I thoroughly enjoyed this little documentary. Touched on alot of things that she went through in the beginning of her music career. There's one reviewer that said they interviewed Sean Combs because he was around at that time. Umm helllloooo!!, he was her producer! People giving low ratings obviously know nothing about Mary. I was in high school when she blew up and I've loved her ever since. If you love Mary watch it, you won't be disappointed.
26 Reviews
Carefully crafted
ronda-5107128 June 2021
It was definitely watered down or crafted to reflect on the music and not HER LIFE. I honestly believe she's saving the those critical details of her abusive childhood and relationships for an actual biography. This was not that. It merely presented her feelings and fan reactions about the MY LIFE album.
Love Mary but wanted more
damilolas26 June 2021
Unfortunately I didn't grow up with her music but of course know who she is and have heard some of her songs.
I was interested to watch this as it would touch on her depression and I'm going through a very tough time myself.
While it was inspiring I didn't learn much about Mary at all. It's glossed over every topic and had some unnecessary filler.
Still worth a watch though.
I was interested to watch this as it would touch on her depression and I'm going through a very tough time myself.
While it was inspiring I didn't learn much about Mary at all. It's glossed over every topic and had some unnecessary filler.
Still worth a watch though.
Shallow like a 1 inch puddle, a cheap and overly polished PR video not a documentary
sumtim3s00n25 June 2021
We all know Mary J Blige as this raw, strong and tough yet kind hearted soft inside woman with a powerful voice, who had her share of trouble and hardships in life.
But judging from this documentary you definitely dont feel or sense that. Unlike the EXCELLENT documentary. Supervillian : making of Takashi 69 (i dont like him or music but the docu is first class) where you really get the sense of how his character was built, who he is and what he is about , nothing of that is present in this doc. About Mary J .
Except a few passing mentions of life in projects and how tough life is there is absolutely nothing worthwhile said specifically about her struggles, her life, how she saved herself. This film does a huge disservice to her image and the strenght she possessed to stay upright after all that has happened. Of which nothing really is said here.
A terrible lame product which mocks the term documentary, more like a product of her PR team and created to be "appropriate" for "ages from 5 to 95" with no bad words, no portrayals of how bad her life actually got, no truth or what it took for her character to be forged.
Pathetic shallow money product to put on shelves for fans of any age to buy while buying a T-shirt and a mug with her name on it.
But judging from this documentary you definitely dont feel or sense that. Unlike the EXCELLENT documentary. Supervillian : making of Takashi 69 (i dont like him or music but the docu is first class) where you really get the sense of how his character was built, who he is and what he is about , nothing of that is present in this doc. About Mary J .
Except a few passing mentions of life in projects and how tough life is there is absolutely nothing worthwhile said specifically about her struggles, her life, how she saved herself. This film does a huge disservice to her image and the strenght she possessed to stay upright after all that has happened. Of which nothing really is said here.
A terrible lame product which mocks the term documentary, more like a product of her PR team and created to be "appropriate" for "ages from 5 to 95" with no bad words, no portrayals of how bad her life actually got, no truth or what it took for her character to be forged.
Pathetic shallow money product to put on shelves for fans of any age to buy while buying a T-shirt and a mug with her name on it.
positive spin
ferguson-625 June 2021
Greetings again from the darkness. The project began as a way to document the 25th anniversary of Mary J Blige's enormously influential album "My Way" and her celebratory live performance to mark the milestone of the album. Vanessa Roth won an Oscar for Best Documentary Short Subject FREEHELD (2007), and as director of this film, she turned it into a profile of the woman behind the music, resulting in surprisingly effective life lessons for those in need.
As if to caution viewers that this is more than a concert film, we are five minutes in before director Roth allows us to hear Mary sing. We learn of her childhood in poverty living in the Yonkers projects, and how singing was her escape - a way to feel free. It was Sean "Diddy" Combs who discovered her for Uptown Records. Of course, Combs is now a hugely successful producer, musician, and entrepreneur, and he's forthcoming in his recollections of those early years. "My Life" was Mary's second album, and she's credited with blending hip-hop and R&B and bringing a new music style to the masses. How successful has she been? Try 31 Grammy nominations (9 wins) and Two Oscar nominations (including one for acting).
Actress Taraji P Henson and multi-Grammy winning musician Alicia Keys both provide perspective on Mary's influence, not just in the music world, but also in helping women believe in themselves. Mary J Blige has had emotional struggles, survived an abusive relationship, and overcome addictions to drugs and alcohol. Sharing her story and how she has persisted through the years turns this into a story of feelings, truth, and heart. The music is impressive and provides the platform, however, it's the woman who shines through here.
Available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on June 25, 2021.
As if to caution viewers that this is more than a concert film, we are five minutes in before director Roth allows us to hear Mary sing. We learn of her childhood in poverty living in the Yonkers projects, and how singing was her escape - a way to feel free. It was Sean "Diddy" Combs who discovered her for Uptown Records. Of course, Combs is now a hugely successful producer, musician, and entrepreneur, and he's forthcoming in his recollections of those early years. "My Life" was Mary's second album, and she's credited with blending hip-hop and R&B and bringing a new music style to the masses. How successful has she been? Try 31 Grammy nominations (9 wins) and Two Oscar nominations (including one for acting).
