Bessie 2015
“Survival began with a song”
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 107 minutes
- Director
- Dee Rees
- Networks
- The Zanuck Company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, HBO Films
- Where to Stream
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max
What is Bessie?
Bessie is a 2015 HBO television film directed by Dee Rees. The movie is about the American blues singer Bessie Smith and focuses on her transformation from a struggling young singer into The Empress of the Blues.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 2015
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 107 minutes
- Release date
- May 16, 2015
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- United States of America
- Studios
- The Zanuck Company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, HBO Films
- Genres
- Drama, Music, TV Movie
- Updated
At a glance
- Rating
- ★ TMDB users: 6.4/10 from 133 votes
- Episode runtime
- ~107 minutes
- Status
- Released
- Networks
- The Zanuck Company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, HBO Films
Where to watch in United States
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Streaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.
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Overview
Bessie is a 2015 HBO television film directed by Dee Rees. The movie is about the American blues singer Bessie Smith and focuses on her transformation from a struggling young singer into The Empress of the Blues. The production tells the story of the legendary blues performer, who rose to fame during the 1920s and thirties. The cast features Queen Latifah, Kamryn Johnson, Rikki McKinney, and Alan T. Coleman. Categorized under the drama and music genres, the television film has a runtime of one hour and forty-seven minutes and was released in the United States on May 16, 2015.
Should you watch it?
“A gripping exploration of drama and music that commands attention through bold storytelling and immersive performances.”
- Masterfully balances sharp character dynamics with escalating narrative tension.
- High production value and confident direction keep each chapter visually arresting.
- Rich thematic depth offers plenty of reward for attentive viewers.
- Deliberate pacing requires patient investment before the overarching mystery unravels.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I stream or watch Bessie online?
Bessie is currently available to watch or stream on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store. Check our live regional availability tracker above for latest direct streaming, subscription, rent, or purchase options.
Is Bessie worth watching?
Bessie holds a community rating of 6.4/10 based on 133 verified viewer ratings. It offers engaging Drama, Music for fans of the genre.
How long is the movie Bessie and when was it released?
Bessie is a feature film with a runtime of 107 minutes. It was released in 2015. Release status: Released.
Who directed Bessie?
Bessie was directed by Dee Rees.
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