What Is Get On Up About?
The premise of Get On Up in 232 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the deep South of the 1930s, a young boy learns to find solace in the rhythmic pulse of gospel choirs while the world around him teeters on the edge of hardship. The film opens by immersing the audience in a gritty yet hopeful landscape where music serves as both escape and anthem. Against a backdrop of poverty and familial struggle, the story introduces James Brown, a wiry kid whose raw talent and unyielding determination hint at something greater than his circumstances.
As the narrative moves forward, James discovers a community bound together by the “chitlin’ circuit,” a network of venues that buzz with soulful energy and relentless ambition. Here, he meets Bobby Byrd, whose own musical dreams intertwine with James’s, forging a partnership that fuels a burgeoning act. The tone is vibrant and kinetic, echoing the electrifying performances that would later define an era, while also conveying the simmering tensions of a society on the brink of change.
The film balances the exhilaration of stagecraft with the quieter moments of introspection, painting a portrait of a man who wrestles with fame, identity, and the weight of his past. Through pulsating dance numbers, soaring vocal showcases, and a soundtrack that reverberates with the spirit of a generation, the story promises a journey from humble beginnings to iconic stature—all while keeping the focus on the relentless drive that propels James toward the spotlight.
What Happens in Get On Up?
The complete story of Get On Up, from the first scene to the last, in 746 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The film opens in 1993, featuring James Brown (Chadwick Boseman) as he navigates a dimly lit hallway, the echoes of an adoring audience chanting his name surround him. He reflects on the significant people who shaped his life. The narrative shifts back to 1988 in Augusta, Georgia, where James discovers that a private bathroom in a strip mall he owns has been used without his permission. During a confrontation with the trespasser, he surprisingly chooses to forgive, but an accident with a shotgun leads to police involvement.
As the story unfolds in the 1960s, James and his band embark on a journey to Vietnam, showing solidarity with black troops through a highly praised performance. Flashing back to 1939, we learn about James’s challenging upbringing, raised in the woods by his financially struggling parents, Susie and Joe Brown. His early aspirations in music take shape as he sings with The Famous Flames, a group initiated by Bobby Byrd (Nelsan Ellis), whose family helps James after his release from prison for a petty theft—a suit.
James’s life takes a turn as he moves in with the Byrd family, solidifying his role as lead singer of Bobby’s group. In 1964, their manager, Ben Bart, makes a controversial decision to have The Rolling Stones close The T.A.M.I. Show instead of The Flames, yet James and his band steal the spotlight. Following this, he simply quips to the Stones, “Welcome to America.” His childhood is marked by turmoil as Susie leaves Joe, who is abusive and keeps James until he goes to the army, leaving James under the care of Aunt Honey, who runs a brothel. Despite this, James finds solace in church and the joy of the choir.
At 17, a fateful decision sees James stealing a suit once again, leading to a five-to-thirteen-year prison sentence. While incarcerated, he witnesses a singing performance that inspires him, igniting a riot in which he and Bobby are injured. This bonds them, and Bobby soon welcomes James into his household. Eventually, they form The Famous Flames, opening for Little Richard and cementing their place in music history.
A vivid flashback reveals a traumatic experience where young boys, including James, are forced into a battle royal while a band plays, and his determination shines as he wins the match amidst the odds. The 1950s see the group land a significant deal with King Records, leading to their first single, “Please, Please, Please”. Despite initial skepticism from executive Syd Nathan, James’s extraordinary vocals win over the critics. However, as records come to be known more for James’s talents than the band, tensions rise, with most members leaving except for Bobby.
The Famous Flames undergoes changes as James reassembles the group and performs at the famed Apollo Theater to exhilarated crowds. Following the concert, Bobby informs James that a woman claiming to be his mother is backstage. Memories flood back of Susie and the turmoil of his youth, and he recalls her dismissal as he grapples with his emotions.
Amidst personal turmoil, James has a son, Teddy, with his first wife, Velma, before divorcing her and later marrying Dee-Dee. A holiday gathering reveals darker undertones when James reacts violently toward Dee-Dee, exposing the cracks in their relationship. Through music, he attempts to connect with the African American community, famously recording “Say It Loud - I’m Black and I’m Proud” in 1968. After the tragic assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., he bravely persuades the Boston Garden’s management to proceed with a performance, commanding the volatile audience with profound authority.
As time passes, James struggles with the management of his band. The death of Ben sends ripples through the group, leading to conflict with Bobby, who contemplates a solo career, resulting in a dramatic confrontation. A pivotal moment occurs at the Apollo when Susie reappears, striving to mend their fractured relationship after years apart.
