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64% Critic Match
Bessie
“Survival began with a song”
6.4 / 10• 2015• 1h 47m•NR• English
DramaMusicTV Movie
Storyline
The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.
Cast & Crew
Queen Latifah
Bessie Smith
Lead
Mo'Nique
Ma Rainey
Mike Epps
Richard
Tika Sumpter
Lucille
Michael Kenneth Williams
Jack Gee
Charles S. Dutton
William 'Pa' Rainey
Bryan Greenberg
John Hammond
Oliver Platt
Carl Van Vechten
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Dee Rees's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. Bessie is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
