U2: Rattle and Hum
A high-energy U2 tour document that combines arena-scale performances, musical tributes, and Bono’s politically charged reflections.
Overview
Experience the electrifying energy of a legendary rock band as they take the stage and share their journey.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- propulsive
- celebratory
- earnest
- concert night
- music marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly recognize the film’s strong concert footage and musical ambition while finding its self-conscious rock mythology and Bono-centered presentation divisive.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film repeatedly emphasizes U2’s large North American tour performances and monster gigs.
U2 performs with B.B. King and engages with established rock and blues traditions.
Bono speaks about problems connected to his homeland alongside the concert footage.
Bono’s commentary and stage presence are unusually prominent within the band portrait.
Films like U2: Rattle and Hum, and why
The Last Waltz
concert-film energy, rock performance footage, and a major band’s onstage persona
Gimme Shelter
rockumentary form, backstage atmosphere, and performance-centered documentary storytelling
Stop Making Sense
large-scale live music spectacle, charismatic performers, and music-history context
Movie Details
- Director
- Phil Joanou
- Release Date
- 1988-11-03
- Runtime
- 98 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (81)
Cast
- Bono
- The Edge
- Larry Mullen Jr.
- Adam Clayton
- B.B. King
- Phil Joanou
- Dennis Bell
- Adam Gussow
- Jack Hale
- Jim Horn
Common questions
- What is U2: Rattle and Hum about?
- A high-energy U2 tour document that combines arena-scale performances, musical tributes, and Bono’s politically charged reflections.
- What is U2: Rattle and Hum like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of U2: Rattle and Hum as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is U2: Rattle and Hum violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in U2: Rattle and Hum.
- What did critics think of U2: Rattle and Hum?
- Critics broadly recognize the film’s strong concert footage and musical ambition while finding its self-conscious rock mythology and Bono-centered presentation divisive.
- Which films are like U2: Rattle and Hum?
- Films with a similar feel include The Last Waltz, Gimme Shelter, and Stop Making Sense.
- How long is U2: Rattle and Hum?
- U2: Rattle and Hum runs 98 minutes.
