X
  • 2020
  • Not Rated
  • Greenwich Entertainment
  • 1 h 38 m
  • 2020
  • Not Rated
  • Greenwich Entertainment
  • 1 h 38 m

Summary Billie Holiday had one of the greatest voices of all time and changed the face of American music. She was a woman of breath-taking talent and global popularity while also stirring controversy. She started a notable rebellion singing “Strange Fruit” which exposed the realities of Black life in America and earned her powerful enemies. R...

Directed By: James Erskine

Written By: James Erskine

  • 2020
  • Not Rated
  • Greenwich Entertainment
  • 1 h 38 m
  • 2020
  • Not Rated
  • Greenwich Entertainment
  • 1 h 38 m

Billie

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 7 Critic Reviews
71
User Score Mixed or Average
5.0
My Score
Hover and click to give a rating Saved

Where to Watch

Summary Billie Holiday had one of the greatest voices of all time and changed the face of American music. She was a woman of breath-taking talent and global popularity while also stirring controversy. She started a notable rebellion singing “Strange Fruit” which exposed the realities of Black life in America and earned her powerful enemies. R...

Directed By: James Erskine

Written By: James Erskine

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 7 Critic Reviews
71
71% Positive
5 Reviews
29% Mixed
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 7 Critic Reviews
71
71% Positive
5 Reviews
29% Mixed
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
100
Dec 3, 2020
The new documentary Billie is for music nerds what hieroglyphics on a cave wall are for anthropologists: not so much a revelation as clear confirmation of a more nuanced life than previously known. It also has one heck of a back story.
By Kim Hughes FULL REVIEW
88
Dec 4, 2020
Billie is the far and away the most definitive Billie Holiday biography ever put on screen, a film that celebrates her magic and examines the demons that haunted her, chemical and human.
By Roger Moore FULL REVIEW
80
Nov 12, 2020
James Erskine’s film showcases the unforgettable Holiday voice: her elegantly casual, almost negligent readings of melodies, with a sensual moan or purr that was on the verge of a sob.
By Peter Bradshaw FULL REVIEW
75
Dec 3, 2020
When the film is focused on showcasing Holiday, it’s a truly captivating documentary.
By Christian Gallichio FULL REVIEW
70
Dec 7, 2020
Billie isn’t just about the stories we tell about great artists. It’s also about why we tell them — and whether we can ever really get them right.
By Noel Murray FULL REVIEW
60
Jan 26, 2021
The two parallel stories never quite gel, more often pulling focus from each other just a major revelation seems to be in the offing.
By Phil de Semlyen FULL REVIEW
60
Dec 3, 2020
If Billie gives short shrift to its subject’s artistry while underscoring her life’s squalor, it still offers pockets of valuable insight.
By Glenn Kenny FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Mixed or Average Based on 4 User Ratings
5.0
50% Positive
2 Ratings
25% Mixed
1 Rating
25% Negative
1 Rating

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Mixed or Average Based on 4 User Ratings
5.0
50% Positive
2 Ratings
25% Mixed
1 Rating
25% Negative
1 Rating

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

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Production Company Altitude Film Entertainment, Moving Picture Company (MPC), New Black Films, REP Documentary, Concord, BBC Music, Belga Productions, Polygram Entertainment, Beside Productions, Reliance Entertainment
Release Date Dec 4, 2020
Duration 1 h 38 m
Rating Not Rated
Genres
Website http://greenwichentertainment.com/film/billie/
View All Details

Awards

IndieLisboa International Independent Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
International Documentary Association
• 1 Nomination

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