Empire
Empire

Movie spotlight

Empire

2015
Movie
14 min
English

Late afternoon, somewhere in a big city, a man comes home to his wife and child - a portrait of a family in our modern civilization, captured in real time.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes74%
Metacritic69/100
Google Users87%
Director: Lee Daniels and Danny StrongGenres: Drama, Music

Plot Summary

Empire chronicles the glamorous and dangerous world of hip-hop music, following the struggles of a family dynasty as they fight for control of their multi-million dollar music empire. Lucious Lyon, a former drug dealer turned hip-hop mogul, battles a debilitating illness and rivals while his ex-wife and sons vie for power. The series blends family drama, corporate intrigue, and sensational musical performances.

Critical Reception

Empire was a massive critical and commercial success upon its premiere, lauded for its compelling drama, strong performances, and its exploration of timely themes like race, class, and sexuality within the music industry. Taraji P. Henson's portrayal of Cookie Lyon was particularly praised, earning her widespread acclaim and an Emmy nomination. The show's innovative use of original music and its soap opera-esque plotting also contributed to its popularity.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its vibrant musical numbers and over-the-top drama.

  • Taraji P. Henson's performance as Cookie Lyon is a standout, delivering a captivating and fierce portrayal.

  • The series successfully blends compelling family conflict with the cutthroat world of the music industry.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the addictive drama and the electrifying music as major draws. Many viewers appreciate the strong female characters, particularly Cookie Lyon, and the show's ability to deliver both suspenseful storylines and entertaining musical performances. Some find the plot occasionally convoluted but are drawn in by the overall entertainment value and the cast's performances.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Taraji P. Henson won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama for her role as Cookie Lyon.

Fun Fact

The character of Cookie Lyon was famously inspired by Diana Ross, with Taraji P. Henson drawing inspiration from the legendary singer's stage presence and fashion sense.

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