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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

Tensions rise when the trailblazing Mother of the Blues and her band gather at a Chicago recording studio in 1927. Adapted from August Wilson's play....

✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Drama, Music cinema, then Ma Rainey's Black Bottom offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2020 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Drama films
Fans of Music films

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020), audiences are invited back into the world of Drama, Music. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Tensions rise when the trailblazing Mother of the Blues and her band gather at a Chicago recording studio in 1927. Adapted from August Wilson's play."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Viola Davis does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Ma Rainey's Black Bottom worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, Music films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 94 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.

⏳ Time Investment

94MIN

At approximately 1.6 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.