Bessie
Seen it?2015 | 107 min | Drama, Music, TV Movie
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (90% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won 4 Emmys, though it had a lukewarm 6.4 out of 10 from audiences 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 anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Ma Rainey's Black Bottom or Selena, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 47 min.
- What might put you off
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.4 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 1 SAG Award: Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries. Won 1 Critics' Choice Award: Critics' Choice Television Awards: Best Movie. Won 1 DGA Award: Directors Guild of America Awards: Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Miniseries. Also nominated for 5 Emmys, 1 Golden Globe and 2 more Critics' Choice Awards. Plus 18 other awards.
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 43K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
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Selena
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Crossroads Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Rocketman Friday Night FlickAnother music film, and a Friday Night Flick.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Dee Rees
- Queen LatifahBessie Smith
- Mo'NiqueMa Rainey
- Mike EppsRichard
- Tika SumpterLucille
- Michael Kenneth WilliamsJack Gee
- Charles S. DuttonWilliam 'Pa' Rainey
- Bryan GreenbergJohn Hammond
- Oliver PlattCarl Van Vechten
- Khandi AlexanderViola
- Tory KittlesClarence