Mary J. Blige's My Life Review: An Insightful Look At This Soulful Artist

Release date: June 25, 2021
Running time: 82 minutes
Directed by  Vanessa Roth
Produced by Ashaunna K. Ayars and Q. Nicole Jackson
Executive Produced by Mary J. Blige, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Tara Long, Mark Ford, Kevin Lopez, Jeffrey Harleston and Jody Gerson

Nine-time Grammy®-winning recording artist and Academy Award nominated singer and actress Mary J. Blige set the music world on fire with her trailblazing 1994 LP “My Life,” a collection of powerful confessionals about her battles with abuse, depression and addiction that forged a profound and enduring connection with millions of fans around the globe. In Oscar®-winning filmmaker Vanessa Roth’s documentary Mary J. Blige’s My Life, the singer, producer and actress reveals the demons and blessings that inspired the record and propelled her from the soul-crushing world of New York’s housing projects to international stardom. In the process, she celebrates the 25th anniversary of her most influential work by performing the album live for the first time. 

Amazon has been knocking it out of the park with these music documentaries and Mary J. Blige's My Life is no exception.  Although it is probably the weakest of these films, it is still a powerful documentary that looks into the life of this influential artist.  This movie gives the viewers something I have been asking for the last two that came out, more information about the backstory of this international artist.  And Mary J. Blige makes sense to focus on this as she has such a powerful, inspirational story behind her rise to superstardom.  Her background is tied into who she is and how she performs that it makes sense to focus on this aspect.  I really liked the focus on what made her sound so unique and perfect for the time.  

But one thing you will notice about this film is the effect that Blige's music has on the fans.  There are many testimonials peppered throughout this documentary that showcase just how important she is to her fans.  Mary J. Blige gave a voice to so many and it is inspiring to see this relayed on screen.  And unlike the other Amazon documentaries, Mary J. Blige's My Life is much more in a documentary format.  It has statements from the artist herself, but it also contains testimonials from prominent artists about her music and singing.  These are a whos who of music personalities and it is insightful to hear her peers discuss what makes her style so special.  

However, although I did enjoy it, the film was a slow endeavor.  It had lots of testimonials and information from Blige herself, but the film had a relaxed, laid back pace to it.  It made for an insightful film, but one that also felt like it dragged.  Additionally, for a movie about her music, it didn't seem like it was featured that much of it.  I wanted to hear more from her catalogue, and hear more stories about how different songs came into being.  They were there, but I definitely but I just wanted more of it.  Blige is a prominent artist but I haven't heard many of her songs in years, so it would have been a nice excuse to reacquaint myself with her catalogue.   

Mary J. Blige's My Life tells the story of this influential artist who inspired and gave a voice to so many young men and women and gives insights on what makes her sound so special.

Watch it.

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Mary J. Blige's My Life is available on Amazon Prime Video on May 21, 2020.