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Documentary

The Apollo (2019): Cast & Ratings

The Apollo (2019) movie poster

The Apollo is a 2019 documentary directed by Roger Ross Williams, starring Patti LaBelle, Pharrell Williams and Smokey Robinson. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes. Critics gave it 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and 77 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.

IMDb rating
6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
96%
Echo Score
83
Metascore
77
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The Apollo (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 38m (98 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Apollo About?

The premise of The Apollo without spoilers.

This documentary explores the legacy of the iconic Apollo Theater, celebrating its 85-year history and its continued relevance. Archival footage of past performances is interwoven with recent live events and insightful interviews featuring music legends like Patti LaBelle, Pharrell Williams, Smokey Robinson, and Jamie Foxx. The film also chronicles a new production of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Between the World and Me, showcasing the Apollo’s enduring commitment to amplifying Black voices and celebrating African American achievement.

The Apollo Themes & Keywords

· 1 tag
  • theater
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Cast & crew

The Apollo Cast

Patti LaBelle leads the cast, with Pharrell Williams and Smokey Robinson. Directed by Roger Ross Williams; 17 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Apollo

· 13 more
From the director

More from Roger Ross Williams

More films directed by Roger Ross Williams, best-rated first: God Loves Uganda, Life, Animated, Cassandro and Stamped from the Beginning.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Apollo Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Apollo 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and 77 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 83/100, strongest in art & craft (88) and weakest in story & flow (75).

83 /100

The Apollo Echo Score Breakdown

The Apollo delivers a richly textured documentary that celebrates a historic music venue with both visual flair and emotional depth. Critics praise its seamless blend of archival and modern footage; the layered soundtrack earns acclaim for integrating iconic performances. Personal testimonies offer poignant reflections on community impact; occasional narrative unevenness introduces minor pacing concerns. Overall, the film stands as a compelling tribute to a cultural institution.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 88

    In terms of cinematography and film craft, The Apollo excels at merging archival footage with contemporary scenes to create a cohesive visual narrative. Critics highlight the skillful blending of archival, interviewed, and modern-day material without feeling overstuffed or disjointed. Observations note the film’s measured editing and illustrative direction that capture the venue’s storied atmosphere. The film’s polished visual approach provides a refined tribute to its subject.

  • Character & Emotion 82

    When it comes to character and emotional resonance, the documentary captures varied personal accounts that illuminate the Apollo’s cultural significance. Interviews with staff and musicians convey heartfelt memories and communal pride, while users emphasize the stories as priceless reflections of an enduring institution. The film effectively balances joyous recollections and poignant testimonials to evoke a strong sense of connection. These contributions yield a compelling emotional core throughout the narrative.

  • Story & Flow 75

    Regarding story coherence and pacing, the film presents a largely engaging historical overview that occasionally falters in its chronological transitions. Critics note uneven examination of cultural shifts amid a decade-spanning narrative, yet many commend the expert structuring of key milestones. The focus on community impact further deepens the contextual narrative without feeling rushed. Overall, the presentation remains informative and absorbing despite minor structural inconsistencies.

  • Sensory Experience 88

    In terms of sensory experience, the documentary offers a richly layered soundtrack and cohesive visual style that underscore its subject matter. Positive remarks highlight decades-spanning music integration and meticulous sound design that brings performances to life. Viewers cite the immersive audio-visual blend as a standout feature, with archival footage and modern production elements enhancing atmospheric depth. This sensory composition is both vibrant and enveloping, amplifying the film’s emotional impact.

  • Rewatch Factor 78

    For rewatch factor, The Apollo provides enduring appeal through its cultural insights but may feel repetitive upon subsequent viewings. The engaging historical content and emotive moments sustain interest, while the breadth of interview material offers continued depth on repeat watches. However, the somewhat scattered structure and pacing fluctuations can diminish novelty over time. Overall, the film retains value but offers moderate enjoyment on subsequent viewings.

Videos

The Apollo Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Apollo.

The Apollo (2019): Official Trailer | HBO
Details

The Apollo Also Known As

7 alternative titles, including “아폴로” and “El Teatro Apollo”.

Also known as
  • 아폴로
  • El Teatro Apollo
  • Аполло
  • O Apollo: 85 Anos
  • Teatro Apollo: 85 Años
  • L'Apollo
  • ดิอะพอลโล โรงละครโลกจารึก

Seen The Apollo?

FAQ

The Apollo FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Apollo, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Apollo?

The Apollo runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).

When was The Apollo released?

The Apollo was released on November 1, 2019.

Who directed The Apollo?

The Apollo was directed by Roger Ross Williams.

More films by Roger Ross Williams

Who is in the cast of The Apollo?

The Apollo stars Patti LaBelle, Pharrell Williams and Smokey Robinson, among 17 credited actors.

How is The Apollo rated?

The Apollo has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 77 on Metacritic and 65% on TMDB.

Does The Apollo have a post-credit scene?

No. The Apollo has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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