Whether you love her or hate her, one cannot deny the immense impact and influence Madonna has had on pop culture, art , fashion, music, videos, movies and social issues over the last 40 years.
This deeply introspective and insightful docudrama, as told by those who lived and worked with her before she shot to super stardom, mixes authentic, rarely seen photos, along with equally rare bits of audio and musical recordings intertwined with actors portraying the events that led up to that iconic MTV video music awards performance in 1984.
Getting a peek behind the persona in the very places she used to frequent will instantly elicit a sense of nostalgia for hardcore fans. Even if you're not a fan, you can gather an appreciation for the very real struggles she faced trying to make it big in an era before social media.
20 Reviews
Madonna 1.0
jmcauley-124 April 2019
I'm a die-hard Madonna fan and enjoyed the details about her New York life in the 70s before she became famous. The casting director should win an Oscar for finding the actress who plays Madonna. Even as a fan it was hard to tell them apart! I don't like re-enactments in documentaries in general, but loved seeing the real photos and locations. Proves wanna-be stars were taking selfies long before social media!
not too bad
geodesic_eye22 March 2019
Wow! the actress (samantha nicole dunn) looks more like madonna than madonna! a quite enjoyable biography of her early years, and her love affair with chris martin lookalike (dan gilroy, played by calvin knie) amongst many other things . . .
Lots of reenactments with actors
rolbyh20021 November 2019
This was categorized as a documentary on Hulu. And it kind of is. It's a documentary in that it has interview with people who knew Madonna in her younger years. It's mostly reenactment footage there. There is some actual footage and photos of Madonna in her younger years, but not as much as a typical documentary. Madonna fans will still appreciate it though.
I didn't even make it halfway through; long, drawn out, incredibly boring
spinsterdish722 October 2019
The only interesting part of this movie is to see a lot of old photos and some video of Madonna that I have never seen before as well as some recording her ex, Dan Gilmore, took when they were living in NYC of them talking about whatever.
Dan Gilmore gets to talk way more than he should have been able because he is incredibly boring; he just likes to talk so his story is so drawn out - he should have been edited much better.
This film was an hour and 45 minutes long, at least an hour longer than necessary.
This film was an hour and 45 minutes long, at least an hour longer than necessary.
pretty decent production
ops-5253514 March 2019
This is not a documentary about madonna, rather an unauthorized documentary about ms ciccone, and her prehistoric life and way to fame, and a documentary about her friends and bandmates from the michigan and new york era, put together pretty cleverly through dramatization, interviews, sound and videoarchive, and ends up with a most viewable result.
they have really found a spitting image of madonna , and at times i had trouble differing between them. i remember being gobsmacked by the rythm and soul in madonnas voice and music back then, and i still lend an ear to madonna from time to time. i still get tears in my eyes from true blue and like a prayer albums, ......remember i'm an old grumpy man, who once liked to dance....and she is one of the few artists that still can boost my stereo to oblivion. what is a little drawback in the production is the lack of timelineinformation, therefore a 9 instead of 10.
madonna and the breakfast club are a must see production for every music lover,either you hate or love madonna, and may inspire aspiring young darling buds of music and art. highly recommended
they have really found a spitting image of madonna , and at times i had trouble differing between them. i remember being gobsmacked by the rythm and soul in madonnas voice and music back then, and i still lend an ear to madonna from time to time. i still get tears in my eyes from true blue and like a prayer albums, ......remember i'm an old grumpy man, who once liked to dance....and she is one of the few artists that still can boost my stereo to oblivion. what is a little drawback in the production is the lack of timelineinformation, therefore a 9 instead of 10.
madonna and the breakfast club are a must see production for every music lover,either you hate or love madonna, and may inspire aspiring young darling buds of music and art. highly recommended
Intriguing Details Buried In A Film That Is Way Too Long
CheetahMan8126 January 2021
The premise behind this documentary / reenactment is fantastic: Interviews with the musicians that were a part of Madonna's rise to fame. Stories aren't often told of Madonna's early years with the Breakfast Club and Emmy. And while there were many interesting tales they get bogged down with too many interviews and reenactments.
Loved the Film!
august-3180814 March 2019
For anyone saying that this film is "bad" obviously is clueless to the volume of details that were included in every scene. The photo recreations, the exact places and buildings that she was in to include actual items she held herself when she was yet undiscovered.
