What’s Love Got to Do with It Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A small town girl with a big voice meets a big shot musician and gets swept away on a rollercoaster of fame, love, and unfortunately, a whole lot of domestic disputes.

🍿 What’s Love Got to Do with It: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Meeting Ike Turner

Anna Mae Bullock, a young girl with a powerful voice, grows up in Nutbush, Tennessee. After her grandmother’s death, she moves to St. Louis to live with her mother and sister. It is here that she encounters Ike Turner, a charismatic bandleader, at a local nightclub. Anna Mae is captivated by Ike’s performance and his band’s energy. She seizes an opportunity to sing with them, impressing Ike with her raw talent and stage presence. He invites her to join his band, The Kings of Rhythm, setting the stage for her transformation into Tina Turner.

Rising to Fame and a Troubled Marriage

Under Ike’s guidance, Anna Mae transforms into Tina Turner, becoming the lead singer of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. They achieve widespread success, touring the country and recording hit songs like “Proud Mary.” However, behind the facade of fame, their relationship deteriorates. Ike becomes increasingly controlling and abusive towards Tina, both emotionally and physically. His jealousy and drug use fuel his violent behavior, trapping Tina in a cycle of abuse and fear. Despite the turmoil, Tina continues to perform, driven by her passion for music and a desire to protect her family.

Finding Strength and Breaking Free

As Ike’s abuse escalates, Tina finds solace in Buddhism, which helps her develop inner strength and courage. She begins to question her role in the relationship and recognizes the need to escape Ike’s control. After a particularly violent altercation, Tina finally snaps and fights back. She flees from Ike with nothing but 36 cents and a Mobil card, seeking refuge in a nearby hotel. This act of defiance marks a turning point in her life, signaling her determination to break free from the cycle of abuse and reclaim her identity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tina Turner (Angela Bassett): A talented singer who rises to stardom but must find the strength to escape her abusive marriage to Ike Turner.
• Ike Turner (Laurence Fishburne): A charismatic but controlling musician who abuses his wife, Tina Turner, hindering her personal and professional growth.
• Young Anna Mae (RaéVen Kelly): A young girl with a special voice which later becomes known as Tina Turner.
• Choir Mistress (Virginia Capers): The Choir Mistress is a supporting character of a singer Tina Turner’s rise to stardom.
• Choir Member (Dororthy Thorton): The Choir Member is a supporting character of a singer Tina Turner’s rise to stardom.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tina Turner: “I want a divorce.” – Tina states this firmly to Ike, marking a pivotal moment of her asserting independence.
• Ike Turner: “I made you, Tina! You wouldn’t be nothin’ without me!” – Ike shouts this at Tina, highlighting his controlling nature and inflated ego.
• Tina Turner: “I’m just tired of hurting.” – Tina reveals her emotional exhaustion, signifying her breaking point in the abusive relationship.
• Tina Turner: “All I want is my name.” – In the divorce settlement, Tina relinquishes all financial claims, valuing her identity and stage name above all else.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $39,100,956
• Worldwide Gross: $39,100,956

💥 What’s Love Got to Do with It Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It.’ Angela Bassett’s performance is absolutely incredible, she embodies Tina Turner so completely. The scene where she finally stands up to Ike in the limo? Gave me chills! This movie is a powerful reminder of resilience and the strength it takes to break free. Highly recommend it to anyone who loves music and inspiring stories.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Tina Turner”
  • “Viewers interested in biographical dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate strong female leads”
  • “Audiences seeking stories of resilience and overcoming adversity”
  • “People who enjoy movies with great music”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of domestic violence”
  • “Marital rape”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Empire Magazine: “Angela Bassett delivers a powerhouse performance as Tina Turner, capturing her raw energy and vulnerability. The film doesn’t shy away from the dark side of her relationship with Ike, making for a compelling and emotional watch.
• The New York Times: “While ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ treads familiar biopic territory, the electrifying performances of Bassett and Fishburne elevate the film beyond its conventional structure. The music is undeniably captivating, adding depth to the narrative.
• Variety: “A compelling and emotionally charged biopic, fueled by the powerhouse performances of Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne. The film vividly portrays Tina Turner’s rise to fame and her courageous escape from an abusive relationship, making it a must-see.

Audience Reactions

Angela Bassett’s transformation into Tina Turner was phenomenal!: Viewers overwhelmingly praise Angela Bassett’s performance, saying she perfectly captured Tina Turner’s spirit and energy.

The music and concert scenes were so electrifying!: Many enjoyed the energetic musical numbers, highlighting the film’s recreation of Ike & Tina Turner’s iconic performances.

Overall Consensus: A powerful and inspiring biopic carried by outstanding performances from Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne, though some find it a sanitized version of events.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)- 1994

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Laurence Fishburne initially turned down the role of Ike Turner five times before accepting.”
• “Angela Bassett lip-synced to Tina Turner’s original recordings for the musical performances.”
• “The film is based on Tina Turner’s autobiography ‘I, Tina’, co-written with Kurt Loder.”

🖥️ How to Watch What’s Love Got to Do with It?

What’s Love Got to Do with It is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for broadcast availability. You may also find it on streaming services that offer movie rentals or purchases.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed What’s Love Got to Do with It, you might like these similar films:

• Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980): Another biopic of a female country singer Loretta Lynn, dealing with a difficult marriage and rise to fame.
• Ray (2004): A biographical film portraying the life and career of another influential musician, Ray Charles, and his personal struggles.
• The Rose (1979): A fictionalized account of a self-destructive rock star’s life, loosely based on Janis Joplin.
• Respect (2021): A biographical drama based on the life of Aretha Franklin, exploring her musical genius and personal challenges, similar to Tina Turner’s journey.

🛒 What’s Love Got to Do with It Related Products

• Tina: The Tina Turner Musical – Original Cast Recording: Relive the story through the songs from the Broadway musical that brings Tina Turner’s life to the stage. A vibrant album that captures the energy of the show.
• Tina Turner: One Last Live Concert [Blu-ray]: Experience the iconic Tina Turner’s final live performance in stunning Blu-ray quality. Features her greatest hits and unforgettable stage presence. A must-have for any fan.
• Funko Pop! Rocks: Tina Turner: Add a touch of rock ‘n’ roll to your collection with this Funko Pop! figure of Tina Turner. Captures her iconic look and fiery stage presence. A perfect addition for any collector.
• I, Tina: My Life Story: Dive deeper into Tina Turner’s incredible life story with her official autobiography. Discover the struggles and triumphs behind the music and gain a new appreciation for her resilience.

🎧 Soundtrack

What’s Love Got to Do with It features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “What’s Love Got to Do with It” – performed by Tina Turner
• “Proud Mary” – performed by Ike & Tina Turner
• “I Don’t Wanna Fight” – performed by Tina Turner
• “A Fool in Love” – performed by Ike & Tina Turner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ike And Tina Turner Australian Interview (1993 – What’s Love Got To Do With It Movie Promotion)

Ever wondered what Ike and Tina *really* thought about the movie based on their lives? This vintage interview is a must-see – their dynamic is intense, and it gives you a whole new layer of understanding about the film.

Whats Love Got To Do With It’ Movie Ending Ike & Tina

Want to relive the emotional rollercoaster of the movie’s ending? This clip captures the final scene, allowing you to examine the last moments of the film.

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