Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Ending Explained

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Ending Explained
#MaRaineyBlackBottom #chadwickboseman #EndingExplained
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[@Sassycat757]

When Chadwick was angry with God, that was a spiritual journey. He was outstanding.

[@thegodblogger3812]

YES, HE ASKED MANY OF THE SAME QUESTIONS THAT PLAGUE ME

[@lumiere7216]

@@thegodblogger3812 I'm sour he did. But sometimes Gd only puts ppl in our lives for a short amount of time

[@josephmora5230]

I'm pretty sure he was letting out his frustration on his status of being sick in real life. The moment felt real through the TV screen.

[@lynndavist]

Sassy cat. That was so sad

[@goldengirl7625]

Uh...sure

[@deidreperry6493]

There were a lot of lessons taught in this movie. Some interesting perspectives I picked up in this movie were 1.Levee tried to upstage Ma Rainey at the beginning while performing on stage. He busted out with his own horn solo which was not approved by Ma Rainey( pride and coveting the spotlight ). Was his arrangement good? Yes it was! Nevertheless, that was not his time to be in the spotlight; it was hers. He was not the leader of the group, she was. Therefore he was wrong for that. 2. When the band was at the studio, waiting for Ma Rainey to show up, the older band members tried to show Levee the error of his ways. They tried to tell him the best way they could, but he wouldn’t listen because he was focused on what he wanted to do ( present his own music and make a name for himself) . Nothing wrong with that in general, but he was in the wrong space at the wrong time trying to do it. That’s one of the main reasons there was so much conflict there. There is no “Levee’s version “ of the song or “ the original version” of the song when Ma,, the song writer ,was not consulted about it, nor did she approve any changes. And Ma Rainey already instructed them on what to do. There is only the version that she wrote and approved. She had a specific genre and sound she wanted to make. 3. He flirted with and had sex with Ma Rainey partner. Self explanatory. 4. When Ma Rainey told Levee to his face amongst witnesses that this was her recording and the music that she gave them to play was going on the recording, he was nasty, arrogant and prideful in his response to her authority. He kept going back and forth with her. She skillfully wielded her authority and he cooled off. 5 ) It’s one thing to have talent , and it’s something totally different to understand business. Levee was talented, but didn’t understand the business. She knew all to well they were shady, but knew her worth and value. She had a foliowing . Her music was already known and played in the public before she recorded. The Record company couldn’t steal her stuff because it was already out there. She could make demands because she was proven. She could make ultimatums and threaten to walk , and the Record label had to come through with their end of the deal . She was as shrewd as they were. Levee , on the other had was not. His pride and arrogance blinded him and left him lacking. Had he not been so prideful, and respected her , things would have went a different route for him. He could have learned some things from her about how to do business in a crooked business and come out with something. He just GAVE Sturdyvant his music to look at and expected him to be honest and fair. He incorrectly assumed , once again , that because he was a talented musician and wrote good songs he would automatically get compensation for what he thought he was worth. And , once again, he thought wrong. This time, he actually got taken advantage of . But did he lash out at the one who actually messed him over? Nope . Ma Rainey And the band members was telling him right the whole time , and all he did was argue back and forth,be stubborn, resistant, petty and wouldn’t listen. When the white man is the one who actually did him wrong , he kept silent. He vented all his pinned up frustration and rage on those who were on his side. He even killed an old man band member who accidentally stepped on his shoe. He self destructed. Levee was a very troubled young man who was a talented horn player. Unfortunately, his pent up rage, hurt, misplaced anger, unforgiveness , and lack of understanding fueled by pride , lead him to a destructive path that ended in him murdering an innocent person. What I got out of this movie was more that just how musicians get taken advantage of. I got out of it that there are a lot of times, people are destroyed from within , but just don’t see it.

[@MoviesVibes]

Supeeer

[@donnacee4028]

Brava!!! Exactly!!😊😊

[@demenace491]

A good explanation!!

[@peacesetordzie2520]

Excellent review! Love it😍😍🤩🤩🤩😄👌

[@simreteselassie6387]

As an elder and a person who has been in the business end of the music for decades... I've seen this happen over & over again, even in the present. I've seen artists with massive talent go down the tubes and even die because of pride & ego, men & women alike. It's so heart breaking especially if you are close to them. I'm kinda happy I'm retired now but those memories are still there. We are damned if we do and damned if we don't. I implore todays musicians to drop the pride and ego, put it aside and learn the business end of the industry... Please, it's so necessary for your advancement in this industry.🎶🎤💖

[@medfeedsnews2070]

This movie was stunning the last shot is haunting the anger is necessary and the characters are too real

[@christopherayettey4390]

Anger is necessary?

[@siriuslyspeaking9720]

@@christopherayettey4390 But this was misplaced anger. Wilson's plays can be difficult to watch - at least for me. I think Wilson wanted us to learn something from his plays. One of the most valuable lessons I see in this play is the self destructive nature of misplaced anger.

[@thegamblingoon8189]

@@siriuslyspeaking9720 mmmmmm👏🏼

[@RestlessRizz]

@@christopherayettey4390 context

[@christopherayettey4390]

I just watched this movie 2days ago Everything was magnificent The acting from all actors was on point But one thing I won't agree with was the sob story Chadwick bossman broke into for no reason.... Just jumped into the sad story about his mum trying to win sympathy from "*us" Nope Wrong timing And honestly don't care

[@waqarmasood6252]

That wasn't enough for me and that man stole levees songs were the saddest and it's still happening today after all these years😭

[@sayitloudblcknproud]

It was very heartbreaking but so realistic.

[@Jackson-mi3dr]

And no wonder Studyvant didn’t wanna record those songs, that recording session was the most unseasoned shit I’ve ever heard. Undoubtedly nowhere near as intricate as Levee imagined it.

[@madluv6789]

@@Jackson-mi3dr You do realize you're talking about the 1920's technology. Levee's tempo was more up beat and a different style. Unseasoned you say. They called her "Ma" cause she was the originator of that genre of music- blues and it was very popular for it's time. Studyvant took advantage of them both. He lied to Levee and they both new it. There were a lot of songs written and covered by so-called "white" artists because people like Studyvant didn't believe that Levee would be acceptable to "white" audiences. This is racism.

