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Poster for Janis: Little Girl Blue

Janis: Little Girl Blue

Seen it?

2015 | 106 min | Documentary, Music

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

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

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for the curious. If you loved Moonage Daydream or Miss Americana, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Eye-opening.
The pace
Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 46 min.
What might put you off
Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Janis Joplin is one of the most respected and iconic rock & roll singers of all time, a tragic and misunderstood figure who captivated millions of listeners and blazed new creative trails before her death in 1970 at age 27. Director Amy Berg explored Joplin's story in depth. A portrait of a complicated, driven and often beleaguered artist. Joplin's own words recount a series of letters she wrote to her family over the years. Janis was a vessel of energy when she sang. Her rapid rise and untimely death changed music forever.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 74 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.3 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 7K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Amy J. Berg

  • Janis JoplinHerself (archive footage)
  • Cat PowerNarrator (voice)
  • D. A. PennebakerHimself
  • Dick CavettHimself
  • Peter AlbinHimself
  • Karleen BennettHerself - Janis Joplin's childhood friend
  • Laura JoplinHerself - Janis Joplin's sister
  • Michael JoplinHimself - Janis Joplin's brother