Tina Turner's life story, 'What's Love Got To Do With It?' is a bit more than just a mushy rags to riches tale times two.
Those who aren't fans of Tina's gritty voice will still find this soul survivor's tale inspiring. Based on the singer's bestselling autobiography 'I Tina', this film is one from the heart.
Early on in the tale Tina (performed brilliantly by Angela Bassett) meets Ike ( also well played by Laurence Fishburne), her future musical and marnage partner.
Ike needs Tina's talent to make it to stardom, and the possibility of getting rich and famous acts as a Cupid for both of them. But at this stage the question 'what's love got to do with it?, would not get the straightforward 'nothing' answer that emerges later in the film.
Grand statement The really great thing about the film is that it is, in itself part of the story, - it's a grand public statement against the private violence Tina found in her tiring relationship with Ike. Being able to wash the cuts and bruises in public BASE MAAL TREER REVUG MUR. JULY 28 A battle of wills between Tina and Ike looks like a real 'kick in the teeth' for Ike.
The fact that some parts of the film are somewhat embellished does not at all detract from this 'realism'. And a series of fabulous period mockups of wild live performances are skilfully blended with the plot.
The struggle to leave Ike is calmly demonstrated, the concrete practical difficulties and the feeling of hope that it won't happen again are well counterbalanced.
Reference to the help of Buddhism in her battle against Ike has to be seen in the context of a contingent rejection of the church. And if you didn't know Buddhism was a religion then you would not guess it from the film, since it could just be an exotic relaxation technique.
Finally making the divorce court, the irony of Tina's fight to hang on to the names Ike gave her is a great poetic twist.
While not a consciously feminist film it manages, within the scope of Hollywood entertainment, to explore feminist themes, as well as personal identity, and the ingredients that make relationships. It's generally a film well worth seeing.