Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Fueled by an impeccable, energetic performance from Boseman and an ever powerful Davis, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is a moving (and slightly disturbing) drama. The scope of this movie is so extensive that it doesn't quite fit into the limited setting of a single recording session. Even so, it keenly explores racism and how African-Americans simultaneously revolutionized and were marginalized by the music industry of the early Twentieth Century.

Fantastic cast and performance.

It dragged a bit, but I did not care. The acting, shot composition, soundtrack, and flawless historical accuracy VASTLY made up for it. 95/100.

George C. Wolfe brings one fateful afternoon to the screen in this Oscar-winning drama. Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' tells the story of a humid afternoon in 1920s Chicago. The film marks Chadwick Boseman's final on-screen performance before his death in August 2020. 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' features sensational performances from its entire cast that consists of the likes of Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman and Glynn Turman. When the backing singers for the esteemed blues singer Ma Rainey (Viola Davis) arrive at a Chicago recording studio, they share stories and ideas as they wait for her to arrive. When Ma Rainey finally arrives, tensions rise as equipment failures, harrowing stories and conceited trumpeters disrupt their recording. But when the recording ends, what happens next will change the course of everyone's lives forever. Viola Davis gives a sensational performance in the titular role, portraying the so-called 'mother of the blues'. Her Oscar nomination for leading actress takes her total amount of Academy Award nominations to a record-breaking four. Chadwick Boseman stars opposite Davis as the hubristic trumpet player Levee Green. Boseman's performance is emotionally raw and full of overconfidence. Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman and Michael Potts all give great performances throughout the 94 minutes. The costumes in the film are gorgeous and incredibly detailed, so it's no surprise Ann Roth received an array of accolades for her part in making the film. The hair and makeup department do a sensational job with every character's look; the attention to detail is remarkable. When it comes to Viola Davis' wig, Ann Roth and Mia Neal, for accuracy and authenticity, decided to hand-make Ma Rainey's wig from horsehair. Even though the characters looked incredible, 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' can't help but drag itself to its closing credits. The fact it was all predominantly contained in two rooms didn't help either. Not even the magnificent talent heading the film can save it from becoming a mundane near-waste of time. Considering the film is about the mother of blues and her band, viewers will be surprised to learn that 90% of the film is just rage-fuelled monologues or over the top reactions - there's hardly any singing. However, the film does bring up issues that relate to when the film is set. Themes like racism and the LGBTQ+ community as Taylour Paige plays Ma Rainey's younger lover Dussie Mae. It shows how Ma Rainey and other BIPOC were used simply because of their talent and the profit they could provide people. At the end of the film, it's addressed when Levee's original song is sung and recorded by a group of white men instead of Levee himself. If you want to learn more about women who don't give in to a racist, sexist patriarchy, then you should be watching 'Selena'. But if you're enamoured by Viola Davis' talent, then you should watch 'Fences' or 'The Help. Both of these films allow Davis to show off her never-ending talents. 'Fences' also stars producer Denzel Washington opposite Davis. In conclusion, George C. Wolfe's adaptation of the August Wilson play is a mixed bag. While the performances and appearances may be spectacular, the story can't help but feel stodgy and slow.

It's a real shame that in this day and age movies use lip syncing that looks atrociousy fake takes a lot away from a good movie

boring and without sense

The make or break of the movie was the cast and there all fantastic with Chadwick Boseman as the highlight, allowing it to be a fantastic watch.

A stellar film that takes place during one of Ma Rainy's most troublesome recordings, the music is wonderful, the production is great and the late Chadwick Boseman proves what a true talent he was, serving as a triumphant final performance.

The best acting performance from Chadwick Boseman! With the best movie costumes ever designed!

The movie is basically a day in the life of this band where everything goes wrong. The first & only part of this movie that caught my attention { Spoiler } is when the old guy got stabbed & that's what, 10 minutes before the movie ends. This movie feels short even though it's almost 2 hours long, It's good if you just want to pass the time but that's it.