[@804smiles]

Yeah that whole $5 shit pissed me off hard! Then the white band at the end really sent me

[@Jackson-mi3dr]

@@madluv6789 that’s what I’m saying too. Levee’s version was probably a lot better, but we never got to hear it. Studyvant took it, repurposed it for his white musicians and it sounded extremely bland. Fucked up.

[@neighborhood9533]

I loved this movie..all day I been in my head like “a one...a two.. a you know what to doooo” 😂😂😂😂

[@kanikasavoy91]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@charoleherring5118]

😁🤣🤣🤣🤣🤭

[@chenemc8953]

😂😂😂😂

[@yungggiraffe]

No one: All of the replies yet 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@VictoriaLove]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@jungleboy8504]

Chadwick acting was so compelling i was in awe when he told the story of his mother

[@rasheemthebestfirstone3274]

Facts that part took my attention

[@amandanabors7889]

Many dynamics in this movie, PTSD was definitely part of Levey many demons. He was very troubled, damaged and not willing to listen to anyone but himself. Sad story but true, real very raw😐

[@brandonbetts7569]

Toledo deserved better than that shit. Bruh 😒💔💔💔

[@brandonbetts7569]

@DeAnthony Raynor just trying to do his job and go home

[@SeeSetJaeMiirTv]

@@brandonbetts7569 you mean slow drag muttin chop ass wanted to do the set & get back home

[@brandonbetts7569]

@@SeeSetJaeMiirTv him too but Toledo was walking out to go when levee stabbed him

[@SR77736]

Such a sad scene.

[@sherenay3109]

Yeah, that scene really messed me up. It makes it hard for me to watch the movie again.

[@Hottie995]

The ending is sad and still goes on today.. A black man killing another black man instead of the white man that did him dirty.

[@shipvids7057]

How about people in general don’t kill anyone?

[@Hottie995]

@@shipvids7057 how about you worry about you

[@shipvids7057]

@@Hottie995 I am worrying about me, and millions of other people.

[@Hottie995]

@@shipvids7057 this ain’t the place to do it sweetheart. I said what I said based off the movie.. You just worry about the suicide rate going up... That’s what you should focus on instead of people giving opinion about a movie

[@monmorelord6368]

@@Hottie995 shipvids is entitled to give an opinion as much as you rather than you dictating what he/she can and cant say ...height of ignorance

[@alpe1987]

That scene at 4:23 was something that stood out for me. Chadwick wasn’t just doing the scene as written. He was living the scene both on and off the screen.

[@michaelmaps2004]

i felt that too

[@lottawoman4ever]

This movie had far deeper meaning than this weak narrative offers.

[@elstonngunn4193]

Eh he kept it brief don’t need an hour long analysis of the movie, if u need an hour to do an analysis the movie wasn’t long enough

[@343ralph9]

Yes ma’am. This was epic

[@804smiles]

I'm not even goin hold u i shed a tear or 2 watching the proformance Chadwick Boseman gave as his last performance too smdh the part of him yelling at God gave me chills 💯

[@muhammadwaqarmasood5862]

Chad wick give the best best performance of his life miss you legend

[@ladygemini5967]

But when he started blasphemy I started praying I was deeply disturbed

[@cosmicthoughts7498]

BEST PERFORMANCE #FUCKgod&whiteJesus

[@dedrachambers8722]

@@ladygemini5967 YES, that got to me Too. I know during the filming of this movie he was VERY SICK. Sadly, his CHARACTER was an Atheist. In TRUE LIFE Chadwick Believed in GOD. Most Definitely; his Brother said, he PRAYED often and I do Believe he made his PEACE with GOD. Me personally, I couldn't have even played this role saying those blasphemous WORDS. I Hate he took the role.

[@rasheemthebestfirstone3274]

Facts 💯 especially the scene talking about what happened to his mom, it was pure art

[@eddiern]

The entire film was a masterpiece. So many emotions felt in one movie.

[@josephacoolkid8240]

Crazy to think this was Chadwicks last movie

[@alexisjesus-baby305]

not really he did blaspheme God

[@kaliaw6091]

Chadwick has the best performances ever 😭 We miss you king!

[@NC-xt7ie]

His last movie and he killed it💯‼️

[@unpluggedsongs3582]

Chadwick and Viola along with the rest of the cast BLEW IT OUT OF THE WATER!👏👏👏👏👏👏🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉👍👍👍👍. BEST MOVIE OF NETFLIX'S 2020 YEAR!

[@wesgriffin6081]

I knew Levee was dangerous after he had that fight with Cutler. And his disdain and profanity towards God made me cringe..very uncomfortable to even hear someone speak. They say CHadwick broke down and cried after the production because it took a lot to speak that way to and about God....and even more so....when you don't really feel that way about God. From a viewer's point, Nobody could have guessed that he was also fighting a battle with cancer throughout this performance. If ANYBODY deserves the Oscar, Chadwick does. And so does Viola Davis.

[@rasheemthebestfirstone3274]

For real I didn’t even know it was his last movie, I would’ve watched it fast. Pure art in this👏💯🔥 rip Chadwick

[@gilbertblaze]

Reading the comments everyone is entitled to their opinion, now all the criticism about this movie not being more detailed about Ma Rainey’s Life.... this film is based on the PLAY and in this play it’s exactly what you’re seeing in the film. Take the time and read about the play and then you’re understand why the film is like it is. THANK YOU.......

[@ariadiamond2274]

Thank you! Some people are too slow or they just can't understand.... Smh

[@gilbertblaze]

@@ariadiamond2274 tell me about it lol This film is brilliant and it does The Play Justice

[@ariadiamond2274]

@@gilbertblaze Exactly. I enjoyed it.

