Robbie Williams (2023) User Reviews

Well worth a watch

[BEECHMAN123 · 8/10 · 24 November 2023]

You can call it ego, self-centred or whatever you like but there is no denying RWs had a presence, swagger and X factor that so many artists just don't have.

To live that life you need the beans to pull it off. He's made mistakes, and at times, I've found him annoying but the fact still remains, he entertains, has an edginess and realism about him.

This documentary can be interpreted in a number of ways, some good, some bad but it's an insight into what appears to be an honest account and he comes across well.

There is no denying his life has caused him trauma which is a familiar story with fame isn't it. Personally, I enjoyed it and could watch it again.

Interesting but hard going at times

[sue-06239 · 7/10 · 20 November 2023]

I would imagine that Robbie has been, and still is, hard to live with over the years, At times appearing sad, manic, bolshy but not often happy, it's nice to know that now he finally does seem at peace in his life with his wife and children.

He made some really good music, some not so good, and clearly alienated a lot of people over the years. Being from Leeds, I found it sad that his two massive concerts in Leeds in 2006 were so traumatic for him.

I'd have liked to have had some input from his parents as his Dad, in particular, was often seen with him in the past and they seemed very close.

His house is absolutely gorgeous and I just hope that he is now in a good, calm and happy state of mind as he approaches 50. He is massively talented and hopefully he's lost his demons and can enjoy the rest of his life with his family, whether in the limelight or not.

Interesting but so self absorbed it's sad.

[wbafan-41401 · 6/10 · 9 November 2023]

I grew up in the 'Take that' and the 'Robbie Williams' era and although not their biggest fans I secretly admit to having enjoyed most of the music they dished out. And I have always had a passing interest in Robbie's life, not being able to understand why he seems so troubled.

And the problem with this series is I haven't learned anything new about him. He suffers from depression and he certainly wants us to remember that in this series Money and fame are not the cure to this, at least for Robbie. Having the normality of a family does not seem to have helped him to heal him either.

I don't want to be too hard on him for the above reasons, but he has released this series, and just like he is a musician, I am somebody who has spent 20 years writing honest reviews on here.

The series I'd basically Robbie looking back through his career. For starters, he could have done this in an office somewhere, dressed in appropriate clothing, but no. The whole series was with him sat on his bed in his underwear. Now, I'm a man so don't have a woman's perspective, but it's not a good look. It's a deliberately pretentious way of him 'showing himself off', as he would see it, and maybe it might have worked 30 years ago. But talk about growing old disgracefully.

And the rest of the series is basically old unseen footage of Robbie being miserable about how he has been treated by the press, him being full of nerves before his concert and how he us both comfortable in the UK. In many ways the same type of character as Prince Harry. The main difference is that Harry has had little control in his life until recently whereas Robbie has made all his own choices.

At the end we do get a bit of respite with him talking for all of 2 minutes that his life now is so much better as he now has his wife and four kids. But I don't think that's why he did this documentary. I don't even think he did it for his fans whom he doesn't seem at all grateful for. I doubt he even needed the money. What he did need was to feed his ego, to get us all to understand how hard he had it. The main problem is that it is hard to understand somebody who is unhappy at having the type of life that to many would seem the dream.

Depression is very real and destroys lives. I don't want people thinking I don't understand that, I certainly do. But for so many years now, Robbie has had full autonomy of his life. He has the means for the best of help whilst others have no support whatsoever. Despite his recent happiness with his family and situation, he still has the need to continuously tell us how hard he has had it.

He entertained me, openly and honestly. 10*

[vfqjrxjqw · 10/10 · 13 November 2023]

Watching the 200 minutes of a real true rock stars career was extremely interesting and truly helps you understand the enormity of the pressures they contend with. My respect for Robbie has skyrocketed since watching the 4 episodes and I hope the Americans wake up to this amazing entertainer. Now a family man with 4 kids, lovely house, gorgeous smart understanding wife and so much to live for I'm proud to be British when there is talent like RW about. He is an entertainer, an honest one and has never deserved the treatment those pathetic U. K. newspapers used to dish out. I like the way Robbie looks back through the screen of his computer to tell the story of his life. MJ, Prince and Any Winehouse never did this and that's a loss for history. Good on you Robbie for doing this doco. It's a shame he didn't show a bit of the Royal Albert Hall gig Swing when you're winning. For me this also showed what a talented showman he is. Robbie, for a potteries lad you have done so much to put a smile on so many faces, now smile a lot more as you deserve it dude !!

