Baadasssss!
A rebellious filmmaker bets his money, safety, and family legacy on bringing a groundbreaking Black independent film to the screen.
Overview
A groundbreaking tale of ambition and resilience in the face of adversity.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- irreverent
- energetic
- confrontational
- film history night
- cinephile weekend
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as a personal, energetic, and compelling account of Melvin Van Peebles's pioneering independent production struggle.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Melvin must self-finance production, evade creditors, manage unions, and keep an arrested crew together.
The story depicts Melvin making a pioneering Black film outside Hollywood while confronting racist policing and institutional exclusion.
Mario Van Peebles directs and stars as his father while also appearing as the younger Mario in the production's family history.
The rag-tag, multi-racial crew, improvised production methods, and 1970s filmmaking milieu give the drama an earthy period texture.
Films like Baadasssss!, and why
Ed Wood
shared biographical filmmaking subject, artistic ambition, and tense production drama
The Disaster Artist
shared independent filmmaking struggle, auteur obsession, and comic dramatic tone
Malcolm X
shared african american cultural history, rebellious artistry, and confrontational independent spirit
Shadow of the Vampire
shared behind-the-scenes cinema focus, ensemble production pressures, and period drama
Movie Details
- Director
- Mario Van Peebles
- Release Date
- 2004-05-28
- Runtime
- 108 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (62)
Cast
- Mario Van Peebles
- Joy Bryant
- Khleo Thomas
- T.K. Carter
- Terry Crews
- Ossie Davis
- David Alan Grier
- Nia Long
- Paul Rodríguez
- Saul Rubinek
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Baadasssss! about?
- A rebellious filmmaker bets his money, safety, and family legacy on bringing a groundbreaking Black independent film to the screen.
- What is Baadasssss! like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Baadasssss! as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Baadasssss! violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Baadasssss! as moderate.
- What did critics think of Baadasssss!?
- Critics broadly praised the film as a personal, energetic, and compelling account of Melvin Van Peebles's pioneering independent production struggle.
- Which films are like Baadasssss!?
- Films with a similar feel include Ed Wood, The Disaster Artist, Malcolm X, and Shadow of the Vampire.
- How long is Baadasssss!?
- Baadasssss! runs 108 minutes.
- Where can I watch Baadasssss!?
- In United States, Baadasssss! is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
