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Music documentary

Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002) movie poster

Standing in the Shadows of Motown is a 2002 music documentary directed by Paul Justman, starring Joe Hunter, Jack Ashford and Uriel Jones. It runs 1 hour 56 minutes and earned $2.3 million worldwide. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best Documentary Feature at the Critics' Choice 2003. Critics gave it 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10.

IMDb rating
7.8/10
worldwide gross
$2.3M
award nomination
1
Metascore
76
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Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 56m (116 min)
Director
Paul Justman
Genres
Music , Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Standing in the Shadows of Motown About?

The premise of Standing in the Shadows of Motown without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

This compelling documentary reveals the story of the Funk Brothers, the remarkably talented but largely uncredited studio musicians who played on countless Motown hits. Through archival footage, interviews with the musicians themselves, and vibrant recreations, the film explores their crucial role in shaping the sound of a generation. The film also features energetic live performances by artists like Chaka Khan, celebrating the enduring legacy of these musical pioneers.

Standing in the Shadows of Motown Themes & Keywords

· 23 tags
  • funk music
  • blues music
  • group
  • motown
  • musician
  • song
  • reenactment
  • archive footage
  • singing
  • singer
  • band
  • rock music
+11 more
  • music industry
  • detroit michigan
  • 1970s
  • 1960s
  • african american
  • soul music
  • concert footage
  • music history
  • pop music
  • based on book
  • six word title
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Cast & crew

Standing in the Shadows of Motown Cast

Joe Hunter leads the cast, with Jack Ashford and Uriel Jones. Directed by Paul Justman.

From the director

More from Paul Justman

More films directed by Paul Justman: Gimme an ‘F’, Rock ’n’ Roll Hotel and Rock ’n’ Roll Hotel.

Full filmography
Ratings

Standing in the Shadows of Motown Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Standing in the Shadows of Motown 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10.

Plot

Standing in the Shadows of Motown Plot Summary

What happens in Standing in the Shadows of Motown from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 1-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The film chronicles the rich history of notable musicians and their pivotal role in the ascent of the Motown and Tamla record labels. Through captivating anecdotes shared by the musicians themselves, viewers are treated to an intriguing glimpse of Detroit, a city once bustling with a vibrant array of music venues, clubs, and ballrooms that have now faded into memory.

This documentary offers a profoundly moving narrative, powerfully enhanced by passionate performances of timeless classics delivered by a new generation of artists. The term “unsung” resonates deeply when discussing the Funk Brothers, whose talent often went unrecognized. It raises the question of whether they have received any compensation from the film, considering that they were left largely overlooked by the record company when it abruptly relocated to Los Angeles.

Full summary

The whole story of Standing in the Shadows of Motown, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Standing in the Shadows of Motown Box Office

Standing in the Shadows of Motown grossed $2.3 million worldwide. $1.7 million came from the US and Canada and $622,137 (27%) from the rest of the world.

2002 box office

Worldwide gross

$2.3M

US & Canada
$1.7M
International
$622.1K
US & Canada 73% Rest of the world 27%
Awards

Standing in the Shadows of Motown Awards & Nominations

Standing in the Shadows of Motown earned 1 award nomination, including Best Documentary Feature at the Critics' Choice 2003.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Standing in the Shadows of Motown Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Standing in the Shadows of Motown.

Standing in the Shadows of Motown trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Standing in the Shadows of Motown?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What record label is primarily featured in the film?

Details

Standing in the Shadows of Motown Also Known As

4 alternative titles, including “Motown - La Véritable Histoire” and “Motown, la véritable histoire”.

Also known as
  • Motown - La Véritable Histoire
  • Motown, la véritable histoire
  • 永遠のモータウン
  • 스탠딩 인 더 샤도우 오브 모타운

Seen Standing in the Shadows of Motown?

FAQ

Standing in the Shadows of Motown FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Standing in the Shadows of Motown, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Standing in the Shadows of Motown?

Standing in the Shadows of Motown runs 1 hour 56 minutes (116 minutes).

When was Standing in the Shadows of Motown released?

Standing in the Shadows of Motown was released on November 15, 2002.

Who directed Standing in the Shadows of Motown?

Standing in the Shadows of Motown was directed by Paul Justman.

More films by Paul Justman

Who is in the cast of Standing in the Shadows of Motown?

Standing in the Shadows of Motown stars Joe Hunter, Jack Ashford and Uriel Jones.

How much did Standing in the Shadows of Motown make at the box office?

Standing in the Shadows of Motown grossed $2.3 million worldwide ($1.7 million domestic, $622,137 international).

How is Standing in the Shadows of Motown rated?

Standing in the Shadows of Motown has 7.8/10 on IMDb, 76 on Metacritic and 69% on TMDB.

Was Standing in the Shadows of Motown nominated for any awards?

Standing in the Shadows of Motown received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

Does Standing in the Shadows of Motown have a post-credit scene?

No. Standing in the Shadows of Motown has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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