Bessie · LeviOsa

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Bessie · LeviOsa

Bessie key art

2015·16

Survival began with a song

DramaMusicTV Movie1h 47m

🍅91%

🍅

91%

Tomatometer

🍿

68%

Popcornmeter

6.4

TMDB

Storyline

The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.

Trailers

2 videos

Bessie trailer thumbnail

Bessie: Trailer (HBO Films)

Bessie: Trailer (HBO Films)

Bessie: Trailer (HBO Films)

Details

DirectorDee Rees

ReleasedMay 16, 2015

StatusReleased

Original languageEnglish

Budget

Not disclosed

Revenue

Not disclosed

Parental guide16DE

Studios

The Zanuck CompanyFlavor Unit Entertainment

HBO Films

Cast

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah

Bessie Smith

Mo'Nique

Mo'Nique

Ma Rainey

Mike Epps

Mike Epps

Richard

Tika Sumpter

Tika Sumpter

Lucille

Michael Kenneth Williams

Michael Kenneth Williams

Jack Gee

Charles S. Dutton

Charles S. Dutton

William 'Pa' Rainey

Bryan Greenberg

Bryan Greenberg

John Hammond

Oliver Platt

Oliver Platt

Carl Van Vechten

Khandi Alexander

Khandi Alexander

Viola

Tory Kittles

Tory Kittles

Clarence

Kamryn Johnson

Young Bessie

Rikki McKinney

Chorus Guy

Where to watch(NG)

Stream

HBO Max Amazon Channel

HBO Max

Rent / Buy

Amazon Video

Apple TV Store

Google Play Movies

YouTube

Fandango At Home

Reviews

8 reviews · 7 critics

6 fresh · 1 rotten

Critics consensus

“Strong performances, led by Queen Latifah, overpower a middling script in the entertaining and informative Bessie.”

91% TomatometerRotten Tomatoes

G

Gabrielle Rivera

RTAutostraddleAug 12, 2021

Queen Latifah ever so capably maneuvers Bessie from any sort of static strong-Black-woman archetype and weaves a palpable vulnerability, an ache for love, into her portrayal and it's glorious.

N

Neil Genzlinger

RTNew York TimesDec 3, 2015

Bessie shows us an assortment of moments from that life but doesn't really make us feel it, despite Queen Latifah's best efforts.

V

Verne Gay

RTNewsdayDec 3, 2015

Well-made biopic absent a whole lot of music and -- as a result -- much emotional resonance.

M

Michael Cuby

RTthem.Sep 26, 2022

Bessie is a biopic worthy of its subject.

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More trailers on YouTube

Information

Title

Bessie

Released

May 16, 2015

Rated

16

Region of Origin

United States of America

Original Audio

English

Runtime

1h 47m

Status

Released

Studios

The Zanuck Company, Flavor Unit Entertainment

American Son