Everything is there. Nothing used.

[matthias-riedle · 6/10 · 14 January 2024]

Imagine you have a gemstone and you throw it into the gutter. That's exactly what happens here. You have such an exciting personality and so many cool stories in front of you, and all you can think of for your film is boredom. It really hurts when you've grown up with this wonderful madman. I can't believe that Robbie Williams has given his approval for this. Once again: this is material for three films. And what we see here is hardly enough for television. The fact that I have to write 139 more characters here for my criticism to be accepted fits in perfectly with the hollowness that underlies this documentation.

Half the reviewers here sound like writers for The Sun

[christhirteen13 · 9/10 · 10 November 2023]

I am genuinely disappointed how tainted some people are in their view of this piece. Disgruntled Take That fans that seemingly still haven't grown beyond that petty fight of the past. Whereas all the band members are way past that.

This journey that Robbie has allowed us to embark on with him seemed quite surreal to me. I've grown up listening to his music, and seeing each song on a timeline of his life was quite touching.

Do you have to get every emotion or sentiment he was having? No, this isn't an entertainment show-piece. It's a very raw look into Robbie Williams, his demons, his successes and his failures. What else should he talk about in a documentary about his life?

I really loved the part about him and Guy Chambers. How their relationship developed and created some fantastic music that we still remember today. Also how Rude Box failed, and how after Leeds Robbie had climbed his way back steadily into stardom.

I was glad I saw him live twice this year. He seemed very happy with where he ended up in his life and seeing the final moments of the documentary it was clear that he had found the happy ending to his story.

Overall, this was a very touching and real documentary about an extraordinary star, that is an exceptional singer, a real showman and a genuine person.

An interesting portrait and snapshot but too ego-driven

[danielwinterburn-70734 · 6/10 · 26 December 2023]

I should start by saying I actually like some of the work of Robbie Williams, both individually and as part of Take That. He definitely is a talented guy and great showman, but it's a pity the penny clearly still hasn't dropped for him regarding the incredible amount of luck he's had along the way. Unfortunately I found him quite egotistical and lacking in true self-reflection which left me a bit frustrated watching it. When he was left to his own devices to come up with Rudebox, which wouldn't have got anywhere near the top 40 ordinarily, and the indifference the American audience quite clearly treated him, there's no reflection on the main reason why he ended up so successful in the UK which is the underdog narrative and story behind it all and I don't get the sense he has an honest appraisal of himself which is part of his problem.

That said, you still can't help but sympathise with him regarding the awful treatment he received from the British press, who were particularly vile duriing the 90's and early noughties. The documentary does a fairly good job of reflecting this and they are massively to blame for some of the clear and genuine mental health issues he has suffered with, which is really sad. Some of the treatment of him was disgusting and you can see where he's grappling with the complex issue of imposter syndrome and anxiety.

Like other reviews have said, it is a bit odd with him sat around in his pants watching the clips and a bit contrived where his daughter comes in. I hope he generally can find peace given the fact he's clearly been through such a tough time but at times it's a bit of a slog of a watch and something that coud have been condensed into at least half the amount of time.

As if he was taking off his skin.

[diegosays · 10/10 · 8 November 2023]

The first time I saw Robbie Williams on my television, it was on MTV, I was six years old and my mother didn't allow me to watch that video of him taking his skin off. Any time I would see that music video happening on my television, I would lower the volume so my mother wouldn't hear that I was listening to Rock DJ and imitating Williams dancing. At that young age, both the video and the song caught my attention too much. For my birthday that same year, I asked my parents if they could give me as a gift the album where I could listen to Rock DJ, so that way I wouldn't need to wait for MTV to play it every time.

Sing When You're Winning was my very first album. Robbie Williams was my very first favorite musician.

I'm telling this story because here I am, watching this documentary. I am almost thirty years old, and I'm seeing not only how they made one of my favorite songs, but I am seeing how it was made, and a version of Robbie Williams that I never saw before.

We as his fans were given the opportunity to have a look at a much private and never seen before footage of what Robbie went through. Robbie opens the door to the memories of his youth, his early career, his fears and anxiety, his addictions and his journey until today, and it feels as if he was taking off his skin, once again.

I did not know that this documentary was coming out, but I'm grateful for it. And I think my mother will now allow me to watch it.

