Actually a very good TV movie. Terumi (love that name) Matthews played Madonna better than Madonna could play herself. I have read several interviews with, and short biographies of Madonna and she truly is a self-made woman. Many beautiful women have tried to sleep their way to the top - and Madonna certainly has a talent for that - but as the movie makes clear that is never enough. Matthews convincingly portrays a girl of immense energy, courage, audacity and talent who by hook or crook is determined to become a star. As Madonna grows into a woman she neither matures in grace nor gratitude but simply becomes even better a using the people around her to get what she wants. Yet she is not simply portrayed as a one-dimensional vampire but as a person deeply scarred by her mother's death and because of her parent's faith Madonna is also deeply angry with God. The movie does not go into Madonna's new found faith as expressed in Jewish Kabbalah mysticism (since it was made in 1994), nor her marriage and children and now children's books. So in that sense there is much more to tell of the Madonna story.
8 Reviews
Now I know what to expect from Madonna biopic
katewings2 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
You can't keep a good woman down. But tall-poppy syndrome makes it worth trying as first-time screenwriter of new Madonna biopic Hollander can prove one more time. This movie is as anti-feminist as you can get. As if Tommy Mottolla was giving money for its production in order to compete for his wife Mariah Carey's success. Because "good girl" Mariah made a career move by making a man 20 years her senior to divorce his old wife. It was OK for the society, "bad" Tommy and "good" Mariah. But "bad girl" Madonna was dating for 3 years with young DJ and music- producer-wannabe John Benitez. That was "immoral".
Guys, Madonna's American, she was the second best-selling artist in the world charts combined in 80s (after Prince), 90s (after Mariah Carey), 00s (after Eminem). Just search the phrase "Who were the most successful artists of each decade?" Prince died, she's still standing. This TV-movie was just a TV-movie. No need to see the same slut-shaming in cinema, IMHO.
Guys, Madonna's American, she was the second best-selling artist in the world charts combined in 80s (after Prince), 90s (after Mariah Carey), 00s (after Eminem). Just search the phrase "Who were the most successful artists of each decade?" Prince died, she's still standing. This TV-movie was just a TV-movie. No need to see the same slut-shaming in cinema, IMHO.
I look up to Madonna and I love this movie.
maryjanefarmer11 May 2006
I am Madonna's number one fan. I admire her so much. I would do anything to meet her. This is a great movie the only thing I don't like about it is it made her look like a slut with a bad attitude. Only Madonna could portray Madonna. In my opinion if you're going to make a movie about someone it should be as close to the truth as possible. Bonnie Farmer wrote this review. I don't like to put my name out there but I want everyone who reads this to know my name. The best thing about Madonna is shes not afraid to be sexual. Her ''Erotica'' and ''Justify My Love'' music videos were controversial because of they're sexual content. I hope to one day be at least half as successful as she is at whatever I do. Wish me luck.
Worst movie ever
Rose_St15 April 2002
Madonna is portrayed as a talentless and heartless bitch. Even though she's a tough gal, she's got talent and skills and that's not something that you can conclude after seeing this movie. Based on the biography , by what's his name, the movie and also the book, stink. Madonna is one of the biggest stars of our time. This can't all be because she's a hard bitch?! Madonna is a great woman and she will be remembered.
THE DONUT SCENE IS PHENOMENAL!
SonicPressure22 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I'm a huge Madonna all my life. The donut scene is the hokiest sh** ever. The overdoing it, all the people watching and loving it. I wish that scene could have went on longer! The movie was so atrocious but as of watching Madonna Innocence Lost on 12/20/21 it was way better than the Hyped up being the Ricardos trash. MIL was chronologically correct and accurate. Madonna did get fired from Dunkin Donuts over jelly filled donuts. But it's not known if madonna did all the dancing and performing and made donuts. Only madonna could tell that story. I know I will watch this movie again on youtube and i encourage you to do also. My sister was the 125 like and I brought it to 126 likes. Come on everybody dance and sing dance and sing Get up and do your thing and also let's make this become a masterpiece.
Her worst movie ever!
Olivier-328 March 1999
Surprisingly enough, Madonna did not star in this horrible movie -even though she usually has a nose for the worst bombs and run to get involved in them. Really, a manichean movie who displays Madonna as a cold-hearted, talentless, manipulative bitch who slept her way through the top and destroyed a few life on the way. No surprise since this is based on one of Christopher Andersen's "unauthorized" biographies... A waste since Madonna's life could definitely make a great movie, and since a few acting talents are really wasted in this horribly bad movie -especially Terumi Matthews and Wendie Mallick. I guess we'll have to wait either until she's dead or until she releases her autobiography for that -what a shame!
