An engrossing and rather suspenseful mystery investigation.
Biggie and Tupac (2002)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted: 46
Fresh: 37
Rotten:9
Average Rating: 6.7/10
Consensus: This is a compelling documentary, even for those who aren't fans of rap.
Theatrical Release:Sep 27, 2002 Limited
Synopsis:
Hot on the trail of another controversial and provocative subject, award-winning documentary filmmaker Nick Broomfield (Kurt & Courtney; Heidi Fleiss: Hollywood Madam; Aileen Wournos: The Selling...
Hot on the trail of another controversial and provocative subject, award-winning documentary filmmaker Nick Broomfield (Kurt & Courtney; Heidi Fleiss: Hollywood Madam; Aileen Wournos: The Selling of a Serial Killer) chronicles the still unsolved murders of rap superstars Christopher Wallace (aka Biggie Smalls, the Notorious B.I.G.) and Tupac Shakur.
A hit at this year's Sundance Film Festival, Biggie & Tupac is the story of two great friends who had a falling out and became deadly enemies. Their murders were long explained as being the result of the rivalry that had grown between them, allegedly a result of the ongoing East Coast/West Coast rivalry in hip hop. But now, at the fifth anniversary of their deaths, Broomfield reveals startling evidence to suggest the blame lies elsewhere.
Broomfield's exploration ranges from Los Angeles to New York, documenting the workings of corrupt police officers, the insistent calls for justice from Wallace's loving mother, the eyewitnesses to the murders, never seen before evidence and both veiled and blatant threats from Suge Knight. Biggie & Tupac again demonstrates Broomfield's uncanny ability to get people to talk to him on camera, including a rare prison interview with Suge Knight, along with his trademark wry commentary. Considering the revelations he uncovers, this documentary is bold even for Broomfield.
Starring: Russell Poole, Voletta Wallace, Nick Broomfield
Starring: Russell Poole, Voletta Wallace, Nick Broomfield
Director: Nick Broomfield
Director: Nick Broomfield
Producer: Marion "Suge" Knight, Michele D'Acosta, Nick Broomfield
Studio: Lions Gate Films
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Reviews for Biggie and Tupac
The problem with Nick Broomfield’s documentaries is, well, Nick Broomfield.
Whether you like rap music or loathe it, you can’t deny either the tragic loss of two young men in the prime of their talent or the power of this movie.
Weirdly, Broomfield has compelling new material but he doesn't unveil it until the end, after endless scenes of him wheedling reluctant witnesses and pointing his camera through the smeared windshield of his rental car.
Compulsively watchable and endlessly inventive as it transforms Broomfield's limited materials into a compelling argument.
Broomfield fashions himself a crusading hero, and it's likely that enthusiasm that helps him do his job, but it's the director's self-love that robs the film of some integrity.
You don't need to know your Ice-T's from your Cool-J's to realize that as far as these shootings are concerned, something is rotten in the state of California.
Broomfield has taken this intriguing and sad tale, and made a compelling film that should be of interest to nearly anyone, regardless of his or her interest in rap music.
Broomfield turns his distinctive 'blundering' style into something that could really help clear up the case.
Unfortunately this film will not satisfy if you are looking to discover the missing link, but if you are simply interested in humor and some 'interesting' footage, to say the least, you will not be disappointed.
It will grip even viewers who aren't interested in rap, as it cuts to the heart of American society in an unnerving way.
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