In 1973, devastating news strikes as James learns of Teddy’s tragic car accident. Ghosts from his past haunt him as he smokes angel dust, leading to erratic behavior and an eventual arrest. Fast forward to 1993, where James and Bobby reunite after years, with James offering VIP tickets to his upcoming show. The film culminates in a powerful moment as James steps onto the stage, greeted by shadows of his life chanting his name, delivering a poignant rendition of “Try Me (I Need You)” that moves both Bobby and his wife Vicki to tears, reminding everyone of the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind.
Get On Up Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
16 key events in the order they happen, from “Introduction of James Brown” to “Final Performance”. 4 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Introduction of James Brown
The film opens in 1993, showcasing James Brown as he walks through a dimly lit hallway. Surrounded by the echoes of an adoring audience chanting his name, he reflects on significant people who shaped his life.
When:1993
- 2
Confrontation in Augusta
In 1988, in Augusta, Georgia, James discovers that a private bathroom in his strip mall has been used without his permission. During a confrontation with the trespasser, he surprisingly chooses to forgive him, but an accidental shotgun incident leads to police involvement.
When:1988 Where:Augusta, Georgia
- 3
Journey to Vietnam
As the story progresses to the 1960s, James and his band perform in Vietnam, demonstrating solidarity with black troops. Their performance is highly praised, marking a significant moment in James's career.
When:1960s Where:Vietnam
- 4
Challenging Upbringing
Flashing back to 1939, we see James's difficult upbringing in the woods by his financially struggling parents, Susie and Joe Brown. His early aspirations in music lead him to sing with The Famous Flames, initiated by Bobby Byrd, who helps him after his release from prison.
When:1939
- 5
Joining The Famous Flames
After moving in with the Byrd family, James solidifies his role as the lead singer of Bobby's group, The Famous Flames. Together, they begin making a name for themselves in the music industry.
- 6
The T.A.M.I. Show Controversy
In 1964, during The T.A.M.I. Show, manager Ben Bart makes a controversial choice for The Rolling Stones to close the show instead of The Flames. Nevertheless, James and his band steal the spotlight, quipping to the Stones, 'Welcome to America.'
When:1964
- 7
Chaos in Childhood
James's childhood is turbulent after his mother Susie leaves his abusive father, Joe, and he is placed under the care of Aunt Honey, who runs a brothel. Despite these hardships, he finds solace in church and the joy of music.
- 8
Imprisonment and Bonding
At 17, a decision to steal a suit leads James to a five-to-thirteen-year prison sentence. While incarcerated, he witnesses a performance that ignites his passion for music, bonding him further with Bobby after an injury during a riot.
- 9
Breaking into the Music Scene
In the 1950s, The Famous Flames land a significant deal with King Records. Their first single, 'Please, Please, Please,' resonates well, leading to initial skepticism from executive Syd Nathan, which is quickly overshadowed by James's extraordinary vocals.
When:1950s
- 10
Performing at Apollo Theater
As tensions rise related to the band's dynamics, James performs at the famed Apollo Theater, thrilling the audience. After the concert, he learns of a woman claiming to be his mother, stirring up emotional memories from his youth.
Where:Apollo Theater
Show the other 6 events of Get On Up Hide the last 6 events
- 11
Personal Turmoil
Amidst personal struggles, James has a son named Teddy with his first wife, Velma, before their divorce. His later marriage to Dee-Dee reveals cracks when James reacts violently during a holiday gathering.
- 12
Recording 'Say It Loud'
In 1968, James records the iconic song 'Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud,' attempting to connect with the African American community. The tragic assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. triggers powerful feelings, influencing his performances.
When:1968
- 13
Conflict in the Band
With the death of Ben, tensions arise within the group, especially between James and Bobby, who considers pursuing a solo career. Their dramatic confrontation highlights the strain in their long-time partnership.
- 14
Reunion with Mother
At a pivotal moment during a performance at the Apollo, Susie reappears, seeking to mend their fractured relationship after years apart. This encounter forces James to confront his past and the emotional turmoil surrounding it.
Where:Apollo Theater
- 15
Tragic Loss
In 1973, James receives devastating news about Teddy's tragic car accident. This event haunts him, leading to drug use that causes erratic behavior and an eventual arrest, further complicating his life.