I loved the film. It's a documentary and is t meant to be an epic scripted movie. It really is good and I thought the casting was perfect. It will sell millions around the world. Thank you for showing us an era of Madonna we have always been curious about that has been ignored until now. M fans will enjoy it very much!
Dreadfully Dull
mpizzani17 March 2019
The diehard Madonna fans will think this docudrama is the bees knees, but sadly it was mediocre at best. First it was far too long. Second the acting or lack there of made me feel like I was watching an reenactment show on the channel. The only redeeming quality is that Jamie Auld is Madonna's doppelganger. There were short moments that were hard to tell between the two of them. Makeup and wardrobe also did a stellar job pulling the look together. But overall I found myself drifting off and looking at the clock.
This movie stays with you: You will never look at Madonna the same way again - And it´s NOT only for her fans
diegoric-5279920 March 2019
When you finish watching Guy Guido´s intense and deeply emotional movie, you simply can´t stop thinking about it. Because everybody has so many larger-than-life images of Madonna inside their heads....we never could have imagined she went through ALL THAT to reach the fame she has today.
Actually, more than that, the movie works on several levels:
Nothing can beat a film made with this kind of commitment, people.
Thank you for your work of art, Guy. It will stay with me forever and I´m sure with millions around the world as well.
All the best and much love to you, all the way from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Actually, more than that, the movie works on several levels:
- It humanizes Madonna. As mentioned, we all think of her - even thinking about her first record, perfomances and videos - already as a sucess, a hit-maker, a provocative perfomer, an inspiration. It´s like she was always there, wrapped with a ribbon, ready to be discovered. The movie shows Madonna as a normal girl, a young girl, trying to make ends meet, struggling and facing fear, doubt, insecurities and even unimaginable factors - like New York City´s 2 degrees cold weather, when she could not afford a room with heating. You cannot help but look at the Madonna you know differently, in a whole new light.
- It shows how destiny operates - and this reasonates with everybody, all over the world, her fan or not. Who, not being a part of her family, inspired her to believe in herself, which led to leaving Michigan for NYC. How, because of a random meet on the street, she ended up going to that party where she met Dan Gilroy, who changed her life. How and why she started singing. Why she kept going and didn´t give up. How somebody from her past - Bray - could come and help her at a turning point in her life. How she got that first contract with Sire Records. Was it all coincidence combined with hard work, being at the right place at the right time? Or fortune smiling at her? Or was the Madonna we know and love today, that changed the world and people´s lives in every corner of it so much so many times with her art, "meant to be" ? You can watch the movie from this perspective and it blow your mind as well.
- It gives voice to many who could never properly - and at lenght - talk about her and their past together. It´s cathartic in a way, for them and for us watching. Though Dan Gilroy may be considered the "main character" - besides Madonna herself, of course - the testimonials that marked me deeply were the ones from Gary Burke. He was, let´s say, a little late to the party, but was with her through thick and thin and was with her on her very first big break. He confessed on camera a strong betrayal of his own and also a huge disappointment he had with Madonna - no spoilers here, but the movie does not shy away from difficult issues like this one, which is another positive thing.
- The movie has so much strenght in the presence of Jamie Auld as Madonna, the resemblance that was already very much discussed, especially the eyes - that are the windows of the soul, the focal point, where all the magic happens....But also her performance: you can clearly see Madonna´s way of walking, Madonna´s way of talking, Madonna´s sex appeal, Madonna´s energy and determination. You don´t see Jamie, you see Madonna.
- And, of course, Guy Guido´s writing and directing, filled with his PASSION and admiration for Madonna, that shows in every frame. This is a labor of love, like he wanted to give back to her a little of what she gave to him throughout the years. It´s a homage but at the same time a huge public declaration, in capital letters: I LOVE YOU - and THANK YOU for being here and changing my life, saving my life....our lives.
Nothing can beat a film made with this kind of commitment, people.
Thank you for your work of art, Guy. It will stay with me forever and I´m sure with millions around the world as well.
All the best and much love to you, all the way from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Yawn!
dramafreebri26 March 2019
Whatever critic said this was boring lied. It is BEYOND BORING. Unless you are hardcore Madonna FANATIC, skip it. It's just a bunch of never-has-been old men talking about their days knowing and wanting to screw Madonna. B.O.R.I.N.G!!!
