Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

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Movie Info & Cast

Director:

George C. Wolfe

Producer:

Todd Black, Denzel Washington, Dany Wolf

Writer:

Ruben Santiago-Hudson

Release Date:

Nov 25, 2020

Runtime:

1hr 34m

Synopsis

During a recording session, tensions rise between Ma Rainey, her ambitious horn player and the white management determined to control the uncontrollable "Mother of the Blues".

Cast

  • Viola Davis
  • Chadwick Boseman
  • Glynn Turman
  • Colman Domingo
  • Michael Potts
  • Taylour Paige
  • Dusan Brown
  • Jonny Coyne
  • Jeremy Shamos
  • Joshua Harto

Letterboxd User Reviews

3.5
200.6K
47.5K
40.8K
RATINGS 138 FANS
3.5
  • Dec 6, 2020

    a one, a two, dont step on his shoe

    0 Likes
    Jay
    Jay
    Dec 20, 2020

    Chadwick's performance is seriously electrifying. Sure this has so much else to offer, but it wouldn't come close to being as enthralling as it is without him. All love to Riz, I know I just locked my prediction/pick this same week, but Chadwick has that award in the bag…

    0 Likes
    Karsten
    Karsten
    Dec 17, 2020

    I don't think I like August Wilson very much. Maybe that's because his plays feel to me like any parody of a "black play," which is admittedly probably the snake eating its own tail and me only seeing his work after I've seen the parodies, but it's just not for me! Feels…

    0 Likes
    demi adejuyigbe
    demi adejuyigbe
  •

    I hope they cleaned that piano in the rehearsal room

    0 Likes
    James (Schaffrillas)
    James (Schaffrillas)
    Dec 7, 2020

    The film is one thing, Chadwick is another. The film feels a little trapped, a little incomplete – everything that's there and happens is compelling, but I wish it moved more freely and we had more time with the story of these characters. Not just them as people but the…

    0 Likes
    Ella Kemp
    Ella Kemp
    Dec 16, 2020

    Perfectly fine adaptation of the play-- handsome, well-performed, beautifully written, etc. But this is Chadwick Boseman's show. The performance of a lifetime was his last.

    0 Likes
    Scott Tobias
    Scott Tobias
  •
    Apr 7, 2021

    theater to film adaptations have never really been for me but what i know for sure is that viola and chadwick are absolutely sensational here, truly two of the best performances of the year that i’d be so excited to see honored at the oscars

    0 Likes
    Lucy
    Lucy
    Dec 20, 2020

    my brother texted me, “they should have called this Cutler’s Bad Day.” Chadwick is so special and the movie is fine.

    0 Likes
    fran hoepfner
    fran hoepfner
    Mar 2, 2021

    you know when you can just tell that a film was adapted from a play?

    0 Likes
    molly
    molly

Atom Users Reviews

4.0
2
1
2
0
0
POPULAR TAGS
#justokay

Reviews

  • KR
    Krystal Roach
    #surprising
    #notmyfave
    #mustsee

    this movie is not like no other. it reminds of how hard and still is for blacks to work with white. it was definitely deep, crazy and entertaining at the same time.

    KC
    K C
    DW
    Dr. Wil
  • BC
    Braden Clark
    #slow
    #justokay
    #leavekidsathome
    JB
    Jakima Brown
    #great
    #original

Metacritic

87
metacritic
Based on 46 Critics
6.7

USER SCORE (174)

Generally favorable reviews based on 174 Reviews
60
Dec 13, 2020

The theatrical origins of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom weigh heavy on this film, directed with a stagey air by Tony award winner George C Wolfe.

Mark Kermode
The Observer (UK)
80
Nov 24, 2020

Chadwick Boseman gives this muscular film, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, added punch and poignancy.

Metacritic review by Kate Stables
Kate Stables
Total Film
80
Nov 20, 2020

Chadwick Boseman's tragic death will draw understandable attention to Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, which represents his final role. Yet that focus shouldn't overshadow the riveting performances that elevate this small-scale Netflix movie, adapted from the August Wilson play with its somewhat claustrophobic stage origins very much intact.

Brian Lowry
CNN

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020) family-friendly?
The movie has been rated as R, meaning that Under 17 requires an adult accompaniment.
How long is Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)?
The movie is 1hr 34min long.
What's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020) about?
During a recording session, tensions rise between Ma Rainey, her ambitious horn player and the white management determined to control the uncontrollable "Mother of the Blues".
Who's the cast of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)?
  • Viola Davis as Ma Rainey
  • Chadwick Boseman as Levee
  • Glynn Turman as Toledo
  • Colman Domingo as Cutler
  • Michael Potts as Slow Drag
  • Taylour Paige as Dussie Mae
  • Dusan Brown as Sylvester
  • Jonny Coyne as Sturdyvant
  • Jeremy Shamos as Irvin
  • Joshua Harto as Policeman
Who's the director behind Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)?
George C. Wolfe directed Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020).
Who produced Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)?
Todd Black, Denzel Washington and Dany Wolf produced Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020).