Eye opening

[kerry_kirby09 · 10/10 · 14 November 2023]

Oh Robbie I just want to give you a big hug 🤗 The British press are evil they ruin peoples lives it's just so heartbreaking watching the story of how they broke Robbie down.

He is a true entertainer who has spanned years and years from Take That to forge such an amazing solo career.

You either love him or hate him the ones who hate I feel have been swayed by the British tabloids who want to tear him down because he's so good.

Ayda what a shining light she is in his life to help him out of the dark tunnel he was heading in to.

The reunion between him and Take that was a beautiful moment to have seen on screen

Loved the documentary and for all you people saying he's a narcissist do you even understand why his documentary is filmed this way 10/10 for me highly recommend.

Some of us actually remember what happened !

[carlcasso · 1/10 · 12 November 2023]

This started off well but it became very obvious that Robbie was rewriting history.

First off he got really fat around the time that he released Freedom (George Michael's song).

This wasn't shown .

We were shown him slightly heavier but not the fat guy that he became.

I'm guessing his ego wouldn't allow that to go into the documentary.

The whole Guy Chambers thing wasn't true either.

Guy wanted to write for other artists and Robbie wouldn't have that so got rid of him.

His career fell apart after that .

He begged Guy to work with him again and he did but that didn't make it into the documentary.

Rude Box was only one example of how Robbie couldn't write a song .

Remember Radio which was supposed to be an insult to Guy Chambers.

I'm sure Guy had a good laugh at that .

He blamed the English Press for the failure of Rude Box's success .

The song failed as it was an ego fuelled mess.

He played down the whole Take That reunion making out that he could have made more money on his own tour .

The truth is Robbie was finished and the Take That reunion brought him back into the limelight .

Again his ego wouldn't allow him to say that .

Robbie is full of it and is still as egotistical as he ever was.

He had some great songs with Guy Chambers and his ego messed it up.

I'd have really respected him if he just said that .

Amazing insight into a unique popstar

[richwardlaw · 10/10 · 10 November 2023]

Those scoring this 1 star because he was 'narcissistic' completely misunderstand how open and forthcoming he was in the making of this documentary.

I was never a fan of Take That and same with Robbie. A gf dragged me reluctantly to a show he performed in Sydney and wow he blew me away despite my love for much harder music. He was the ultimate entertainer and I'd never seen a crowd so obsessed - of course I wasn't around during The Beatles era.

Amazing to see him look back so honestly on periods of his life - his fame, his addictions, his mental breakdowns, his regrets, his loves and so on.

Definitely recommend this and ignore the haters - of which he had many (including me in my insecure days)

Insightful look at mental health when in the public eye.

[victoriarbrooks · 10/10 · 10 November 2023]

As a big fan of Take That in my youth I thought this series would be nostalgic and light hearted but instead it is actually tough to watch. This takes you on a journey of Robbie Williams battle with his mental health. Critics have commented on his arrogance but I saw only a man crippled by anxiety, depression, self loathing, who Often called himself derogatory names and put himself down. I remember being at the concerts watching him perform with no idea that behind the charisma was a suffering man. Good for him for being so honest about his troubles, good for him for talking about men's mental health as there is no shame in needing help. His family have clearly been medicine for his mind and I only wish this man peace and happiness for his future.

Fair play to you mate!

[jamesgreen-80291 · 10/10 · 10 November 2023]

I thought this was a really honest documentary. Fair play with opening up like this. Great documentary.

We are all human at the end of the day. Just because you have fame and money, doesn't make you less of an human being.

Some people just disregard that, and a big part of that is jealousy. "I.e because I haven't got that" then I'll stick the knife in when I can, from my keyboard. (sad people)

Robbie came across really genuine, and so did his family.

I'm glad Robbie has come out of this in a good place.

I actually don't write many reviews on here, but after watching it just now, I felt I needed to.

All the best from Essex.

Knebworth 2003

[jimbarnard-22093 · 9/10 · 9 November 2023]

The peak of Robbie William's career, according to the artist himself, was 2003 in Knebworth. After seeing this documentary, I'd agree. Three nights in August of 2003. The peak wasn't that long and the road up and down and around the peak is portrayed in just the right length in this 4-part documentary. Any longer and I would have probably stopped watching . I didn't follow his career, I wasn't at Knebworth or any of his concerts, but I can appreciate the story and arc of his career from age 16 to present day. The life of a pop star is a roller coaster ride just higher highs and lower lows than the rest of us. But Peak Robbie Williams as a human being is not on stage but came much later, in finding purpose.

