I think it's not really a secret that you have to be really a fan to get this. Because most of the movie is other people (mostly private persons) talking about what Bruce means to them, how they cherish him and how they show it to others. Little anecdotes of course come up all the time and some people are even featured a couple of times throughout the movie and most do the describe in 3 words "game".All that gets "interrupted" by performances by Bruce from time to time. This is kind of refreshing and you get to hear what you love too. But this isn't a concert nor is it about Bruce in a sense. But about the impact he had and still has of course on many people. Not every-ones cup of tea, but with a title like that, it should be clear, if this is something you want to spend time on or not

It is debatable, but I don't know if there are more passionate fans than Bruce Springsteen fans. Sure, they don't have a nickname like Grateful Dead's "Deadheads," but they don't need one. Ballie Walsh's documentary, Springsteen & I, drives this point home in the most unique of ways. Almost the entire film was created using fan-made videos about what Springsteen means to them. This documentary did not call for pro-shot, high definition videos. That was not the mission. These videos were mostly shot on cellphones, some on laptops, but the quality didn't matter. What mattered were the stories, the emotion, and the gratitude these fans needed to express.Some poignant moments include one man sobbing uncontrollably at the thought of the characters in Bruce's songs and their hardships while another man states, "Bruce taught me to be a man, a decent man." These stories show the admiration fans have for him and the influence his music has on his listeners. In addition, many clips show experiences fans have had with Bruce that you would think unimaginable had they not been told in this film. One fan, who was a factory worker in England, made his way to New York City to see a Bruce concert. Unfortunately, his ticket was for the very last row in Madison Square Garden. Miraculously, a bearded man, who was apart of Bruce's camp, approached him to upgrade his ticket prior to the show. The man found his way to the front row, astonished that this had just happened to him. Another fan, who spent his time as a Elvis impersonator, had the lifelong dream of joining Bruce onstage one day. At a Philadelphia show in 2009, this man's dream came true, as Bruce pulled him onstage to perform All Shook Up and Blue Suede Shoes. These stories are incredible, and could only happen at a Bruce concert. He is arguably the most genuine rock star and this movie emphasizes that idea. Walsh concludes the movie with what may be the most telling account of Bruce's passion for his fans. As Bruce concludes his meet and greet with a young man from the film, he takes off one of his bracelets, ties it around this young man's wrist and declares, "this is a sign of brotherhood."

Watch a documentary on a musician and his music, and what do you expect? A biopic, perhaps? A film about his beginnings, his inspirations, the way his fans have changed him, the crippling (or enabling) effects of fame? A glimpse, perhaps, into the singer as a man – the humanising of someone touched by the supernatural glow of celebrity. Or perhaps it's a concert documentary: a film focused more closely on talent and musicianship. Much as pioneering rock-and-roll icon Bruce Springsteen is deserving of all such cinematic treatment, Springsteen & I, refreshingly, falls into none of those categories. Instead, it's a movie for his fans and made by his fans – and, as a result, one that works very well too as an examination of the modern phenomena of celebrity culture and fandom.Checking in with Springsteen's fans from all over the world, the documentary is spliced together from their home videos and personal accounts – resulting in stories that range from the hilarious (a mother who has forcibly passed her love for the Boss down to her offspring) to the touching (a British couple get an unexpected surprise when they fly to New York to catch a live concert). Fans talk about the electric moments in which they find themselves unexpectedly sharing Springsteen's spotlight, whether it's onstage or in an impromptu street performance. Of course, there's much ruminating on the way in which Springsteen's music has underscored and even changed the lives of his fans – even if they've never had the chance to see him perform live.There's a real danger at every point in the film that it might become too mawkish and self-congratulatory. Indeed, if this were a documentary made by any other world-famous celebrity, it would likely come off as self-aggrandising, arrogant pablum. But because Springsteen has somehow managed to maintain a reputation for humility and being, as a fan put its, very much "salt of the earth", despite being one of the biggest stars on the planet, he just about gets away with it. Fans of the man and his music will recognise their own stories in these sweet, affecting tales, which ring with truth and a shared passion.On the other hand, non-fans and neophytes might find the general air of breathless reverence somewhat off-putting – although there are certainly elements in the film which they can probably appreciate too. Director Baillie Walsh puts the story together with a light touch, taking care to inject humour into the proceedings. Specifically, she presents the point of view of, for want of a better term, a "fan-in-law" – a man who dutifully but reluctantly accompanies his Springsteen-obsessed wife to concerts all over Europe. It's moments like these that expand the film beyond a mere homage to a celebrity. Look a little deeper, and the vignettes in Springsteen & I reveal a great deal about passion and fandom: the need for human connection, the power of music and poetry, the community and camaraderie that can form from shared interests.Another undeniable huge draw of Springsteen & I is the live footage that runs throughout the film, as well as the exclusive concert highlights that unspool after the credits. The sense where the former is concerned is of Springsteen sharing the limelight with his fans: his performances, including some rare, purportedly never-before-seen live footage, are tied into their stories. He riffs charmingly on the hidden subtext in Red-Headed Woman, for instance, or sings Born To Run across years and generations to close out the film. The concert reel after the credits, taken from his Hard Rock Calling performance in London last year and featuring Sir Paul McCartney, includes six rousing, wonderfully-performed rock anthems that are alone worth the price of admission.For anyone who's ever loved something or someone in an indescribable, soul-deep way, even if it isn't Springsteen (but especially if it is), Springsteen & I is a movie that will resonate. It acknowledges the huge, enormous place celebrity, music, culture and art can occupy in someone's life, without the derogatory allusions that usually come with being classified a nerd, a geek or obsessive. For those unacquainted with the cult of Springsteen, be warned: this could prove both annoying and cloying, though there's also a chance he and his fans could charm you with the strength of their love and devotion.

Wow! I haven't had this good a time at the movies for some time. Usually when I post reviews I mull things over for quite a while but I wanted to put my two cents in while this is ultra fresh. What a great tribute to The Boss. The people who live, breathe and identify with Springsteen's music get the spotlight and showcase in the best possible way why we, the fans, like the man so much. The stories they tell range from funny to really touching to downright hilarious on occasion. The way Springsteen connects with his audience is really special and it's displayed through some well chosen clips from relatively recent shows. The rare footage from live shows from way back-when is also a real treat for the die-hard fans. I identified with a lot of the people and most likely every viewer will find something they related to as well. I'm a Springsteen nut so, to me, this was a perfect night at the movies. 10 out of 10. As an added bonus there was a six song show/compilation from the Hyde Park concert last year (knockout performances of "Shackled and Drawn" and "We are Alive") that concluded with the Beatles songs "I Saw Her Standing There" and "Twist and Shout" with Paul McCartney. Seeing it in a theater with the sound yanked up way high is the next best thing to actually being at a Springsteen concert. And that "Epilogue" was fun too. Seeing those fans meet the man and how gracious Springsteen seems to be; well it was a great ending to a fantastic film and show. If anyone has ever wondered what the big deal with Springsteen is...well; "Springsteen and I" is the response I would give.