[@yerrellmoore1181]

Thank you!! Some of these people don’t even know it’s a play and are saying they stayed in the same place the whole time, or it moved to fast at the end

[@doubtingthomas1777]

This movie was pretty long and drawn out. For the casual viewer, they're not going to want to see the play first before the movie. Especially the way netflix had advertised it! I expected this movie to be about Ma Rainey, and was sadly disappointed... Coming from someone who really loves Chadwick and Viola!

[@Ty-ec6cn]

In Loveing Memory of Ma Rainey💕🕊 (1886-1939) Momma of Blues!

[@nishashawn2021]

Another point ... its symbolic of the black community as a whole. The differences of the black woman and the black man.... the black man has the talent and know how to succeed, but not the level headedness of the black woman. And are often seen as child like and incapable of handling business. Black men end up in jail, losing out on life because of emotional decisions. Black women who end up in leadership roles, are seen as hard, emotionless, but "strong" and resilient. Black women understand the great need to be cunning, strategic, while moving in between black and white spaces.

[@wimadix]

Or think about the willie lynch letter. They would rather see a black woman in power, than a black man.

[@reneemabrey5420]

Ma was also older, wiser, and more experienced than Levee. She knew how to play the record executive, the record executive was playing Levee the whole time.

[@nehemiah5220]

Black women have to be strong due to the lack of black men leadership and working together. Thats the main problem that the older man one of the bandmates was talking about , "we". But they didnt listen to him.

[@kevinramjattan38]

A lot of persons in the comments are missing a main point, yes Levee was robbed and cheated, but he didn't have to kill anyone Toledo or the white man. What Cutler says sums it up for me "A fool is responsible for what happened to him. A fool caused it to happen."

[@mannybruce8950]

There are more that is involved in the circumstances of events then just saying that he is a fool . His traumatizing experiences as a child had a lot to do with his anger and behavior . Him knowing that he needs to make the white society pay for his pain but yet feeling bottled up and intimidated in targeting the very people responsible for that pain , so instead he developed a don't care attitude and the belief that he got it all figured out and is in control when really he was out of control which resulted in him lashing out at the wrong target .

[@brittbella6573]

I’ll be honest. I expected this to be a shallow analysis and it was. You brushed over Levee’s trauma, rage, powerlessness and humiliation. That’s the context in which he stabbed Toledo. Those things are integral to the soul of his character and deserved a better analysis. Levee wasn’t just arrogance and ambition gone awry as you described him. He was a broken black man.

[@reneemabrey5420]

When Levee broke open the door and it led to a nowhere but a high brick wall was also symbolic. This showed the lack of opportunities available to him and all African Americans.

[@Redd91ful]

@@reneemabrey5420 ‼️‼️

[@RADIA-w9e]

ABSOLUTELY

[@angiebaby834]

@@reneemabrey5420 That space made me think of a prison cell.

[@jaebyrd4608]

@@reneemabrey5420 I think it also showed how black people work hard to break down barriers only to learn there is nothing on the other side except for more barriers. Levee spent the entire movie repeatedly hitting the door but it did not open until he rammed it and when it did open there was nothing but brick walls and the room itself was located underneath the street (ie. under the feet of others). That is a visual representation of levees persistence that he was going to make it big and the white man was going to help him, but in the end we see that his ruthless ambition left him under the foot of the white man both literally and figuratively. He was begging the white man that he thought would help him for a shot meanwhile the white man offered him 5$ to get him out of his face basically telling him to kiss his a$$. Levee swore he had experience with white men and knew how they worked yet he still allowed himself to be played. He put more trust in the white man than he put in his black band members who were trying to look out for him. Ironic when you think about it because it says a lot about black psychology that a group of white men came in his home; r@ped his mama, stabbed him, took his land and kill his father and he STILL believed that one of them would help him out of his situation. He was willing to backstab and literally stab his own people to prove his worthiness to someone who used him for profit then gave his his a$$ to kiss as he walked away with all of the rights to levees music. Levee will likely never be free mentally or physically after killing Toledo but the white man who stole his music will carry on with his life just like the ones who killed his father and r@ped his mother.

[@blewis760]

What I think is missed by some of you making is that this is adapted from August Wilson's play!! It's not per se a movie about Ma Rainey herself ( which I would love to see by the way) A lot of play are shorter than movies and usually center around 1 or 2 scenes or places.

[@JoiaInATL]

Y’all do know this was a play, right? An award winning play that is just now being made into a movie. Great job August Wilson, Excellent adaptation George C. Wolfe

[@artisticagi]

That should have been in the opening credits but maybe people didn’t pay attention

[@lisacox3750]

@@artisticagi The play has been around for over 30 years and has always been called Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. I think Netflix assumed most people understood this was the adaptation of the play. I don’t remember people having to explain the movies Dreamgirls or The Wiz. They were plays first too.

[@AntoineDennison]

This was an interesting story, it really spelled out a brutal reality of intraracial relations. Blacks realize that if they are to advance in western society, that we must curry the favor of the dominant (white) culture. However, our blackness is an obstacle in that pursuit, so when we fail to advance because of our race, we begin to resent it, and that resentment becomes hatred, of ourselves and others like us. Having said that, Levee doesn’t resent Ma Rainey for her chastisements, she is a stepping stone, in his view, and not an impediment to where he wants to be in life. In fact, she is most likely something of an inspiration, as Levee constantly compares the way Ma does things to the way he thinks they would be done. Levee admires Ma, wants what Ma has (Dussie Mae) but ultimately seeks to surpass her. Whereas Toledo, although he represents no threat to Levee’s ambition, is a hostile adversary in the abstract. Old, and contented in his unremarkable life, Toledo and the other band members are what Levee fears to become and he hates them for reminding him that they are his reflection. It all comes to a head when Levee fails to negotiate a deal with the producer, that was the moment when the self-loathing boiled over, although Levee would never have attacked the white man who shunned him because that man still represents hope and the key to all of his worldly aspirations, whereas Toledo is the embodiment of everything Levee sees as what’s holding him back, the cause of his stagnation. At that moment that Levee kills Toledo, he feels relief and his first response is to ask for understanding from the witnesses rather than express any sense of remorse.

