Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band (2020)

"Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band" is an evocative journey through the life and times of Robbie Robertson, a soulful symphony of his rise from a half-Mohawk, half-Jewish kid from Toronto to a cornerstone of music history, backed by the echoes of his groundbreaking tunes. It's a deeply personal account, interlaced with humour, wisdom, and the grit of overcoming adversity, charting the creation of one of the most immortal bands in popular music's annals, The Band. This tale of brotherhood in music unfolds as Robertson, an ambitious 16-year-old, journeys from the rough dives of Yonge Street to the heart of the deep South, his raw talent blazing a trail in his wake. His musical mission propels him into a cultural revolution, standing shoulder to shoulder with Bob Dylan during his electrifying 1966 world tour, and later contributing to the revolutionary Basement Tapes, crafting the fabric of Americana with iconic songs like "The Weight," "Up on Cripple Creek," and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." The film paints a vivid tapestry of Robertson's six-decade-spanning career, weaving in rare archival footage, evocative photography, and iconic songs that marked epochs in music history. The narrative is enriched by engaging interviews with notable collaborators and friends like Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Martin Scorsese, Peter Gabriel, and more, each adding their threads to the rich narrative. After a memorable 17-year run, The Band bid adieu with a grand farewell concert in San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom on November 25th, 1976, immortalized in Martin Scorsese's seminal concert film, The Last Waltz, revered by many as the pinnacle of rock and roll cinematography. "Once Were Brothers" is not merely a tale of music and brotherhood, but a testament to Robbie Robertson's enduring influence as a songwriter, producer, performer, actor, author, and film composer—a timeless, compelling narrative that rings with the melodies of a bygone era.

Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band is a documentary movie featuring Robbie Robertson and directed by Daniel Roher.

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