The Rose | Rotten Tomatoes

Alec B The concert sequences are quite good (they feel authentic, while never losing the narrative) but the plot gets a little repetitive. Still, it's a solid piece of work that may have actually benefited from being denied access to Janis Joplin's actual life story as it gave the filmmakers the freedom to do whatever they wanted. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 12/14/23 Full Review Peter B Seemed fab to me, although I watched it at the cinema in 1979! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/13/23 Full Review Audience Member Bette Midler's performance feels so natural, almost as if what we're watching is the true story as it happens and not the adaptation. The movie is light-hearted, digestible, and enjoyable at all times, and that includes the musical scenes. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/29/23 Full Review Kyle E In THE ROSE, Bette Midler plays a character based on the life of Janis Joplin. This one of those rare movies where everything works perfectly. Although she is amazingly talented, I sometimes wonder if Bette herself ever looks back on this movie and wonders how she managed such an amazing portrayal, in the same way that an Olympic skater reviews the footage of a 10.0 performance and is stunned that every blade stroke really is picture perfect. While the storyline is memorable, and the acting superb, music outshines everything else. This is a movie from 1979, a time when rock and roll was still considered a lifestyle, and big rock bands were treated with absolute god-like adoration. Music mattered. It was a vital part of peoples' lives, and in THE ROSE it reaches the heights of excellence that normally exist only in memories that have improved with age. In this case, the music sounds as vibrant, exciting, and fresh today as when the movie debuted. Bette belts out these songs with soul and fiery passion. The only other contemporary singer I can imagine doing a similarly credible job is Melissa Etheridge. Sissy Spacek won the Best Actress Oscar for Coal Miner's Daughter (1980), but in retrospect I'm sure a lot of people regret not having awarded it to Bette Midler. This was not only an amazing, high caliber performance, but one that the passage of time has not diminished. This is a stunning movie. My dream is to rent a movie theatre for an evening, invite 30 friends, and relive this great experience. Movie theatres used to be bigger, and were aptly called "movie palaces". THE ROSE deserves to be seen in such a grand venue. In the rich pantheon of movie history, THE ROSE is true royalty. Note added October 9, 2007: It has been over a year, and I have no indication if anyone has ever read this review. If you read it, even if you give it a thumbs down, please answer whether the review was useful to you or not. I just am so curious if anyone will EVER read it. Right now, I'm listening to the soundtrack. This movie is timeless. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/11/22 Full Review steve d Poor substitute for Joplin. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review tony h Bette Midler makes the film outstanding, thanks to the band(s), etc. of course! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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