[@mabelcorn2798]

U hit the nail on the head

[@JhuntdaProdigy]

Did a better job than the writer for the video

[@geminijewelz93]

Must watch. Wakanda forever!! One last bow, one last breath taking chills of Chadwick's final performance, will truly send emotional shivers down your spine. You can feel the intense emotion in his character, Levee. You're immediately hooked to his character, charm, upbeat "I want it, I want know" attitude. I felt his emotional performance, during a scene where his character Levee, shares the horrors that he witnessed as a child. Meanwhile here comes the force of nature, Viola Davis as The Mother of Blues herself, Ma Rainey. I can honestly say I never seen such a magnificent well executed performance delivered like this before. Now don't get me wrong, Viola Davis is one of the many talented actors, on stage, and on screen. Yet I never heard her sing before, so I was blown away by the voice the soul the emotion, the way Viola/Rainey demanded respect. Truly an outstanding performance. #ViolaDavis #chadwickboseman #netflix #MaRaineysBlackBottom

[@generalinformation3507]

Some films are subjective, everybody has their own interpretation or opinion. My interpretation was this is what so-called black on black crime looks like. He wanted to slide that knife into that producer but he knew that if he did he would most likely be killed by the justice system. So he put the knife into somebody who he knew he would not get murdered for doing it. The black lives matter movement was not only talkin to white people it was also talking to us

[@elstonngunn4193]

Best interpretation here, a lot of ppl I have seen are shutting white ppl down saying their opinions don’t have value and it’s bizarre to end racism each race has to play a part

[@generalinformation3507]

@@elstonngunn4193 but do you honestly think that racism can be ended? A country born on racism, a country that the races have never been together. If we truly are to believe that America one day would not see race is Pure Fantasy. But if that fantasy was too indeed come true black people would have no role in this, the powers-that-be are the ones who perpetuate this schism. We weren't the ones chasing cops around Washington. My opinion this Republic will fall, because you cannot sustain a society with a permanent underclass

[@elstonngunn4193]

@@generalinformation3507 racism can’t be ended but u can still try saying nothing will change is pessimistic it’s has gotten better over the last 50 years ppl care and most likely as the older generation goes it’ll most likely go down it won’t get rid of it but it’s ridiculous like it’s fucking skin colour

[@simply.morgan7211]

Actully is was talking to niether. It was always about cops. Didn’t matter what race

[@generalinformation3507]

@@elstonngunn4193 I guess you are talkin about fantasy, it hasn't gotten better over the last 50 years, only the laws have changed, the attitudes haven't. Again for this so-called fantasy to come true you have to talk to white people and find out why they're so angry when they had all the advantages, the rules were made for them, the laws were made for them. A lot of the capital terrorist was set free by judges, it took a federal judge from Washington to say wait these people belong in prison while they await their trial. Kalief Browder was on Rikers Island for 3 years for allegedly stealing a backpack. again it's not in our hands

[@LisaMarie51968]

People it was just a part of a studio session, not her entire life. I found it amazing and a snippet of how they stole from her! That’s how they treated black folk back in the day! She was robbed and obviously, most of you are clueless to acting perfection!

[@kedronmarsh1773]

Thank you, I don’t think people are getting that the point of the movie was to capture the recording session of the song. They want to make the movie a biography of her life, that’s not the point people.

[@24LIFE08]

Exactly Queen 👑 I Truly Enjoyed It ♥️

[@MiguelGonzalez-bl5hi]

Ok i see you know something can you tell if levee really killed Toledo?? Like in real life

[@Rhythm973]

It’s literally an adaptation of the play

[@Rhythm973]

@@kedronmarsh1773 it’s a play

[@ceceliasmith5196]

I don’t understand how a white man is explaining the black experience of the 1930’s. And as usual he missing the point. The point Sir is what we today would call trauma. Levee has been dealing with trauma all his life. When Toledo steps on his shoes, he was already angry, he was watching his hopes and dreams go down the drain. All the trauma, all the anger was building. And then for another white man to take his pride and dismiss him? There was no way it wasn’t going to end violently.

[@lumiere7216]

🙏🏾 🙏🏾 🙏🏾 🙏🏾

[@tofferooni4972]

Bruh thats what the guy said in the video, just because he isn't black doesn't mean he didn't get the point of the movie.

[@tarajisama2809]

Before anyone says it made no sense and we wanted to see more of Ma and its should have been her movie. Let me remind you. The title is "Ma Rainey's Black bottom" meaning utd the process or events that happened when they were making the song. Its not about Ma its the events that took place at that specific point in time and if you cant understand that then🤷‍♂️ Yes i know Levee isnt real but he brings meaningful things to the story so even if he wasn't real he was relevant

[@BriannaGibbsLovatictaylorcyrus]

Not you neglecting the fact that it was based of a stage play 🥴🥴🥴

[@kim_fd8938]

Yes u are right

[@spongebob8157]

the band members were real

[@kathylyndsey316]

The last scene between Levi and Toledo really hit hard for me. I know personally and have heard of many a black men that were killed as a result of an argument that broke out due to someone stepping on anothers shoe. These men are often hyper masculine, and misplace their agression onto each other as a means to maintain a sense of power in a society that systematically hampers, undermines, and stops them from reaching their highest potential, goals and ambitions for no other reason than the colour of their skin. Toledo had enough talent to eventually make something of himself but his post traumatic stress (as a result of a racist attack), impatience and wrecklesness, meant that he was unable to better calculate his steps in order to obtain power such as: Never outshine the master, Speak less than is necessary, Make yourself indesposable. The studio bosses for me represented society, and the system that will con, steal, get rich and benefit from black talent and culture (since they often control the network of resources), as well as the ripple effect of their mistreatment. Ma Rainey is mentally fatigued by having to constantly keep her wits about her, yet she understands the system, is savvy and premeditates the steps of the studio bosses. I once worked for a company that sold electrical goods. One day my manager came in and relayed to me that one of his account holders had kept him waiting over 2 hours for an arranged meeting. She happened to be an African lady, and when he called to remind her of the meeting she replied that she was in bed with her husband, he had interrupted them, and he would see her when he saw her, before slamming the phone down. My manager who I always sensed was racist, was very cocky, and so when I asked if he would continue doing business with her? he responded that she spent a lot of money, and he couldn't afford to loose her account. I still chuckle about that to this days as I'm sure she could sense his true character, knew full well why he kissed her ass, and made it known how insignificant he was to her. Now that's power 😅👸🏿

[@nesha50421]

Soooo did Levee get arrested for killing his band member or what?? I wish the movie was longer... I love old time black movies like this... Denzel did a good job though overall...

