Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker (1987) movie backdrop
Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker (1987) movie poster
198790 minDocumentary, History, Music

Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker

Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 7.0/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Documentary, History, Music genre.

Is Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies.

It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.

7.01 votes
90Minutes
1987Release Year
Advertisement

Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker Review

Last updated: January 10, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 1987, Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on The story of Josephine Baker takes us on a fascinating tour of 20th-century race relations on both sides of the Atlantic, yet it leads to no conclusion, and black girls in search of a role-model tend to look elsewhere. Under the direction of Christopher Ralling, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Todd Olivier, Josephine Baker. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.

🎥 Technical Mastery & Style

From a technical standpoint, Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.

🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context

Beyond the narrative, Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker resonates with current cultural themes in the Documentary space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.

📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info

As of January 2026, Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.

📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown

The plot of Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker centers on a unique premise within the Documentary landscape. The story of Josephine Baker takes us on a fascinating tour of 20th-century race relations on both sides of the Atlantic, yet it leads to no conclusion, and black girls in search of a role-model tend to look elsewhere. Part of her appeal is her startlingly unique appearance. Simply nobody has ever looked or acted like her. She fits no black stereotype. Nor does she look like any recognizable strain of Afro-American. I'd always heard she was half-white, but it seems that her paternity is unknown, and her contradictory claims on the subject don't do much to enlighten us. (We are tempted to imagine quite an exotic mix.) Her origins in sharply-segregated St. Louis, where she is said to have witnessed a lynching, do not seem to have left her embittered. Perhaps she had too much to give. There is a special innocence about that smile, and when she performs her cross-eyed gag, we are lifted into a strange pixie-world, all its own. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1987 cinema will find fairly predictable.

💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential

The ending of Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.

📝 Final Editorial Verdict

Final verdict for Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker (1987): with an audience rating of 7/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Documentary, History, Music cinema who appreciate attention to detail.

Cast of Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker

  • Todd Olivier – Narrator
  • Josephine Baker – Self (Archival Footage)

Top Highlights

Todd Olivier
Todd OlivierNarrator
Josephine Baker
Josephine BakerSelf (Archival Footage)

Parents Guide & Age Rating

Not Rated
Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker has not been officially rated yet.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker movie hit or flop?

Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Documentary, History, Music movies.

Is Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker worth watching?

Yes, Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Documentary, History, Music cinema.

What genre is Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker?

Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker is a Documentary, History, Music movie that The story of Josephine Baker takes us on a fascinating tour of 20th-century race relations on both sides of the Atlantic, yet it leads to no conclusio...

You Might Also Like

Explore More Verdicts

Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.0
Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/chasing-a-rainbow-the-life-of-josephine-baker-333351" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 7.0</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Chasing a Rainbow: The Life of Josephine Baker</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

Critic Reviews

No reviews found for this filter.