Too many unnecessary details
MovieCriticOnline16 March 2019
Jesus, do we need to know what she had for breakfast on Monday 1978, or posed for a picture in 1979? This needed to be be 30 min shorter..
This was really just a personal story from someone who missed the boat and holds onto the memories of the girl that left him... but we don't need a daily account of what happened.
What a bore and what a shame... you can skip this...
This was really just a personal story from someone who missed the boat and holds onto the memories of the girl that left him... but we don't need a daily account of what happened.
What a bore and what a shame... you can skip this...
Great Documentary About Madonna (and her Breakfast Club)
ScottyDangerously9 June 2019
Madonna is one of my most favorite female artists. This film explains about how Madonna worked hard to become this world-famous icon. Some of the commentators, include Dan Gilroy and former band members of the Breakfast Club. The beginning of this film mentions the Mercy Hospital, where Madonna was born at around Detroit. I figured that Madonna named one of her adopted daughters, Mercy, after the Mercy Hospital. The beginning of the film also explains the years Madonna was growing up in. Then, the film explains how she dropped out of college and took a plane trip to her dance classes in New York in '78.
Back in '78 or '79, Madonna dropped out of her dance classes, and took a trip to Paris to work for Patrick Hernandez, the French disco artist. Patrick is one of the people who influenced the disco beats in Madonna's pop career. Madonna was a backup singer for Patrick's 1979 World Tour, before she got romantically involved with her then boyfriend, Dan Gilroy. Then, Madonna moved in to live with Dan Gilroy at an abandoned synagogue, and to form the Breakfast Club band. Dan Gilroy was one of the lead singers. Madonna also sang in the band, while playing the drums and guitar. Some of the Breakfast Club songs have influenced her career. For example, I figured that the lyrics to one of the Breakfast Club songs ,"Again and again over and over", probably influenced Madonna's solo song "Over and Over", Track 4 of "Like a Virgin" (album).
In '80 or '81, Madonna and her Breakfast Club did not get along well with each other, resulting in Madonna's breakup with Dan Gilroy. However, Madonna got along well with Stephen Bray and tried to form bands together. Stephen Bray was the one who helped Madonna come up with her very first dance hit, "Everybody," around the same time Madonna realized she would be better off going solo. Madonna had to perform her hit "Everybody" in various shows, in order to take the risk to jumpstart her pop career.
Honestly, I am not going to mention which one of her first solo albums this documentary ends with, because that would be a spoiler. However, I am a big fan of Madonna, and I have been listening to her religiously. I am looking forward to seeing Madonna in person at the Chicago Theatre this October 2019. "Madonna and the Breakfast Club" is worth something to watch before seeing Madonna in person. If Madonna had not separated herself from the Breakfast Club and gone solo, they would have gone more downhill than the fictional band, "Spinal Tap." However, I thank the Breakfast Club for trying to maintain band status and for being part of this Madonna documentary. This documentary will teach old and new Madonna fans, about how Madonna started her solo pop career.
Back in '78 or '79, Madonna dropped out of her dance classes, and took a trip to Paris to work for Patrick Hernandez, the French disco artist. Patrick is one of the people who influenced the disco beats in Madonna's pop career. Madonna was a backup singer for Patrick's 1979 World Tour, before she got romantically involved with her then boyfriend, Dan Gilroy. Then, Madonna moved in to live with Dan Gilroy at an abandoned synagogue, and to form the Breakfast Club band. Dan Gilroy was one of the lead singers. Madonna also sang in the band, while playing the drums and guitar. Some of the Breakfast Club songs have influenced her career. For example, I figured that the lyrics to one of the Breakfast Club songs ,"Again and again over and over", probably influenced Madonna's solo song "Over and Over", Track 4 of "Like a Virgin" (album).
In '80 or '81, Madonna and her Breakfast Club did not get along well with each other, resulting in Madonna's breakup with Dan Gilroy. However, Madonna got along well with Stephen Bray and tried to form bands together. Stephen Bray was the one who helped Madonna come up with her very first dance hit, "Everybody," around the same time Madonna realized she would be better off going solo. Madonna had to perform her hit "Everybody" in various shows, in order to take the risk to jumpstart her pop career.