[@sheritamitchell1036]

I can end it for you... Levee went to prison and listened to his "undesirable " music played by white people for white people, and he received nothing more than incarceration and $5!

[@matthewbreese6246]

That was god striking him down

[@jamir5477]

@@matthewbreese6246 I thought about that too

[@SeeSetJaeMiirTv]

Like the movie Cadillac records when berry Gordy went to jail & Elvis took over that a good comparison

[@VivHairTherapy]

@@matthewbreese6246 No!!! stop blaming God for that white man's wrong doing!! He was cheated and took his anger out on the wrong person. nothing to do with God

[@madluv6789]

I just came here to see if they got it correct. Even after listening and then reading the comments, it's disheartening, the lack of cultural knowledge. The explanation will suffice. Not everything has to be a movie. You wouldn't be satisfied cause there wouldn't be enough time to tell her story. This should be a catalyst to read Mr. Wilson's plays and do research on Ma Rainey herself and those in that time period, as well as, what life was like for our ancestors. When I learned of Bessie Smith I went out and bought an album (many years ago) still have it. I researched her life and what she went through way before Queen Latifah (she was still rapping). Every actor in this adaption was excellent. Glen Turman revised his role in the play. Mr. Wilson is well known for his depictions of the "Black Experience" in America. Get into it.

[@maxbedo9645]

I am glad that you used your time to research, reflect and inspire more learning. I saw this play at the Cort Theater many years ago and it did get me to find this music and see other August Wilson (someone will die) plays.

[@chenemc8953]

This movie needed no explanation. Oscars for the whole cast and directors.🏆🏆🏆

[@sniperflashgaming3868]

😂😂😂

[@djddjejjshdhdndd1396]

Bruhhhh this movie is sickkk idc it's one of the best movies of 2020

[@tbee1575]

Definitely didn’t need an explanation. This was as clear as day.

[@chenemc8953]

🎯💯

[@halo3boy1]

No everyone is bright. Remember that...

[@bingsinatra5283]

Exactly.

[@343ralph9]

Clear as day!!

[@SeeSetJaeMiirTv]

I started Crying At the end for 2 reasons It’s was Chadwick Boseman Last Movie & Bro Really Gone & Toledo That poor old man 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 Excellent Movie ❤️❤️❤️❤️💯💯💯💯😢😭😢

[@patriciaprice7250]

The ending left me wanting more and also reminded me of how a few years ago children were having their Nike shoes stolen and they were beaten up for them. Shoes were a status symbol. Just sad 😢 Plus he lost his hopes, his job, and was over powered with disappointment and anger.

[@augustusbrown5320]

A lot of college 🎓 now from HBCU”s

[@maxgonzalez6950]

Loved the movie, I wish they showed more of Ma and I did wish it was longer. I understand that it was only to watch one studio session but I wanna know more. I won't lie, if there's ever a series (hopefully with the same characters), I WOULD LOVE THAT.

[@raynaudier8622]

Max Gonzalez, a lot of her songs are on youtube : Ma Rainey music - "Deep Moanin' ", "Prove It On Me", "Oh My", "Titanic Man", "Sweet, Rough Man", "Slow Drivin' Moan", "All Night Long", "Easy Rider", "Rough and Tumble", "Last Minute", "Sleep Talkin' ", "Down In The Basement", "Trust No Man", "Don't Fish In My Sea", "Black Eye Blues", "Farewell Daddy", "Night Time Blues", "Shave 'Em Dry", "Cellbound Blues", "Sissy Blues", "Army Camp Blues", "Hustlin' Blues", "Dead Drunk Blues", "Moonshine Blues", "Booze and Blues", "Mountain Jack", "Hellish Rag", "Daddy, Goodbye", "Call Me Anything, But Call Me", "Honey, Where You Been So Long", "SeeSee Rider", "Chain Gang Blues", "Stagga Lee",... (then on to Lucille Bogan music😂😂).

[@maxgonzalez6950]

@@raynaudier8622 yeah I love listening to them, my fam looks at my weird but I can't help it I got an old soul😋😋

[@Coloss1.23]

What I also find unfortunately, is that the white culture finds a black man more threatening than a black woman. They record Ma Rainey’s songs, but the white producers won’t record Levee arrangements. Even Elvis got famous singing songs by black artists. Levee knows that success as a black man is even more difficult, and the door he can’t open at the studio is blocked for a reason. His father was successful and paid the ultimate price for his success. Black Wall Street was burned to the ground during this period, which is shameful.

[@filmtoppings]

Movie: Has a straightforward ending KZbin channel: Posts 10-minute video explaining the ending

[@chenemc8953]

🎯💯

[@texasseen]

I cried so hard. Beautiful tragedy. Phenomenal performances.

[@dretrinity1991]

He did say excuse me! Dang that was my favorite character 😓

[@dretrinity1991]

@TurquoisePurpleSky 17 lol right but you know how guys are over shoes smh

[@aneshaelizabeth]

I just got done watching the movie and I was a little disappointed. I wanted to see more of Ma. I wanted to know why the people at the hotel looked at her strange. Was it because she was openly bi? It focused more on the Levee character than her. What happened with the song was very predictable. If he had no use for the songs, why would he offer to pay him? We know he was giving them to white musicians. I hope we get a movie that is actually about Ma Rainey.

