Add your email and we'll match picks to the services you stream at home.

Poster for Joni Mitchell: Refuge of the Roads

Joni Mitchell: Refuge of the Roads

Seen it?

2004 | 60 min | Music, Documentary

Monday Morning Maybeearly rating

Why it’s a Monday Morning Maybe

With a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz, this one could be a tough watch. Keep your phone handy.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Aimed squarely at anyone who likes a story with a soundtrack worth keeping and the curious. The music is woven into the story, not just laid on top. Sits nicely alongside Stop Making Sense or The Last Waltz.
The mood
Eye-opening.
The pace
Moves through the story clearly, at 1 hr. Done before bedtime.
What might put you off
Skip it if you want made-up drama tonight.

Nearly 15 years after its initial release on VHS, Joni Mitchell’s critically acclaimed Refuge Of The Roads concert film is available on DVD. This legendary 1983 show, filmed on a soundstage at the end of a successful tour, is highlighted by her version of "Woodstock" (a hit for Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young), "For Free" and "Raised On Robbery," as well as clips from intimate home movies shot during the tour. Mitchell’s love affair with jazz/rock was in full swing during the tour, and she brought with her a great band: keyboardist Russell Ferrante (Yellowjackets), guitarist Michael Landau, bassist (and husband) Larry Klein, and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. The ensemble seamlessly wove elements of jazz, pop, rock and folk together, while Mitchell’s incomparable lyrics gracefully floated above it all.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    Awards data unavailable, so this isn't counted

  • Reach & staying powerWeak

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    Not enough engagement data yet

More like this

Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks

Cast & crew

Directed by Joni Mitchell

  • Joni MitchellSelf