Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson & The Band

"Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band" (2019 release from Canada; 100 min.) is a documentary about the Band. As the movie opens, today's Robbie Robertson addresses the camera and talks about his music-writing process. We then go back in time to the origins of the Band, as talking heads like Bruce Springsteen and Eric Clapton comment on how tight these 5 guys were, "like a brotherhood". We then go back even further in time, to Robbie Robertson's upbringing in Canada and how he was exposed to music at an early age. At this point we are 10 min. into the movie.

Couple of comments: this movie is directed by documentarian Daniel Roher, but more importantly executive-produced by Martin Scorsese (who of course directed "The Last Waltz") and Ron Howard. In the end credits, we learn that the documentary is "inspired by" Robbie Robertson's 2017 memoir "Testimony", and indeed this is very much Robertson's perspective on how things unfolded. The documentary is absolutely tops in its first half, where we revisit how Robertson, at age 15, wrote a couple of songs for Ronny Hawkins & the Hawks (where the drummer was a certain Levon Helms), and a year later he was invited to join the Hawks. Plenty of archive footage along the way livens up the big screen, and it's like sitting at the feet of a music history teacher. Indeed, Robertson proves to be quite the master story teller ("joining Bob Dylan was a detour but we decided it was a worthwhile detour"). The movie's second half is not quite as formidable, as we follow the Band's demise (leading to the brilliant 1976 farewell concert "The Last Waltz"), and the subsequent bitter falling-out between Helms and Robertson. But in the end, the proof is in the pudding: I couldn't believe how quickly the theater's house lights came back on, as the movie had simply flown by in no time. When in the last scene of the movie we watch them play "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" in "The Last Waltz" and we are reminded that it was the very last time these 5 guys ever played on stage together, I readily admit that I choked up. What a loss for rock music that was!

"Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band" premiered last Fall at the Toronto International Film Festival to great acclaim. It opened last weekend at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati and I finally got a chance to see it this weekend. The Friday early evening screening where I saw this at was not attended well (3 people, to be exact), and I can't see this playing much longer in theaters. But it you are a fan of rock music history or simply a fan of the Band, I'd readily suggest you check this out, be in the theater (if you still can), on VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, and draw your own conclusion.

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.

"Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson And The Band" invites you to sit back and relax, while Robbie Robertson and other music royalty dive into the mystical journey of a great rock band. . In this documentary, singer/songwriter Robbie Robertson tells the candid story about the creation of one of the most enduring bands in the history of popular music, The Band. . There's something about The Band that always draws me in. Maybe it's the music, maybe it's their short lived musical journey, maybe it's how mysterious they seemed, but one thing is for sure is that not all bands have withstood what these guys have been through. Seeing Robertson tell personal stories about himself and the band is ultimately gratifying. I still think that Scorsese's "The Last Waltz" is the ultimate music doc and concert but this doc is a solid full framed story about these incredible musicians. The final moments of this film are nothing short of heart-wrenching and beautiful. Fans of music and The Band will enjoy this ride. . Follow @snobmedia for more reviews!

Robbie Robertson does a wonderful job taking us down the initial primrose path of the music of The Band, bluntly, honestly, with with compassion, up to the time when hard drugs changed two of the five.

I can vividly remember getting the 'brown' album, which I still have, and being blown away by what I thought were former Confederate soldiers (which they resembled on the cover, old Civil War photos come to life). The music, vocals, and lyrics were indelibly fixed in my mind and I played the album for days even up to today. I played the tape out in my car (perfect driving music). 'Once Were Brothers' is music history iwell thought out and told by Robertson with archival footage of the other members and guest historians (Ronnie Hawkins, their road manager, Clapton, Van Morrison, etc.). Lots of stuff here that I didn't know. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute, and the doc prompted me to get out my Band LPs and CDS for a nice listen.

If you are a fan or even new to The Band you shouldn't be disappointed in this film. Just take a trip back and enjoy the scenery.

I was in tears by the end of the show. I started out jaded. Thinking this is some Robbie puff piece...and it is. But so much more. It's a love letter to his friends.