[@zking113]

The thing is this was based off of the play witch isnt totally about ma herself but focused on other things as well and I personally don't think they could make another one of these without Chadwick he was a big part of why this movie was good and yeah you could say he wouldn't be in the next one cause he's in prison for the murder but still

[@nawel2263]

@Army Grl well said

[@myacook7984]

Fr I just watched it I’m confused

[@mattk8708]

Could’ve been a 4 hour miniseries

[@ariadiamond2274]

What's there not to understand? OMG.

[@TheJamaican777]

This movie was god damn brilliant.

[@novaj9812]

Wow I didn’t even pay attention to the fact he stabbed him in the BACK. I understood the part of how we hurt/ “ kill” eachother instead of the real enemy but didn’t even see how intentional the back part was

[@raynaudier8622]

It's a filmed version of an August Wilson play; when they make a movie of a play, they don't (ever; well, rarely) deviate from the material in the play. Their only purpose (filmed plays) is to reach all the people in cities where the play wasn't shown (and/or people who couldn't afford the tickets). "The play is part of August Wilson's 'Pittsburgh Cycle', ten plays, nine of which are set in Pittsburgh's Hill District (the other's set in Chicago), a Black neighborhood that takes on a mythic literary significance; the plays are each set in a different decade, & aim to sketch the Black experience in the 20th century and "raise consciousness through theater", and echo "the poetry in the everyday language of black America". The whole 10-play cycle has been produced at Chicago's Goodman Theatre (1986 - 2007), Denver Center Theatre Company (1990 - 2009), Geva Theatre Center (2007 - 2011), Huntington Theatre Company of Boston, Pittsburgh Public Theater, The Actors' Group, in Honolulu, Hawaii (2004 - 2015), The Black Rep in St. Louis, and the Anthony Theater in New Orleans.

[@MsCocoa75]

She knew that man was a crook but that was the way she had to make a living. So he made thousands from her records paying hundreds. And stole music paid 5$, and made thousands. There are so many aspects to this movie. I loved it.

[@fables4564]

A lot of the writing is such poetry! It’s hard to find film these days where Dialogue is more heavy. Most film these days have medium or small shorts of dialogue.

[@j.m.c.1241]

AND YET WE STILL SEE , FEEL AND GO THROUGH THESE SAME STRUGGLES IN THE 21ST CENTURY WITH NEW FACES SAME TACTICS ! 😷

[@Msleelee9487]

Nobody knew he was dealing with colon cancer at the time such a amazing human style grace class and dignity

[@raynaudier8622]

Ma Rainey music on KZbin - "Deep Moanin' ", "Prove It On Me", "Oh My", "Titanic Man", "Sweet, Rough Man", "Slow Drivin' Moan", "All Night Long", "Easy Rider", "Rough and Tumble", "Last Minute", "Sleep Talkin' ", "Down In The Basement", "Trust No Man", "Don't Fish In My Sea", "Black Eye Blues", "Farewell Daddy", "Night Time Blues", "Shave 'Em Dry", "Cellbound Blues", "Sissy Blues", "Army Camp Blues", "Hustlin' Blues", "Dead Drunk Blues", "Moonshine Blues", "Booze and Blues", "Mountain Jack", "Hellish Rag", "Daddy, Goodbye", "Call Me Anything, But Call Me", "Honey, Where You Been So Long", "SeeSee Rider", "Chain Gang Blues", "Stagga Lee",...

[@preacher_chick]

If you are Black you already understand the ending ✊🏽✊🏾

[@sniperflashgaming3868]

You don't gave to be black to understand it, but it still hit hard and direct.

[@chenemc8953]

It was so soothing to hear Chadwick Boseman sing "...My Jelly Roll....🎶" 🙏💙

[@shebacastro4729]

So many life lessons in this quick movie. We sat there at the end like OMG

[@justwatcher5657]

Extremely interesting and informative. Love music history. Watching this!!!

[@specialk8927]

The white band didn’t even sound good

[@SR77736]

Sure didnt. Unseasoned performance at best.

[@reneemabrey5420]

August Wilson was a brilliant man!

[@sazonsongs]

The hardware needs to be flying. Everyone was terrific in this movie.

[@bigtony1434]

Chadwick was genuinely Oscar-worthy good in this film. I see a nomination in the near future, just watch

[@r.essence9325]

Coome thrroouugh with the comments ❤️ I love every single one!! But yes, iknow it’s based from a play, but i think we agree it deserves more! I would love to see a biographical drama about Ma Rainey!

[@MsCocoa75]

If Viola doesn’t get a Oscar I know something she played Ma Rainey with pure excellence. When we are like this today they call us angry and bitter because I wont let you run over me. It is hot up in here can I get a fan and some Coca Cola LOL!!! Forget I buy my own!! See when you learn the way people are being treated you desire the same but because of what you look like people call you difficult for asking for what you deserve. I cant wait to see what Monique sees in the film.

[@sniperflashgaming3868]

😂😂maybe an Oscar nomination.

[@philstewart345]

3:34 Now I know the origin of violence in the club when someone steps on a fresh pair of Timberland 🥾

[@itsnoahonfire]

Mo'Nique was a more captivating Ma Rainey. I wish she would get out of her own way. No shade to Viola she did her thing.

[@valvacious2793]

Noah - Yes, I wish someone close to Monique would teach her not to bite the hand that feeds you.. or as my mom would say.. 1."Count to 10 before you answer when you are mad...Don't let your mouth write a check your butt can't cash. Some people go to far and you are doing too much"

[@burqawaliaunty7664]

Just watched the movie today really enjoyed it great performances

[@jalalstephens7457]

Levee was also the new younger black people in the 20's moving to cities that wanted success immediately ....

[@lisacox3750]

Exactly....he represented the younger generation compare to the other, older band members used to things being a certain way.

[@freshboimusik313]

If Chadwick doesn't win an Oscar, I'll never watch the Academy Awards again. His performance was fucking Top Tier 🔥

[@clodge5196]

He killed Toledo because he was being passive aggressive

[@briannaburch6737]

I think he also wanted to kill the white man producer because he hadn’t dealt with what happened to his mom by white men so he seeks revenge also he’s a broken man

[@user-nubiangoddess]

Ye I didn't like when chad killed toledo .its like he turned his anger out on him

[@seriesbookman1]

It was an annoying movie, all that time wasted having to watch the boys in the band argue it up, when we could've been watching Ma sing. She's the one who made history and is a legend.

