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IMDbPro

Becoming

  • 2020
  • PG
  • 1h 29m
IMDb RATING
7.0/10
6.8K
YOUR RATING
Marilyn Ness in Becoming (2020)
'Becoming' is a look into the life of former First Lady Michelle Obama during a moment of profound change, not only for her personally but for the country she and her husband served over eight years in the White House. The film offers an intimate look at her life as she embarks on a 34-city tour that highlights the power of community to bridge our divides and the spirit of connection that comes when we openly and honestly share our stories.
Play trailer1:50
4 Videos
70 Photos
BiographyDocumentary

Join former first lady Michelle Obama in an intimate documentary looking at her life, hopes and connection with others during her 2019 book tour for 'Becoming.'Join former first lady Michelle Obama in an intimate documentary looking at her life, hopes and connection with others during her 2019 book tour for 'Becoming.'Join former first lady Michelle Obama in an intimate documentary looking at her life, hopes and connection with others during her 2019 book tour for 'Becoming.'

  • Director
    • Nadia Hallgren
  • Stars
    • Elizabeth Alexander
    • Adrian K. Collins
    • Valerie Jarrett
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.0/10
    6.8K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Nadia Hallgren
    • Stars
      • Elizabeth Alexander
      • Adrian K. Collins
      • Valerie Jarrett
    • 68User reviews
    • 29Critic reviews
    • 66Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 4 Primetime Emmys
      • 1 win & 6 nominations total

    Videos4

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 1:50
    Official Trailer
    A Celebration of Trailblazing Women
    Clip 2:07
    A Celebration of Trailblazing Women
    A Celebration of Trailblazing Women
    Clip 2:07
    A Celebration of Trailblazing Women
    First Look
    Clip 1:26
    First Look
    Becoming (First Look)
    Clip 1:27
    Becoming (First Look)

    Photos69

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    + 66
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    Top cast24

    Edit
    Elizabeth Alexander
    • Self
    Adrian K. Collins
    Adrian K. Collins
    • Self - Adrian Collins
    • (credit only)
    Valerie Jarrett
    Valerie Jarrett
    • Self
    Gayle King
    Gayle King
    • Self
    Michele Norris
    • Self
    Conan O'Brien
    Conan O'Brien
    • Self
    Barack Obama
    Barack Obama
    • Self
    Malia Obama
    Malia Obama
    • Self
    Michelle Obama
    Michelle Obama
    • Self
    Sasha Obama
    Sasha Obama
    • Self
    Craig Robinson
    • Self
    Kelly Robinson
    • Self
    Marian Robinson
    • Self
    • (as Marian Shields Robinson)
    Phoebe Robinson
    Phoebe Robinson
    • Self
    Tracee Ellis Ross
    Tracee Ellis Ross
    • Self
    Brittany Williams
    • Michelle Obama
    Oprah Winfrey
    Oprah Winfrey
    • Self
    Melissa Winter
    • Self
    • Director
      • Nadia Hallgren
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews68

    7.06.8K
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    Summary

    Reviewers say 'Becoming' is lauded for its intimate portrayal of Michelle Obama, emphasizing her strength, intelligence, and inspirational influence. Many appreciate the personal glimpse into her life, from childhood to First Lady. Some find it empowering and hopeful, particularly for women and minorities. However, a few critics argue it lacks new information and remains superficial, focusing more on her public image than personal experiences. Overall, the documentary is viewed as a positive and uplifting tribute to Michelle Obama's life and impact.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    Hellooo1234321

    Not a documentary but a promotion

    Didn't like it at all. This documentary feels like we are following a superstar and nothing less. It's all hyped up and it felt like I was watching a promotion. I expected something different and more classy.
    8ks-60500

    First first Lady

    Michelle is one of the most well known and heartful First Lady ever in history. Attitude matters change every aspects in life. We are grateful to have her for 8 years and she did make the whole world in better place. Feel ashamed the one now truely.
    8tay-sedai

    Still love Michelle Obama

    As a foreigner watching on in 2008, I was stunned that America had done this thing. Like many, I hadn't thought it would ever happen, or at least not for many more years. I was also extremely proud of the nation for the choice they made (unlike 8 years later). But you know one thought I had almost right away? "Oh God, I hope he doesn't get assassinated." Because I'm not naive about racism and extremism in America.

    Watching this documentary gave me more insight into the person Michelle was before becoming First Lady. She came from such a great family so it's easy to see why she aimed so high with confidence. I could also see a little hint of how difficult it must have been, not just after the election but in the lead up to it with all the hatred directed towards her in the media. You could see on her face that she was feeling the pressure, and justifiably anger too, even while she stayed quiet, knowing that speaking her mind was detrimental to the campaign (for no good reason either).

    I've always known that she was relieved to be leaving the White House, but this documentary gave me a better understanding of why that was. The Obama administration wasn't perfect, as I learned from watching Michael Moore's documentary about these years, including the story of Obama's visit to Flint, Michigan. I also knew that he was more of a deadly president to some Middle Eastern countries than even his predecessor, which I can't ever condone. Even so, watching this documentary made me pine for a time when the entire world didn't feel under threat because of the identity of the US leader.
    9adamsandel

    Remember civility and intelligence?

    This is a very well done portrait of a genuinely inspiring woman. I pity the poor angry folks who were threatened by the Obamas then and are still venting their anger about a documentary that I guarantee they didn't watch.
    7kevin c

    Hugs and hugs

    Movie night with Iris.

    America's former first hugging lady gets glossy overview, from her own production company (shock). That said interesting topics are touched upon - marriage counselling, postnatal depression, her mum's favouring her brother? But it's fleeting and mostly light-hearted.

    So whilst it may not be insightful, it has buckets of emotional outpouring. You cannot not be moved when an elderly lady talks about the experience of seeing Obama's inauguration: "I never thought I would see that. For that I thank you."

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Quotes

      Michelle Obama: Your story with highs and lows, what seems so ordinary and seems like nothing to you, is your power.

    • Connections
      Featured in M: Episode #3.21 (2020)
    • Soundtracks
      A God Like You
      Performed by Kirk Franklin

      Written by Kirk Franklin, William Jeffrey

      Courtesy of Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Records

      By Arrangement with Sony Music Entertainment

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    FAQ

    • How long is Becoming?
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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • May 6, 2020 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Benim Hikâyem
    • Production companies
      • Big Mouth Productions
      • Diversified Production Services
      • Higher Ground Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 29 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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