What's Love Got To Do With It is a spellbinding American biographical film that delves deep into the life of the sensational artist, Tina Turner, played captivatingly by Angela Bassett. Directed by Brian Gibson and released in 1993, the film encapsulates drama and music in a captivating tapestry of emotion, uncovering Tina's tumultuous journey beautifully.

The title of the film, named after one of Tina's most popular songs, sets an apt stage for the narratives, underscoring how love can probably manifest in the most unexpected ways. Angela Bassett's outstanding performance as Tina Turner doesn't miss a beat. Her portrayal of the legendary singer is filled with raw emotion and power, reminding us of the paramount sacrifices made by Tina in her pursuit of stardom.

The film starts by introducing us to Turner's humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, where she was born Anna Mae Bullock. It beautifully captures her early aspiration to become one of the memorable singers of her time, teasing her first encounters with music that planted seeds for her phenomenal career. Through her aspirations, we're reminded of the power of dreams and the magic they hold when pursued with obstinate grit and passion.

While the film shows us the rise of her career, it equally traces her tumultuous personal life, especially her fraught relationship with Ike Turner. The movie does not hold back in guiding viewers through the tumultuous sea of Tina's relationship with Ike Turner, portrayed by Laurence Fishburne. Fishburne delivers a chilling performance as the abusive and controlling Ike, who introduced Anna Bullock to the musical world but also subjected her to years of physical and emotional abuse.

These trials and tribulations mark the central narrative of What's Love Got To Do With It, showing just how much strength and determination Tina had to summon to escape such a destructive environment and build her path. The only thing more powerful than the film's illustration of abuse is its testament to the resilience of Tina Turner. The film empowers viewers with the knowledge of her struggle and sacrifice in order to rise above these circumstances and emerge as a stronger individual, both professionally and personally.

The music is central to the movie, and it can't be ignored. The film is littered with performances of classic songs that will engage everyone from devoted Tina Turner fans to those new to her music. Angela Bassett's portrayal of Turner's raw energy during her performances is not only convincing but also compelling. The soundtrack underscores the story, sewn together through sequences of perfectly rendered performances that are every bit as electrifying as the ones Tina herself once gave.

The narrative flow of What's Love Got To Do With It is smooth and engaging, blending elements of drama and music with careful precision. The cinematography and production design effectively transport the audience back in time, providing a detailed snapshot of the cultural framework in the backdrop.

The film doesn't shy away from highlighting the struggles of a woman in a male-dominated industry, the trials of being an artist, and the brutalities of an abusive relationship. It's a heartbreakingly raw account of the sacrifices an individual needs to make to stand on their own, but it also promises and delivers on the message of triumph over adversities.

What's Love Got To Do With It is a poignant testimony to Tina Turner's resilience, portrayed with an intensity that only an actor of Angela Bassett's stature could achieve. Laurence Fishburne as Ike Turner conjures a scary and complex image, one that adds unparalleled depth to the narrative. Both of their performance does justice to their characters, capturing the essence of who they were in real life.

This gripping flick offers an intimate look into the life of a woman who went from rags to riches, from despair to hope, from being a victim to a victor. It is a journey of discovering one's real strength in the face of extreme adversities and a validation that dreams, once pursued persistently, can rewrite one's destiny.

In a nutshell, What's Love Got To Do With It is an exceptionally moving film that encapsulates the true spirit of perseverance, determination and the power of dreaming. It is a must-watch for anyone who revels in the joy of watching real-life stories portrayed with authenticity and passion. As the film progresses, one thing becomes clear: in the end, it's all about love – for music, for self, and a better life. A resonating tribute indeed to Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock 'n Roll!