[@sniperflashgaming3868]

We did watch ma sing. Multiple times.

[@dolomonspov5079]

Chadwick should've played as Sam Cooke too.

[@jaylenscott4574]

Yea I think he could’ve pulled a roll off like that too. He was just a damn god actor

[@karrionnsmith]

We really don’t need a white voice narrating the very things we’re still going through today. We just want our dreams to be fulfilled.

[@brianafranklin8686]

Girl shut up 🙄

[@rinewine3729]

*NOT ENOUGH!!!* I was left unsatisfied and still have so many unanswered questions. Who was she? *WHO was Ma Rainey?* Did y'all know she was the 2nd born of 5 children and was married by age 18? What was her childhood like? Who were her parents? How did she start singing? Did she ever have children? How was she discovered and where did she meet her husband? Also...Why every black woman who is portrayed strong got to be shown as a lesbian but in reality was not? They even did it in Bessie including with Madame CJ Walker *sigh* I wanted all the truth and nothing but that and although it was real I did research and Levee turned out not to be a real person just someone's story. And that someone is important, God rest his soul yet, the movie is named Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and Netflix took majority of Ma Rainey out of her own Film (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom) like wth👀

[@deekydan]

You can find documentaries of Ma Rainey on KZbin. She WAS bisexual and so was Bessie Smith. It was called Ma Rainey's Black Bottom because it was an adaptation of the play centered around the recording session. For someone who's done research, you sure have your information all wrong and no, Levee was not a real person.

[@troyvahn2461]

I’m gonna be completely honest we don’t have too much information to give a detailed life story of ma, u’ll notice that a lot of stuff on her is speculation or we hear about her through other famous ppl like Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong and Thomas Dorsey

[@madluv6789]

This play is a speculation regarding a moment during a recording session.

[@rinewine3729]

@@deekydan Clearly, and that's why I stated I need more on her...i'm still left starving of knowledge ): Not only that but as the comment states below there is very very little to go by because not much is known about her unfortunately and *duh* I watched the behind the scenes too as I've already said in my previous post...*I KNOW* Levee wasn't a real person and that sucks too because again I had the impression before I actually watched the *film* that it was genuinely going to be based off of Ma Rainey since the tittle had her name in it. *Not saying Netflix short film wasn't good, it was I, ME personally had HIGH expectations for more* That's all😩

[@rinewine3729]

@@deekydan P.s. Send me those doc Girl don't serve that dish hot without a knife to cut and fork to eat I said *I'm hungry* Lol😂

[@cherylmurray7942]

After Levee's story of knowing how to handle the European, he totally fails to do it.

[@artisticagi]

He failed when he handed those papers to him way in the beginning. Just handed over the answer key

[@missygibson1244]

Hollywood's versions are never very close to what really happened.

[@raynaudier8622]

Missy Gibson, this isn't Hollywood's version; it's not even intended to be our version of reality; it's a filmed version of an August Wilson play. When they shoot the filmed version of a play, they don't deviate from the material in the play. Their only purpose (filmed plays) is to reach all the people in cities where the play wasn't shown (and/or people who couldn't afford the tickets). "The play is part of August Wilson's 'Pittsburgh Cycle', ten plays, nine of which are set in Pittsburgh's Hill District (the other's set in Chicago), a Black neighborhood that takes on a mythic literary significance; the plays are each set in a different decade, & aim to sketch the Black experience in the 20th century and "raise consciousness through theater", and echo "the poetry in the everyday language of black America".

[@baldman2011]

This was a brilliant explanation. I didn't quite get the room behind the door, but I knew it was symbolic to Levee's downfall.

[@TheLoveweaver]

Trying to open doors only to be enclosed with bricks? No where to go. Get it now?

[@baldman2011]

@@TheLoveweaver that's it? LOL

[@ewalker1057]

Ma Rainey is much about the talent of August Wilson. It's a play put to screen. Like Toni Morrison's work it speaks to the Black experience in America. It presents how it affects us and how we handle that experience. Do we approach those who oppress or keep it internal until we let it out against each other? All based around how we have expressed this oppression, the Blues. Excellent presentation. I agree you were placed inside.

[@DiBanzo]

Give Chadwick his Oscar

[@ltetobago]

Sorry, I was expecting more...And this review is dumb, we can clearly see what is explained here..I think we were looking for a movie about Ma Rainey or at least I was

[@antoniochagas701]

It hurts my eyes to read that

[@Rhythm973]

It’s a play

[@ltetobago]

I watched it again tonight and it was a little better..I cam appreciate it more 👍🏽

[@flawedplan]

You were looking for that? You're looking for that, here? What lead you to that conclusion, and why do you think it reflects well on you to say so?

[@transgoddess31]

Me too

[@transgoddess31]

I did not like the movie. It was a whole lot of ideas thrown in with no real point. I am tired of these black struggle movies. We seen 1000 movies like this one. I call these movies black torture porn. It was true but unoriginal. I wanted to know more about Ma. But we literally learn nothing

[@javierm3998]

Thats what I was thinking too, I thought this movie was going to be about music

[@sandrallewellyn2632]

@@javierm3998 it's based on a play. you thought wrong.

[@javierm3998]

@@sandrallewellyn2632 dam sandra you don't gotta be a bitch about it, I know it's based on a play

[@corden84]

The movie was based on the play. Consider reading the play to see what August Wilson intended to portray with these characters. So much to learn if your heart is open ❤️

[@yogaqueen1527]

Yup. The movie was about nothing. It was not good

[@deborahjohnson6720]

Thanks for breaking it down . Mades more since some parts in the movie . I enjoyed watching it. I like to see actions and things from yrs ago history I am 66 yrs old .

[@nesha50421]

I thought Ma was going to find out Levee slept with her girl... but speaking if that Ma look like she can be that girl’s mama.... Ma was sleeping with that young girl?!?!!

