MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM – this is a gritty and raw reveal of racism in 1920s America. It’s the story of real life blues singer Ma Rainey, who was popular in the South, as she journeys to Chicago with her band to make records for a white label. Based on the play by August Wilson, it’s disturbing and tough to watch with lots of dialogue. I had never heard of Ma Rainey until I saw this film. I was intrigued by this larger than life woman and her accomplishment in a time when both black folks and women had no opportunity to excel in a white man’s world. Chad Boseman stars in his final film and he does not disappoint. But it is Viola Davis as Ma I found mesmerizing. She literally transforms herself, physically and in her portrayal, into this woman. Her work is outstanding. None of the other peeps watched this film so there is only my commentary today. Cheers to Viola, the cast & crew and their willingness to show us painful truths of who we are.