Overview
A jazz trumpeter's struggle for redemption and love unfolds against the backdrop of a turbulent era.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- melancholic
- intimate
- smoky
- late night viewing
- jazz listening night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised Ethan Hawke’s highlight-reel performance and the film’s impressionistic, non-hagiographic treatment of Chet Baker’s life, while finding the overall drama solid rather than exceptional.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film reimagines selected periods of Chet Baker's life rather than presenting a strictly comprehensive biography.
Jane challenges Chet to pursue a musical comeback while their romance develops around his struggle with addiction and damaged career.
The critical consensus specifically highlights the film’s non-hagiographic approach to Baker’s life and times.
Chet’s ability to play again becomes the concrete test of his recovery and future after his past threatens his career.
Films like Born to Be Blue, and why
Ray
music biopic centered on addiction, artistic struggle, and a charismatic but self-destructive performer
The Rose
impressionistic musician portrait combining romance, addiction, and a difficult return to artistic life
Bird
jazz-centered biographical drama with troubled genius, intimate relationships, and performance-driven emotion
Movie Details
- Director
- Robert Budreau
- Release Date
- 2015-09-13
- Runtime
- 97 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (234)
Cast
- Ethan Hawke
- Carmen Ejogo
- Callum Keith Rennie
- Stephen McHattie
- Janet-Laine Green
- Tony Nappo
- Janine Theriault
- Tony Nardi
- Katie Boland
- Dan Lett
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Philo, AMC Plus Apple TV channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Roku Premium Channel, AMC+, Sundance Now
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store
- 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 Born to Be Blue about?
- A bruised jazz icon fights addiction, damaged relationships, and the odds to reclaim his trumpet and his voice.
- What is Born to Be Blue like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Born to Be Blue as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Born to Be Blue violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Born to Be Blue as mild.
- What did critics think of Born to Be Blue?
- Critics broadly praised Ethan Hawke’s highlight-reel performance and the film’s impressionistic, non-hagiographic treatment of Chet Baker’s life, while finding the overall drama solid rather than exceptional.
- Which films are like Born to Be Blue?
- Films with a similar feel include Ray, The Rose, and Bird.
- How long is Born to Be Blue?
- Born to Be Blue runs 97 minutes.
- Where can I watch Born to Be Blue?
- In United States, Born to Be Blue streams on Philo, AMC Plus Apple TV channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Roku Premium Channel, AMC+, Sundance Now.