[@madluv6789]

Yes she was openly bi-sexual and so was Bessie Smith.

[@brittneyfinch5990]

I'm sure Ma knew that girl was only attracted to her for her money. She saw her flirting and i'm sure it wasn't the first time. The white men wanted her voice. The girl for her riches. She was used all around.

[@specialk8927]

Surprised she didn’t go to jail for that

[@SR77736]

She was probably of legal age. Men sleep with younger.women all the time. The girl was opportunistic.

[@blessingomenazu1038]

This movie was beautifully well done. The anger I felt for the ending with the all white band covering his song.

[@melvinramseur2333]

I didn't like the ending due to the fact it showed cowardness towards the white man and taking anger at your own people, especially when you're brother is trying to help you, fiction or nonfiction, we didn't make it this far by not being TALL

[@danielpeters2501]

You saying you don't like the ending is like saying you don't like the film's ending Correct your statement and say you don't like how he killed the black man That's how it is in real life Don't flaw the movie It wasn't a flaw .....it was reality You don't like that part that's why the movie is a great movie throughout

[@transgoddess31]

@@danielpeters2501 its redundant and over done at this part. Whoa is the black men and women. Victims. How can we break this cycle of this is our role regurgitated to us. No ...dreaming help breaks the cycle. Placing black people in stories of power and respect, instill that sense in young black people I'd rather a story on ancient Africa kingdoms that flourished, like Kemet Then sit through about black victimization movie. Its nothing we haven't saw or experienced already

[@phan643]

I understand the ending I just don't like it. The whole time I kept thinking , " Would you just tell him what this is REALLY about Levee , instead of talking about your shoes. This isn't about your shoes!" I understand why he kills Toledo , and what it represents , still his lack of remorse disturbed me , and at the very end when that bastard producer stole his music...that got to me , it was as real as it gets. I really wanted to like Levee , but his attitude made it so darn difficult , he's arrogant , disrespectful , naive , rude especially to those who share his skin color. He doesn't listen , he's impulsive , he lacks insight , he's emotionally stunted , his one saving grace is that we learn about his painful past and he has amazing talent. I liked Ma better , she was a diva but somehow I found her more lovable than Levee...it's like there's a block with Levee , he won't let others love him , any affection is superficial , he boasts about creating his band and uses that to attract Ma's lady , deep down I think he felt if it weren't for his talent , he would be worthless as a person , whereas Ma is strong either way , she knows her worth and knows how to play the game , and not let the game play her.

[@RamjeProductions]

Thanks for the speech-bot-splaining, I would like to get ten minutes of my life back.

[@kim_fd8938]

I'm watching this movie again I love it

[@roxxylala26]

Damn did you have to show the stabbing more than once. Ouch.

[@tolena1980]

This movie seem to be more about Levey than Ma

[@dedrachambers8722]

The Blasphemous WORDS got to me, I CRINGED. I know during the filming of this movie he was VERY SICK. I do Believe his Illness, his PAIN, and Even his Questions Contributed to his Amazing Performance. Sadly, his CHARACTER was an Atheist. In TRUE LIFE Chadwick Believed in GOD. Most Definitely; his Brother said, he PRAYED often and I do Believe he made his PEACE with GOD. Me personally, I couldn't have even played this role saying those blasphemous WORDS. I Hate he took the role after I watched the Movie. I hope that particular role didn't Contribute to his premature passing.

[@SeeSetJaeMiirTv]

It’s Like The Willie Lynch Letter The Young Nîgga vs The Old Nigga 💯 they Pitt them against each other

[@valvacious2793]

Junie - That is because it happens all the time in real life...The old person has wisdom but the young person can not see it at the time. 1. I remember graduating from college and buying my first car. My father said "lets make a budget and see how much car you can really afford. You do not want to pay a lot of your budget for a car and have no money left to have fun. Get your feet wet first, buy a house, and then think about buying something expensive 2 years from now." 2. I naturally wanted an expensive car like a BMW. My mother said" What type of car does your boss have? Never let your work know what you got. Too much jealousy in the white world." 3. Long story short I got an inexpensive Honda. Some of my friends made jokes about it. 4. Sure enough, I know this black guy at work who purchased a Benz. I told him, it would be better if he just drove his old car to work and keep the Benz in his garage. I heard several white managers make comments and you could tell they were jealous. Well guess who was the first person to get laid off when they had cutbacks. 5. I was glad I listened to Wisdom!

[@denea4418]

🗣WE KNOW ITS THE PLAY! It didn’t transfer well over to film like Fences. The acting was outstanding I’m sure it’s much better seen on stage.

[@transgoddess31]

Exactly

[@doodyc.5462]

Powerful performances I cryed at the end

[@sunfish9341]

i need to watch this again

[@virgochic8415]

I like when Levy says he hasn't had anything but bad luck.

[@kim_fd8938]

This was a good movie

[@theeditors7206]

🚨🚨 I really hope the white folks in All KZbin channels regarding this movie will stop mourning the greatest Mr. Chadwick Boseman. Start paying attention and your respects to this wonderful legendary black singer Ma Rainey. Context dudes & dudettes, context!! 🚨🚨

[@mecdrum7]

They didn’t mention the god thing god didn’t do a damn thing for you. That’s why we have to learn to navigate all good and bad to win good

[@tagereece]

I thought this movie was going to be more about Ma Rainey's life more so than just a afternoon in a recording studio........IJS, but it was ok!!!

[@lashondadevaughn303]

Same..

[@raynaudier8622]

Angie Mac, it's a filmed version of an August Wilson play; when they make a movie of a play, they don't (ever; well, rarely) deviate from the material in the play. Their only purpose (filmed plays) is to reach all the people in cities where the play wasn't shown (and/or people who couldn't afford the tickets).

[@tagereece]

@@raynaudier8622 I knew it derived from the August Wilson play once I started watching it, but when they first started advertising about the movie, from what I saw, it made me think it was about her life not just an afternoon at a recording studio.......but it is what it is. Thanks for responding!!!