Actress Taraji P Henson and multi-Grammy winning musician Alicia Keys both provide perspective on Mary's influence, not just in the music world, but also in helping women believe in themselves. Mary J Blige has had emotional struggles, survived an abusive relationship, and overcome addictions to drugs and alcohol. Sharing her story and how she has persisted through the years turns this into a story of feelings, truth, and heart. The music is impressive and provides the platform, however, it's the woman who shines through here.
Available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on June 25, 2021.
Inside ... revelations
kosmasp20 July 2021
Do you like her music? Do you want to know what inspired it, how she grew up and what made her the person she is today or the person she was making the songs? There is a lot we learn ... actually a lot she seems to have learned over the years.
So this is a close and behind the scenes look if you want to call it that. I really dug it overall, but I reckon you have to be a fan to fully appreciate it. She has done so much for the music industry, that maybe some feel that the documentary should have been more extensive ... I understand that too. Still a really in depth look and depiction of so many things connected to Mary J. Blige.
So this is a close and behind the scenes look if you want to call it that. I really dug it overall, but I reckon you have to be a fan to fully appreciate it. She has done so much for the music industry, that maybe some feel that the documentary should have been more extensive ... I understand that too. Still a really in depth look and depiction of so many things connected to Mary J. Blige.
OUR Life
cafria3 July 2021
The tears began to roll in the opening minutes and flowed freely throughout the reel. Mary's story is resonant. Deeper than the words spoken. The truth and power is felt in the gut. So many of us remember what the My Life album did for us and this movie is an emotional and triumphant walk down memory lane. The victory is deeply OURS as much as hers. True fans will be moved deeply and emerge inspired for what your own tomorrows hold. You'll be grateful. And just when you didn't think it was possible - you'll love Mary even more than you already did.
All that hype for nothing
mgitts197726 June 2021
It was watered down, and not as interesting as I thought it was going to be. Not saying she needs to tell the world ALL of her business, but she was so guarded about so much... If you're going to title a documentary "My Life"...and don't give us a real glimpse of really who you are... Why bother? A waste of time.
The Mike Tyson documentary was so so much better... Now that's a true documentary... Entertaining, Real, and Honest with the good & the bad.
The Mike Tyson documentary was so so much better... Now that's a true documentary... Entertaining, Real, and Honest with the good & the bad.
Self indulgent puffery
lindaloouk18 July 2021
Mary's fans will love it. Others? Who knows...
jankypenny25 June 2021
I was in high school when Mary's first album, "What's the 411?" came out and have been a fan ever since. If you also grew up on 90s hip hop and R&B, you'll probably enjoy this for the nostalgia factor alone. The documentary shed some light onto Mary's childhood and early years as an artist. Mary's voice is featured prominently throughout. 10 out 10 for me.
Heart fullfilled
traviswomack25 June 2021
In tsars with this one. Answers questions true original Mary j blige fans always desperately wanted to know about the star even if they hâve forgotten.mary love you your a true icôn. Many days with Your music to help me.my heart Is fulfilled. Thank you.
Great docu about Mary's early career
altur-746965 July 2021
Im afraid 90% of the audience who leave here 2-3 points for My Life didn't get the main concept of this movie. It's not about all MJB's splendid careers. It's about some most challenging years in her life and it completely shows why she recorded My Life - imho, her best album ever and I agree with Mary, it's so perfect and dark at the same time - but it's very real. The movie was released as part of 25th anniversary of My Life. With several vinyl reissues (and I've got one). I had no clue about Mary's early life so It was very interesting for me. Btw, Mary is another proof there's no such phenomenon as "systemic racism", because if that thing was real, poor black talented girl from the project would never be able to sell 2 platinum albums by 20 yo, she would be never allowed to make million and become the US show business queen. Because if there really was that "systemic racism", she would be forced to stay in her project forever. But luckily she is a very hardworking, focused and very wise person, and I admire MJB.
Not what I was looking for
stevieclassics25 June 2021
Seems like they only concentrated on her life with KC when we all know she had many many more issues after him. So what are as the point. She had a career that spanned over 30 years and 11 more albums. Where is the rest of it.
"Music Saves You"
hillar-3688110 July 2021
"My Life" is my favorite album by Mary J. Blige so I enjoyed watching her talk about how it reflected her personal life. As she talks about this album, she even says, "music saves you." This is so true. Music is therapy for many people and I don't know what I would do without it.
Heard it all before
knicolebeagle28 June 2021
Glimpse into Mary's life
tonyareaves28 June 2021
It was a letdown
nrgigaba17 November 2021
Earlier this year (2021) I watched "Tina" which redefined the documentary genre for me especially for survivors of abuse.
