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Once Were Brothers

Original title: Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band
  • 20192019
  • RR
  • 1h 40m
IMDb RATING
7.3/10
1.7K
YOUR RATING
Robbie Robertson and The Band in Once Were Brothers (2019)
ONCE WERE BROTHERS: ROBBIE ROBERTSON AND THE BAND is a confessional, cautionary, and occasionally humorous tale of Robertson’s young life and the creation of one of the most enduring groups in the history of popular music, The Band.
Play trailer2:36
2 Videos
16 Photos
DocumentaryBiographyHistory
A confessional, cautionary, and occasionally humorous tale of Robbie Robertson's young life and the creation of one of the most enduring groups in the history of popular music, The Band.A confessional, cautionary, and occasionally humorous tale of Robbie Robertson's young life and the creation of one of the most enduring groups in the history of popular music, The Band.A confessional, cautionary, and occasionally humorous tale of Robbie Robertson's young life and the creation of one of the most enduring groups in the history of popular music, The Band.
IMDb RATING
7.3/10
1.7K
YOUR RATING
    • Daniel Roher
    • Daniel Roher
  • Stars
    • The Band(archive footage)
    • Robbie Robertson
    • Bruce Springsteen
    • Daniel Roher
    • Daniel Roher
  • Stars
    • The Band(archive footage)
    • Robbie Robertson
    • Bruce Springsteen
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 37User reviews
    • 32Critic reviews
    • 61Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards

    Videos2

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:36
    Watch Official Trailer
    Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band
    Trailer 2:29
    Watch Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band

    Photos16

    Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel, and The Band in Once Were Brothers (2019)
    Kacey Rohl at an event for Once Were Brothers (2019)
    Kacey Rohl at an event for Once Were Brothers (2019)
    Ron Howard and Brian Grazer at an event for Once Were Brothers (2019)
    Martin Scorsese at an event for Once Were Brothers (2019)
    Martin Scorsese at an event for Once Were Brothers (2019)
    Ron Howard at an event for Once Were Brothers (2019)
    Robbie Robertson and The Band in Once Were Brothers (2019)
    Levon Helm and The Band in Once Were Brothers (2019)
    Robbie Robertson and The Band in Once Were Brothers (2019)
    Bob Dylan and Robbie Robertson in Once Were Brothers (2019)
    Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel, and The Band in Once Were Brothers (2019)

    Top cast

    Edit
    The Band
    The Band
    • Themselves
    • (archive footage)
    Robbie Robertson
    Robbie Robertson
    • Self
    Bruce Springsteen
    Bruce Springsteen
    • Self
    Rick Danko
    Rick Danko
    • Self - Bass and Vocals, The Band
    • (archive footage)
    Levon Helm
    Levon Helm
    • Self - Vocals and Drums, The Band
    • (archive footage)
    Richard Manuel
    Richard Manuel
    • Self - Piano and Vocals, The Band
    • (archive footage)
    Garth Hudson
    Garth Hudson
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    Eric Clapton
    Eric Clapton
    • Self
    Martin Scorsese
    Martin Scorsese
    • Self
    Taj Mahal
    Taj Mahal
    • Self
    Rosemarie 'Dolly' Robertson
    Rosemarie 'Dolly' Robertson
    • Self - Robbie's Mother
    • (archive footage)
    Chuck Berry
    Chuck Berry
    • Self
    • (archive footage)
    Jann Wenner
    Jann Wenner
    • Self - Co-Founder, Rolling Stone Magazine
    Ronnie Hawkins
    Ronnie Hawkins
    • Self
    Jim Robertson
    Jim Robertson
    • Self - Robbie's Father
    • (archive footage)
    Alexander Klegerman
    Alexander Klegerman
    • Self - Robbie's Biological Father
    • (archive footage)
    Natie Klegerman
    Natie Klegerman
    • Self - Robbie's Uncle
    • (archive footage)
    Morrie Klegerman
    Morrie Klegerman
    • Self - Robbie's Uncle
    • (archive footage)
      • Daniel Roher
      • Daniel Roher
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The distinct signature sound Garth Hudson has on the organ is from a Lowrey organ.
    • Quotes

      Ronnie Hawkins: They paid 35000 cash right in front of me for a little ole bit of cocaine. I snorted a couple lines, and I said, "Boys, there's enough flour and sugar in this shit, you'll sneeze biscuits for three fuckin' months after you snort this..."

      Ronnie Hawkins: [chuckles]

      Ronnie Hawkins: ...and they ended up buying another one.

    • Connections
      Edited from The Last Waltz (1978)

    User reviews37

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    10/10
    A compelling account of the rise of The Band, even if told from Robbie's perspective
    Before even commenting on the film, which I had the pleasure to see during the TIFF opening night showing, one needs to address the controversy that precludes it. The feud between Levon Helm and Robbie Robertson, and the sides many fans fall into, paints the film into a corner. It constantly dances around the bitter aspects of their relationship, portraying Robbie as saddened by the visceral animosity directed at him. Yes, the movie is based on Robbie's book, and Levon can no longer refute the claims made, but perhaps it is time to give Robbie a chance to explain his perspective. There was no way an autobiographical film would display the conflict in an unbiased and fair manner, since that is not what the film is about. It is about Robbie and his journey with The Band, their rise and dissolution as seen through his eyes, and his final reminiscence on a time when he truly was part of a brotherhood that he lost. Robbie is never critical of Levon, perhaps even sympathetic, but his pain does feel real. The story is emotional and endearing, supported by the multitude of supporting voices including Ronnie Hawkins (who steals the show!), Bruce Springsteen, Martin Scorcese, and managers, friends, and family who knew The Band the best.

    Beyond the story as told by the many participants lending their reflections to this doc, I must say that the filmmaking is quite well done. Daniel Roher weaves a film with archival footage, testimonials, and the legendary music into something that is exciting to watch for any fan of The Band. It is emotionally touching, funny, insightful, and ultimately a great tribute. Yes it is Robbie's portrait of The Band, but it nevertheless faithfully chronicles a musical force that would influence generations to come.
    helpful•38
    5
    • krenskyc
    • Sep 7, 2019

    Details

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    • Release date
      • February 21, 2020 (United States)
      • Canada
      • United States
      • Official Site
      • Official site (Japan)
      • English
    • Also known as
    • Production companies
      • Shed
      • Bell Media Studios
      • Diamond Docs
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

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    • 1 hour 40 minutes
      • Color

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