The most self indulgent documentary you'll see this year.

[munns30 · 3/10 · 25 November 2023]

Well, personally I didn't bother finishing this 'documentary'. I made it through episodes one and two, but frankly by number three I'd had enough.

Enough of the one sided bleh coming from Robbie. There is only so much woe is me you can listen to from a man sitting on a king size bed, in a mansion, in his underpants. Get over yourself Mr Williams.

I wonder how much better this would have been if we'd been afforded interviews with others who had been there at the time. How did the rest of Take That feel receiving Robbie's vitriol all those years ago. How did Guy feel after being unceremoniously dumped?

Alas, we shall never find the answers here.

Insightful, honest and fulfilling

[laila-ynl · 9/10 · 10 November 2023]

I just finished and have truly enjoyed it. It is extremely rare for people in the spotlight to be this real, this authentic. And it is a reminder to never judge books by their cover - however shiny they seem. This is footage and tellings of someone young - too young perhaps - that experienced the dark side to the dream. British media bullying. Anxiety. Depression. It's honest and human. We see footage collected over the years, unseen and raw. With the purpose of building a documentary one day. And Robbie watching it for the first time, guiding us through it. A born entertainer yes, but one that has felt alone and fighting addiction throughout. I often found myself wondering how I'd respond to 'younger me' archives. It must be incredibly hard, therapeutic, strange and beautiful all at the same time. Watch it. Worth the time.

Just amazing - vulnerable - truthful

[cv_voss · 10/10 · 11 November 2023]

This was not what I expected. I'm not a fan of Robbie Williams, never have been but this documentary blew my mind. I never imagined 1) he was that intelligent or articulate 2) had a heart 3) cared. I never realised about the press (maybe that is why I didn't like him myself) who knows! I always thought he was an arrogant yob. I feel bad. I am the same age as Robbie, so this was a trip down memory land too. I grew up with him. I wasn't going to watch this documentary but I am so pleased and humbled that I did. It's a show all and I hope he gets some peace from this. It is fr better than the beckham and Prince Harry documentaries. It's a bravo from me. Watch it. Especially if you are from the UK. Robbie, I'm sorry i didn't believe. I wish you all the best.

Addictive

[ytdnntzf · 10/10 · 9 November 2023]

This series brought me back through my teenage years and 20s was a huge part of my life, the epic views of Slane Castle and Knebworth we are wonderful and other time when there was little social media and a more simple and happy time. His music was always underrated and the brits did him dirty. The British press are extremely cruel to their famous stars. A lot of this documentary was hard to watch as it was so gut wrenching the boy was in turmoil I think it's interesting to see how he has no matured and grown up with a family of his own and is able to forgive and forget the reunion with take that was particularly wholesome.

He's done it his way

[tidds-77232 · 10/10 · 8 November 2023]

Robbie has had to endure so much from being catapulted into fame facing addiction and press scrutiny which was unfair and frankly shocking. I've always loved Robbie and feel I understand him even more even more, bless him for showing vulnerability, this documentary is so touching and moving. With a happy ending. He is where he deserves to be, with Ayda and his beautiful family, their connection and love makes you feel warm inside. I just hope those who have judged him over the years, esp the press take the time to watch this and reflect on the damage they did. A masterpiece, proud to be a fan.

The ego has crash landed...

[andrewdobbo · 1/10 · 9 November 2023]

What a self absorbed annoying pain to watch. What a struggle. Like and have been to Robbie Williams' Concerts and have enjoyed his music and humour. But by goodness, this serious is hard to get through. If I see another biography about how tough it is, was or whatever, I am going to scream. Self indulgent, narcissistic meglamania can start to wear a bit thin. Having to sit through 'Angels' two three times in the first episode was too much. Good luck to Robbie and his fortune and family, but I have seen enough to last a life time. I guess these very controlled bios are either a hit or miss. This is a huge miss. No thanks, Robbie. And... What the hell are all the interviews with him in his underpants? For Crying out loud!

Love to Robbie, you were and are a star

[mxbxl · 10/10 · 12 November 2023]

The documentary gave an insight into a deeper world od Robbie. I really liked the way it was delivered and kudos to Robbie for going through depression at such an early age and with all that's been happening in his life without proper help, that was not easy. Especially when it seemed like the world was not aware of mental health or the consequences of depression, anxiety and stress. Thank you Robbie for amazing songs and for opening up about your trauma. Also, I dont get the negative reviews. If you dont like him, why would you even watch the documentary. I think he showed his true and genuine self and the least we can do is emphatize with what he's gone through.