What disappointed me about this documentary is that Mary has shared a lot of herself through her music. This documentary was the golden opportunity to expand on who she was but several times she held back. I fully understand how survivors never wanna talk about their bad experiences because they do not wanna retraumatize themselves but sadly she gave us a lousy documentary that revealed nothing which I would recommend people to watch it for. I'm being kind giving it a 4 star rating because I love Mary but this documentary shouldn't have been made. It was a waste of time and resources.
What disappointed me about this documentary is that Mary has shared a lot of herself through her music. This documentary was the golden opportunity to expand on who she was but several times she held back. I fully understand how survivors never wanna talk about their bad experiences because they do not wanna retraumatize themselves but sadly she gave us a lousy documentary that revealed nothing which I would recommend people to watch it for. I'm being kind giving it a 4 star rating because I love Mary but this documentary shouldn't have been made. It was a waste of time and resources.
Awesome and inspiring
goldie-sings20 July 2021
Old News
kenyasstewart29 June 2021
Moving and inspires introspection
sclahu7 January 2022
Although she does not share intimate details, the entire story is one that so many people can connect to. It's really a story about the humanity of struggle and the personal struggles that people face inside everyday. It's even harder to watch feeling that there is so much that she still holds inside and still hasn't fully healed from. Anybody that is judging this really is missing the point. This is art. It's her story told her way. If you didn't relate or connect it probably just wasn't for you.
25 years of "My Life" celebrated with at best mildly entertaining/insightful documentary
paul-allaer25 June 2021
As "Mary J. Blige's My Life" (2021 release; 82 min.) opens, we are reminded of Blige's many accomplishments, including 9 Grammys and 50 million records sold worldwide. "I've done pretty much all I've wanted to do" Blige comments. We then go back in time, to her upbringing in "the projects" in New York, where life was tough, and her heroes were people like Aretha Franklin. Blige had a good voice, and at one point a demo comes to the attention of a producer. "The demo shows the pain of a generation", he observes, and before we know it, Blige has recorded her 1992 debut album "What's the 411?" and then a few years later comes "My Life". At this point we are less than 15 min. Into the documentary.
Couple of comments: this documentary is the latest from director by Vanessa Roth (who won an Oscar for the 2007 short documentary "Freeheld"). Here she looks at what Mary J. Blige's 1994 album "My Life" meant for Blige. This is touted as the 25th anniversary of that album, and perhaps this was filmed in 2019, the actual 25th anniversary but of course now upon its release we are 2 years later. That aside, the documentary is at best mildly entertaining or insightful. Roth mostly interviews Blige and a number of people who were around tat that time (Sean "Diddy" Combs, etc.) but there is very little insight from any of them. Also very little footage from the early 90s when all of this was taking place. What this really feels like is a "VH-1 Behind the Music" episode. Even with a short running time of just 80 min., the documentary could've used a trim by a good 15-20 min.
"Mary J Blige's My Life" just premiered on Amazon Prime and is now available on demand there and on Amazon Instant Video and other streaming services. Frankly I found it a bit of a waste of my time. But if you are a fan of Mary J Blige, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: this documentary is the latest from director by Vanessa Roth (who won an Oscar for the 2007 short documentary "Freeheld"). Here she looks at what Mary J. Blige's 1994 album "My Life" meant for Blige. This is touted as the 25th anniversary of that album, and perhaps this was filmed in 2019, the actual 25th anniversary but of course now upon its release we are 2 years later. That aside, the documentary is at best mildly entertaining or insightful. Roth mostly interviews Blige and a number of people who were around tat that time (Sean "Diddy" Combs, etc.) but there is very little insight from any of them. Also very little footage from the early 90s when all of this was taking place. What this really feels like is a "VH-1 Behind the Music" episode. Even with a short running time of just 80 min., the documentary could've used a trim by a good 15-20 min.
"Mary J Blige's My Life" just premiered on Amazon Prime and is now available on demand there and on Amazon Instant Video and other streaming services. Frankly I found it a bit of a waste of my time. But if you are a fan of Mary J Blige, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
What a Load of Bilge
VanBooter22 July 2021
The name sounded familiar but when I heard the singing I knew it wasn't my kind of listening.
It didn't stop me from watching the documentary though which to be honest I found to be pretty boring.
Her meet and greet with the fans who poured their hearts out to her received an uninterested response from Ms Bilge.
I would of welcomed some questions about her choice of wigs, such as why the constant almost addicted wearing of white woman's hair. Is she doing a Michael Jackson and rejecting her black roots (excuse the pun) but there is certainly a whole lot there even maybe abuse she needs to put in a warts and all documentary, one which is worth the time and effort to watch.
It didn't stop me from watching the documentary though which to be honest I found to be pretty boring.
Her meet and greet with the fans who poured their hearts out to her received an uninterested response from Ms Bilge.
I would of welcomed some questions about her choice of wigs, such as why the constant almost addicted wearing of white woman's hair. Is she doing a Michael Jackson and rejecting her black roots (excuse the pun) but there is certainly a whole lot there even maybe abuse she needs to put in a warts and all documentary, one which is worth the time and effort to watch.
Some Covid trash
laragi3 July 2021
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