group, eventually outshining The Rolling Stones at The T.A.M.I. Show in 1964. While Brown's career is soaring, his personal life unravels. His mother abandons him, his father threatens her with a firearm and continues to torment Brown until he joins the army. Left in the care of his Aunt Honey, who runs a brothel, Brown finds solace in the church choir, fostering his love for music. James Brown's journey is a testament to the power of passion and creativity. He defies racism and conventional thinking, becoming a beacon of hope and empowerment for the African-American community. His fiery spirit, however, leads to self-destructive tendencies, alienating those around him. It's only after hitting rock bottom that Brown realizes what he needs to achieve to make his life as the Godfather of Soul truly worthwhile. 'Get on Up' is a powerful exploration of the man behind the music, an intimate look at how James Brown became the embodiment of soul, influencing generations to come.

Get on Up is a drama movie featuring Rena DeAngelo and directed by Tate Taylor.

Get on Up is currently streaming on Netflix and Netflix basic with Ads.

It is also possible to buy Get on Up on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube or rent it on Spectrum On Demand.