Really enjoyed it

[zvztvsfq · 10/10 · 10 November 2023]

I was a big Robbie Williams fan growing up, looked up to his charisma, talent, looks - seemed to have it all.

I was massively connected to his look back and the nostalgia but also to see the deep emotive connection he had to the pain and trauma that lived beyond the facade - you could see and feel the rawness of it felt very paralleled to Matthew Perry

I found it ironic that stumbling upon a tabloid review they gave it 2 of 5 stars critiquing tiny details like his apparel but thus proving exactly what the documentary set out that no matter what he does m it's never good enough. To me the media have never understood, despite the be kind and mental health movement, that someone so successful, wealthy and good looking can't still suffer mentally. They can't accept it.

Despite this hes hugely popular both as a musician but also as personality and it seems to have now landed that that's more valuable than any tabloid opinion

Enjoyed it.

Robbie, thanks for this!

[oriana-cristauro · 10/10 · 20 November 2023]

I am a Maltese 90s kid with a travel bug! I left home at 19 to travel and work as a hairdresser and carried your music with me everywhere. Had you playing in salons and homes all around the world, together with your monkey on 11th deck of a cruise liner salon in the Caribbean all the way to the North of Sydney.

I finally got to see you live in Sydney 2006, what a show, it was of a magnitude that I cannot describe. I felt I had made it, little me from a tiny village in Malta was in a stadium with another 95,000 people watching Robbie Williams. I mean!

I had no idea how much pain you were in! I never followed the press, I just bought your albums and played the cd until it broke.

Thank you for sharing this, today I can say I got to know you a little better and that you are a mere mortal just like me, felt the same things just like me and have come out of it with your head held high and stronger than ever. Well done you!

The irony of life: I was staying in London last year when you played and missed the show. Moved to Malaga, you played in Fuengirola, couldn't make that either and..... and to close the circle, you just recently played in Malta, which I also dint get to see! But this I promise, I will catch you, up on that stage again dear friend!

loved it - Robbie is a mensch

[cathlin-15337 · 10/10 · 11 November 2023]

Loved watching this - what great music Robbie has made and how he suffered!

His recovery and growth is beautiful to behold especially after such cruelty from the awful British press (why are they like that!) Lovely to see him happy with his gorgeous wife and beautiful kids. Made me smile - well done Robbie. You did the work and now you truly have it all on this most excellent adventure - well done! Your example of the triumph over drugs and alcohol can and will help many a desperate person who needs to see - we do recover. Rich or poor, famous or unknown, there is a programme of recovery that really works if you work it! Thank you for spreading that message.

Ho hum so what get over it Robbie

[tm-sheehan · 5/10 · 10 November 2023]

Robbie Williams documentary My Rating- 5/10 Streaming on Netflix

I can't help comparing this 4 part biography documentary series to the recently released 3 part series Beckham which I reviewed giving it a well deserved 8/10.

As far as production and entertainment value the Robbie Williams saga in my view is just a self indulgent exercise in blame dysfunction and stupidity.

If Robbie Williams was just wanting to qualify his story anonymously at a 12 Step Meeting I'd be impressed as his experiences in addiction could assist others looking for a way out of their addiction.

However after watching The Documentary Robbie Williams unlike the David Beckham story I came away disliking Robbie Williams whereas before I saw it I didn't really have an opinion about this obviously talented singer songwriter.

His continued resentment of Garry Barlow the founder of the Take 2 boy band that was responsible for his entry to the fame of the pop world reeks of ingratitude and says more about his character than Garry Barlow's.

Also the split with his producer songwriter partner Guy Chambers portrays Robbie Williams as a petulant childish manchild.

On the overall production side of this 4 hour testimony of an unmanageable life of excess and resentment I thought the use of archival footage from Robbie Williams collection of his well documented life very inferior in quality to the Beckham documentary.

There is no reference to his family or childhood in this Robbie Williams documentary so I suspect there's resentment there also this is a pity because it helps give an overall understanding of the character of the person be profiled.

I'm pleased to read like David Beckham that Robbie Williams does support many charities from his vast wealth but I just came away thinking I didn't know much before about Robbie Williams before and what I know now after the experience I must conclude that I don't like the man.