Honestly, I am not going to mention which one of her first solo albums this documentary ends with, because that would be a spoiler. However, I am a big fan of Madonna, and I have been listening to her religiously. I am looking forward to seeing Madonna in person at the Chicago Theatre this October 2019. "Madonna and the Breakfast Club" is worth something to watch before seeing Madonna in person. If Madonna had not separated herself from the Breakfast Club and gone solo, they would have gone more downhill than the fictional band, "Spinal Tap." However, I thank the Breakfast Club for trying to maintain band status and for being part of this Madonna documentary. This documentary will teach old and new Madonna fans, about how Madonna started her solo pop career.
No, she can't act!
ieditavid14 March 2019
I had such high hopes for this project because I met the actress playing Madonna and she is such a lovely person. But it's not her that's bad (my headline is taken from a review of Madonna in "Speed The Plow"), it's the writing, the directing, the downright horrid pacing of the story, or better yet, the lack of pacing, and the utter misuse of music. I think this is a completely disrespectful film to Madonna herself and there is no reason whatsoever for this film to have been made, not now nor after M's death. I hope Madonna never sees this. The information provided is not that new, however the photos and early voice recordings of Madonna and Dan are the only things of any interest here. This film could have been boiled down to just those bits and been a super short 10 minute short. It's clear that Guy Guido has little to no editing or directing experience and as the film slugs on, it feels like you are stuck in a bad film school project. The hardcore Madonna fans will gush that it's great, but no-one else.
Boring
Radi_on_off2 March 2019
Interesting.
StrayFeral30 April 2019
When I saw the trailer for this movie, I got very intrigued. I realized I don't know much about Madonna, before she went solo, so I definitely wanted to see this title.
It is not the best documentary you will ever see, but it is interesting as it is a mix of the standard documentary format and some reconstructed scenes from Madonna's life. The girl they chose for Madonna's role is a complete doppelganger and really well does her part.
The movie features interviews with different people from the early Madonna's life and there are some pretty interesting points they show. The best thing in the movie are however some super early features of home recordings of Madonna talking to then her boyfriend and some very early Madonna punk songs (yes, punk). I was extremely interested to hear those. There are some very early videos as well (not music videos). And now I realize why she was never a punk star - while some songs were not bad, her voice never sounded well with punk music. It was always meant for pop-music, so she is now exactly where she must be.
What I like is that the movie is overall very positive from beginning to the end. For Madonna's fans - a must-see!
It is not the best documentary you will ever see, but it is interesting as it is a mix of the standard documentary format and some reconstructed scenes from Madonna's life. The girl they chose for Madonna's role is a complete doppelganger and really well does her part.
The movie features interviews with different people from the early Madonna's life and there are some pretty interesting points they show. The best thing in the movie are however some super early features of home recordings of Madonna talking to then her boyfriend and some very early Madonna punk songs (yes, punk). I was extremely interested to hear those. There are some very early videos as well (not music videos). And now I realize why she was never a punk star - while some songs were not bad, her voice never sounded well with punk music. It was always meant for pop-music, so she is now exactly where she must be.
What I like is that the movie is overall very positive from beginning to the end. For Madonna's fans - a must-see!
Aren't you going to kiss me?
nogodnomasters3 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The film is a documentary about Madonna, which includes a little bit about the Breakfast Club. It includes a lot of actual footage and stills. Jamie Auld does an excellent job playing Madonna as they filled in the story with re-enactments. It was interesting up until she does her first album with Sire. After that, we know the story. This is a positive image of Madonna. Even her nude photos didn't show us anything except for some upper pubes.
Portrait of the Artist as a Young Woman
svaihingen27 October 2022
Sympathetic portrait of Madonna's early days in New York, based on period recordings, images and video, supplemented by interviews of people who were there and pitch-perfect recreations.
Follow her growth from aspiring dancer at the University of Michigan to struggling dancer/ actress/ drummer/ guitar player and finally lead singer. At each roadblock in her path, she learned new skills, took more responsibility and willed her career forward, despite the doubts of those around her.
Even her biggest detractors should find a greater admiration and respect for her early talent, drive and ambition to transform herself into the pop icon she knew she could be.
Follow her growth from aspiring dancer at the University of Michigan to struggling dancer/ actress/ drummer/ guitar player and finally lead singer. At each roadblock in her path, she learned new skills, took more responsibility and willed her career forward, despite the doubts of those around her.
Even her biggest detractors should find a greater admiration and respect for her early talent, drive and ambition to transform herself into the pop icon she knew she could be.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