Inspiration I Woman Empowerment
yvonnepadmos16 February 2022
I only admired this film in year 2022. At a time when I am fighting with my health. And thought... maybe it's all impossible. Are my dreams too far and should I not just open up doors. And then I see this actress! WOW! Great acting. And how strong is Madonna? My respect for this beautiful actress and of course Madonna herself! Thank you! So I saw that I'm not the only one who just throws doors open! Without knocking. I really had to laugh so hard at the personality. I thought no one thought the same as me! But then I see these beautiful women thinking the same! "I don't have time for those auditions and waiting in line!" Open that door! And when she started to sing!!! Haha I've never had singing lessons either. And for a few years ago I wanted to know what it felt like to sing as an actress too! So I was just going to surprise the audience with the singing actress for months!
Since the coma, I am sure that life is too short to wait. And someone then said, "Yvon, throw those doors open." And I started listening after the best tip ever. For all women, You must see this movie! This is really a great movie! This movie touched me very much. Since my father went to heaven, I have also changed, and I hardly know myself again. I could talk for hours about this movie! And so proud of how Madonna came onto the scene. That takes guts! And there aren't nearly enough of them on the planet! Only people who watch with an open heart and an open mindset understand the story line well. You have to read between the lines. And don't just watch the actress's actions. So much respect! So much courage! She had so much guts and willpower to achieve her goal! And still, Madonna is a superstar! Awesome! A film you can learn from if you really want to become an artist. Fear is a bad counselor. At least with courage, you will get somewhere!
Since the coma, I am sure that life is too short to wait. And someone then said, "Yvon, throw those doors open." And I started listening after the best tip ever. For all women, You must see this movie! This is really a great movie! This movie touched me very much. Since my father went to heaven, I have also changed, and I hardly know myself again. I could talk for hours about this movie! And so proud of how Madonna came onto the scene. That takes guts! And there aren't nearly enough of them on the planet! Only people who watch with an open heart and an open mindset understand the story line well. You have to read between the lines. And don't just watch the actress's actions. So much respect! So much courage! She had so much guts and willpower to achieve her goal! And still, Madonna is a superstar! Awesome! A film you can learn from if you really want to become an artist. Fear is a bad counselor. At least with courage, you will get somewhere!
Despite Terumi Matthews' Good Performance, This Film Is Weak and Boring.
frschoonover23 October 2022
Madonna: Innocense Lost is based on the best selling 1991 biography "Madonna: Unauthorized" written by Christopher Andersen. The film stars Terumi Matthews as the pre-fame Madonna and details her life from childhood to superstardom. It also shows a darker side to her and how she made it to the top.
I read Mr. Andersen's book and despite the flaws, it was a very interesting read. I learned a lot about Madonna that I hadn't known before. It reveals all of the loves in her life and her supposed bisexuality, which Madonna has never talked about publicly. It also shows what she did to make sure she became one of the world's bestselling artists.
I watched this film one evening on cable and although Terumi Matthews gives a very good and convincing performance as Madonna, the whole film is weak and without any substance. The other actors in this film give very wooden performances that don't make their characters at all appealing nor do they even try. Plus, the direction is very sloppy and the script, though based on a best selling biographical book, is very badly written. Terumi Matthews is all alone here with all the weight on her shoulders portraying the title character very well. It's a wonder that Ms. Matthews never got exhausted as the movie progressed. I was yawning a lot while watching this biopic as I found the whole film to be miserably and mesmerizingly boring. It's a wonder that I didn't fall asleep while watching this film because I was yawning quite a bit as I watched it.
The film was actually nominated for a primetime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Achievement.in Costuming.for a Miniseries or Special." The costumes looked sharp, alongside the performance of Ms. Matthews, but the rest of this film is weak, flat and boring.
There will be another biopic about Madonna soon, which she is getting prepared to do. Hopefully, that biopic will be better than this one.
Avoid this film at all costs if it ever shows up on TV again. Just pass on this by watching something else. This film is weak and boring.
I read Mr. Andersen's book and despite the flaws, it was a very interesting read. I learned a lot about Madonna that I hadn't known before. It reveals all of the loves in her life and her supposed bisexuality, which Madonna has never talked about publicly. It also shows what she did to make sure she became one of the world's bestselling artists.
I watched this film one evening on cable and although Terumi Matthews gives a very good and convincing performance as Madonna, the whole film is weak and without any substance. The other actors in this film give very wooden performances that don't make their characters at all appealing nor do they even try. Plus, the direction is very sloppy and the script, though based on a best selling biographical book, is very badly written. Terumi Matthews is all alone here with all the weight on her shoulders portraying the title character very well. It's a wonder that Ms. Matthews never got exhausted as the movie progressed. I was yawning a lot while watching this biopic as I found the whole film to be miserably and mesmerizingly boring. It's a wonder that I didn't fall asleep while watching this film because I was yawning quite a bit as I watched it.
The film was actually nominated for a primetime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Achievement.in Costuming.for a Miniseries or Special." The costumes looked sharp, alongside the performance of Ms. Matthews, but the rest of this film is weak, flat and boring.
There will be another biopic about Madonna soon, which she is getting prepared to do. Hopefully, that biopic will be better than this one.
Avoid this film at all costs if it ever shows up on TV again. Just pass on this by watching something else. This film is weak and boring.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
