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IMDb rating 6.9
Critic rating Average critic rating
Critic rating 7.6

Reviews

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Critic Odie Henderson
rated 8

Davis, in her most grandiose cinematic role, relishes the opportunity to be difficult, self-assured and dominant.

Read full review at Roger Ebert
Critic Amon Warmann
rated 8

...Davis completely disappears into her larger-than-life character.

Read full review at Empire
Critic Mark Kermode
rated 6

Sterling music, production design and costume work from Branford Marsalis, Mark Ricker and Ann Roth respectively add to a classy package...

Read full review at The Guardian
Critic Kate Stables
rated 8

It’s a worthy capper to Boseman’s career, another role that brings Black history in from the margins...

Read full review at Gamesradar
Critic Roger Moore
rated 8

...director George C. Wolfe and stars Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman more than do justice to August Wilson’s most approachable, entertaining play.

Read full review at Movie Nation
Critic Leah Greenblatt
rated 7

If Davis hadn't already taken home Oscar gold so recently, she'd almost certainly claim another prize here for the raw transformative verve of her performance; it's more than possible she still might.

Read full review at Entertainment Weekly
Critic Peter Bradshaw
rated 8

This is Boseman’s final appearance on screen, and what a glorious performance to go out on.

Read full review at The Guardian
Critic Richard Roeper
rated 10

Chadwick Boseman’s last and best work in a perfectly constructed period piece.

Read full review at Chicago Sun Times

Cast & Crew

George C. Wolfe
Director
Viola Davis
As Ma Rainey
Glynn Turman
As Toledo
Colman Domingo
As Cutler
Jonny Coyne
As Sturdyvant
Joshua Harto
As Policeman

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ma Rainey's Black Bottom about? Toggle content

"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" is a powerful drama that takes place in Chicago in 1927. The movie follows a recording session of the famous blues singer Ma Rainey and her band, during which tensions rise between Ma and her white management. The film explores themes of race, ambition, and the struggles of black artists in a white-dominated industry. With a talented cast, including Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" is a gripping and emotional portrayal of the African American experience. Based on Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson's play, the movie is a must-see for anyone interested in music, history, or the struggles of marginalized communities.

Where can I stream Ma Rainey's Black Bottom? Toggle content

You can stream Ma Rainey's Black Bottom on:

What movies are similar to Ma Rainey's Black Bottom? Toggle content

Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as Ma Rainey's Black Bottom include Forever My Girl, Priscilla, Maestro, CODA, Bob Marley: One Love, La La Land.