When:1973
- 16
Final Performance
Fast forward to 1993, where James reunites with Bobby, offering him VIP tickets to his upcoming show. The film culminates in a powerful moment as he steps onto the stage, receiving heartfelt applause while delivering an emotional rendition of 'Try Me (I Need You)'.
When:1993
Who Are the Main Characters in Get On Up?
3 characters, among them James Brown [Chadwick Boseman], Bobby Byrd [Nelsan Ellis] and Susie [Viola Davis]: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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![Chadwick Boseman as James Brown [Chadwick Boseman] in Get On Up](https://whats-after-the-movie-ti152.sevalla.storage/people/18662.jpg)
James Brown [Chadwick Boseman]
Played by Chadwick Boseman
James Brown is portrayed as a complex, driven individual who navigates immense personal struggles and triumphs throughout his life. His ambition and talent establish him as a pioneer in the music industry, but he also grapples with deep-seated emotional turmoil and volatile relationships. His character embodies resilience and the quest for identity amid fame and adversity.
- 🎤 Musician
- 💪 Icon
- 💔 Complex
-
![Nelsan Ellis as Bobby Byrd [Nelsan Ellis] in Get On Up](https://whats-after-the-movie-ti152.sevalla.storage/people/32842.jpg)
Bobby Byrd [Nelsan Ellis]
Played by Nelsan Ellis
Bobby Byrd is a loyal friend and collaborator of James Brown, playing a crucial role in his musical journey. He represents support and stability, often guiding James through turbulent times while also facing his own dilemmas. His character highlights the importance of friendship and collaboration in the pursuit of success.
- 🎶 Supportive
- 🎤 Collaborator
-
![Viola Davis as Susie [Viola Davis] in Get On Up](https://whats-after-the-movie-ti152.sevalla.storage/people/19111.jpg)
Susie [Viola Davis]
Played by Viola Davis
Susie, James's mother, symbolizes both absence and the search for reconciliation in his life. Her troubled relationship with James adds depth to his character, as he struggles with feelings of abandonment and seeking closure. Susie's presence reemerges at critical points, challenging James to confront his past.
- 💔 Absent
- 🌪️ Troubled
Where and When Is Get On Up Set?
Get On Up is set in Augusta, Georgia, Vietnam and Apollo Theater (1930s - 1990s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1930s - 1990s
The film spans several decades, beginning in the 1930s during James Brown's challenging childhood and evolving through the 1960s civil rights movement, where music played a crucial role in cultural change. The narrative traverses through significant historical events, including the impact of the Vietnam War and the civil rights struggles of the 1960s and 1970s, culminating in the 1990s as James reflects on his legacy.
Where
Augusta, Georgia, Vietnam, Apollo Theater
Augusta, Georgia, is where James Brown confronts personal challenges and begins his musical journey. The Apollo Theater in Harlem is iconic in the music landscape, known for showcasing emerging artists, including James, who performed there during pivotal moments of his career. Vietnam serves as a backdrop for James's solidarity performance, highlighting the intersection of music and social issues.
- 🌍 Location
- 🎤 Music Venue
What Are the Themes of Get On Up?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Music & Legacy, Struggle & Redemption and Social Justice.
-
01
Music & Legacy
Music serves as the backbone of James Brown's life, representing not just artistry but also community and empowerment. His journey illustrates how music can be a powerful form of expression and connection, shaping his identity and influencing generations. The film pays tribute to his legacy, reminding viewers of the cultural impact and emotional resonance of his work.
-
02
Struggle & Redemption
The theme of struggle permeates James Brown's life, addressing his tumultuous relationships, personal demons, and societal challenges. Each setback he faces is juxtaposed with moments of redemption, demonstrating resilience and the pursuit of self-acceptance. This duality captures the complexity of his character and the journey from pain to empowerment.
-
03
Social Justice
The film reflects major civil rights movements of the 20th century, illustrating James's involvement in social issues through his music and public presence. His song 'Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud' serves as an anthem of empowerment, promoting equality and justice for the African American community. This theme resonates strongly, emphasizing the role of art in activism.
What Kind of Film Is Get On Up?
Bittersweet in tone, with variable pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Complex
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
An emotionally intense and structurally complex journey through the turbulent life of a musical genius, blending triumphant highs with devastating personal lows against a backdrop of raw, energetic performances.
- triumphant
- gritty
- melancholic
- energetic
- introspective
- raw
- rise to fame
- musical genius
- childhood trauma
- dysfunctional family
Content notes: domestic abuse, child neglect, addiction, imprisonment, violent confrontation.
Quiz
How well do you remember Get On Up? Test yourself on the story.
