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Life Is Not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Barrino Story

  • TV Movie
  • 2006
  • 1h 28m
IMDb RATING
5.3/10
709
YOUR RATING
Life Is Not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Barrino Story (2006)
BiographyDramaMusic

Fantasia Barrino overcomes sexual abuse, illiteracy, and other setbacks and becomes the winner of "American Idol" in 2004.Fantasia Barrino overcomes sexual abuse, illiteracy, and other setbacks and becomes the winner of "American Idol" in 2004.Fantasia Barrino overcomes sexual abuse, illiteracy, and other setbacks and becomes the winner of "American Idol" in 2004.

  • Director
    • Debbie Allen
  • Writers
    • Keith Glover
    • Fantasia Barrino
  • Stars
    • Fantasia Barrino
    • Loretta Devine
    • Viola Davis
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    5.3/10
    709
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Debbie Allen
    • Writers
      • Keith Glover
      • Fantasia Barrino
    • Stars
      • Fantasia Barrino
      • Loretta Devine
      • Viola Davis
    • 13User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 wins & 5 nominations total

    Photos

    Top cast72

    Edit
    Fantasia Barrino
    Fantasia Barrino
    • Fantasia Barrino
    Loretta Devine
    Loretta Devine
    • Addie Collins
    Viola Davis
    Viola Davis
    • Diane Barrino
    Kadeem Hardison
    Kadeem Hardison
    • Joseph Barrino
    Chico Benymon
    Chico Benymon
    • Rodney Birks
    Jamia Simone Nash
    Jamia Simone Nash
    • Young Fantasia
    JoNell Kennedy
    JoNell Kennedy
    • Barbara
    Cedric Pendleton
    Cedric Pendleton
    • Johnny Lee
    Julius Tennon
    Julius Tennon
    • Mr. Emanuel
    Thomas Tah Hyde III
    Thomas Tah Hyde III
    • Rico Barrino
    Norman Nixon Jr.
    Norman Nixon Jr.
    • Dwayne
    Paul Amadi
    • Young Rico
    Terrance Thomas
    Terrance Thomas
    • Young Tiny
    Deanna Dawn
    Deanna Dawn
    • Ruby
    Toussant Duchess
    • Wanda Jean
    Rhianna Mack
    • Dot
    Marci Duncan
    Marci Duncan
    • Tess
    • (as Marci Stringer)
    Bryce Ruffins
    • Keireece
    • Director
      • Debbie Allen
    • Writers
      • Keith Glover
      • Fantasia Barrino
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews13

    5.3709
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    Featured reviews

    10daricern

    The Fantasia story is an inspiration

    Fantasia, you are an inspiration to me. You did a wonderful job acting. I am looking forward to seeing you more often on television. Thank you Debbie Allen for directing this wonderful movie. Fantasia, you are my American Idol! I do not care what anybody says. I will buy and support every CD or movie that you are in. I have had struggles in my past also and overcame them. Fantasia, continue to keep it real and be yourself. You are a beautiful person with a sweet personality. You deserve all the blessings that have come upon you. I was also happy to see Kadeem acting as Fantasia's father. You go Kadeem! The whole cast was wonderful. Debbie Allen, you are a wonderful director. Keep doing what you are doing. I will buy and support all your work also. I think America needs more movies like this because there are so many young people who needs to see inspiring movies like this.
    9PressPrent

    This is not a "Rags To Riches" movie. It's REAL!

    I love, appreciate, and understand everything about this movie. My nervous anticipation was worth the wait. Fantasia, of course, had to ACT-out her role, even though, it was true-to-life. This is what made it even greater, because, she didn't seem to be ACTING! The Icon, Veteran Super Actress, Loretta Devine; with Veteran; Kadeem Hardison, along with that stadium security guard and the boyfriend (whom I've seen "somewhere"), all succeeded in making a movie that I hated to end. Even her Project single mom friends, schoolmates, and teacher were so real and non-acting like. This movie should be a great inspiration for ANYBODY to want to do better and strive for a better life. I'm especially happy for Fantasia and her family.
    10melmepink

    I loved "Life is not a fairytale"(the fantasia Barrino story)

    I LOVED this movie and i love the acting in this movie Fantasia was excellent and she is very beautiful inside and out and the title for this movie fit perfectly and i am really looking forward to seeing another movie with her. Fantasia is such a inspiration to many people with dreams and young mothers she showed that through all the pain you still can make it and be somebody because she is somebody. I just love her like i know her. when i was watching the part when Ryan was announcing the winner it was like deja-vu i was so happy and excited i got a little teary eyed i really loved the movie, and i wish millions of more people will watch the movie it was great, and i wish fantasia could read this to know how great it was.
    10SRLReeves

    Tear Jerker

    Well I must say that this movie was a tear jerker for me. Very well written and despite Fantasia not being "real actor", I'd have to say it was very well done. Image Award Performance...including the "hoochie" parts. Surrounded by a good cast didn't hurt. The cast, including the wonderful Viola Davis, I knew it had to be good. (Viola is the best crier I've ever seen, never fails to move me)...The scene where Fantasia enters the church....oh my goodness.......The scene in the kitchen with Fantasia, Viola and Loretta....Let's just say, get your box of tissues.... It was of no surprise me when Fantasia was the American Idol of 2004 and I think she will be the most remembered. As a matter of fact, a lot of us knew you won the minute you opened your mouth on American Idol....but back to the movie....it is a must see. Debbie Allen, you did a great job at this one. Please keep them coming...Please.
    10binasings

    Wow!

    I have a new found respect for Miss Fantasia! Not only did she do a wonderful job playing herself, but you are left inspired by her story.

    This movie was well casted and directed brilliantly by Debbie Allen. Lorretta Divine is just that! Kadeem Hardison is a riot and adds comedic flavor to the mix. Viola Davis is a joy to watch as Fantasia's mother. Thomas Hyde III does a nice job in the supporting role of her brother.

    There are wonderful musical segments that enhance the story as well-just enough that it doesn't take away from the plot.

    This is something that you just have to see for yourself. I suggest you have a box of tissues next to you.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Director Debbie Allen has a brief cameo as a woman in sunglasses auditioning for American Idol.
    • Quotes

      Fantasia Barrino: Stop! Let me go. No no

    • Connections
      Features American Idol (2002)
    • Soundtracks
      Almighty God
      Performed by Loretta Devine, Viola Davis, Fantasia Barrino and Cast

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • August 19, 2006 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Lifetime TV
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Жизнь не сказка
    • Filming locations
      • New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
    • Production companies
      • L.I.F.T. Production
      • Ostar Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 28 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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