Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)

Updated: May 23

R | 1h 34min | 8/10 | #Drama #Music

Parental Rating: R (Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.)

➱ STORYLINE:

"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" (2020) focuses on a day in the life of Ma Rainey, one of the first significant African American blues singers, during a recording session in 1920s Chicago. Tensions rise between Ma Rainey, her ambitious horn player Levee, and the white management determined to control the uncontrollable "Mother of the Blues." Beyond the music, the film uncovers the personal and professional conflicts that musicians face, addressing themes of race, art, and the exploitation of Black artists by white producers. It's a powerful narrative that underscores the importance of cultural heritage and the struggle for recognition and respect.

➱ STAFF REVIEW:

George C. Wolfe's adaptation of August Wilson's play is a masterclass in storytelling and performance. Viola Davis transforms into Ma Rainey, embodying the blues legend with a commanding presence that's both fierce and vulnerable. Chadwick Boseman delivers a career-defining performance as Levee, capturing the young musician's ambition and desperation in a role that serves as a poignant farewell to an incredible talent. The film's direction, coupled with its rich, dialogue-driven screenplay, brings the intensity of live theater to the screen, offering a moving tribute to the characters' dreams and disappointments. "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" is not just a film about music but a profound exploration of the African American experience in the early 20th century.

➱ CREDITS:

Director: George C. Wolfe

Written by: Ruben Santiago-Hudson

Starring:

- Viola Davis as Ma Rainey

- Chadwick Boseman as Levee

- Glynn Turman as Toledo

- Colman Domingo as Cutler

- Michael Potts as Slow Drag

Produced by:

- Denzel Washington

- Todd Black