Biggie and Tupac (2002)
Average Rating: 6.7/10
Reviews Counted: 47
Fresh: 38 | Rotten: 9
This is a compelling documentary, even for those who aren't fans of rap.
Average Rating: 5.9/10
Critic Reviews: 15
Fresh: 10 | Rotten: 5
This is a compelling documentary, even for those who aren't fans of rap.
liked it
Average Rating: 3.7/5
User Ratings: 7,486
Movie Info
Nick Broomfield, director of Heidi Fleiss: Hollywood Madam and Kurt and Courtney, unleashes another provocation with Biggie and Tupac. Considering Broomfield's track record, that the film is dangerous, sensational, and occasionally very funny is no surprise. What is somewhat shocking, in a very rewarding and commendable way, is how moving Biggie and Tupac is. Using archival footage of the two rap stars and interviews with many of those involved, Broomfield uncovers significant evidence that
Jan 11, 2002 Wide
Apr 29, 2003
Channel 4 Television
Watch It Now
Cast
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Nick Broomfield
Himself -
Suge Knight
Himself -
Biggie Smalls
Himself -
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All Critics (57) | Top Critics (17) | Fresh (38) | Rotten (9) | DVD (16)
Compulsively watchable and endlessly inventive as it transforms Broomfield's limited materials into a compelling argument.
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's style of journalism is hardly journalism at all, and even those with an avid interest in the subject will grow impatient.
Most of the information has already appeared in one forum or another and, no matter how Broomfield dresses it up, it tends to speculation, conspiracy theories or, at best, circumstantial evidence.
Bristles with the sort of passion and bold purpose so often lacking in contemporary nonfiction filmmaking.
It's like a rap Rashomon. There's a million different stories here.
An engrossing and rather suspenseful mystery investigation.
Short on concrete evidence but long on compelling insinuation.
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.
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.
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.
Even if you have no interest in the gang-infested, East-vs.-West Coast rap wars, this modern mob music drama never fails to fascinate.
Broomfield is energized by Volletta Wallace's maternal fury, her fearlessness, and because of that, his film crackles.
Daringly perceptive, taut, piercing and feisty, Biggie and Tupac is undeniably subversive and involving in its bold presentation.
While Broomfield's film doesn't capture the effect of these tragic deaths on hip-hop culture, it succeeds as a powerful look at a failure of our justice system.
A brave and incendiary if sometimes haphazardly constructed documentary... by no means a perfect film, but, bristling with contradiction and confrontation, it certainly is alive and -- like its subjects' too-early demise -- worthy of investigation.
Audience Reviews for Biggie and Tupac
Super Reviewer
Broomfield brings up an interesting theory: was Tupac murdered by his father figure Suge Knight because he wanted to leave Death Row Records? And did Knight have Biggie murdered to make their deaths look connected? Though only a handful of people agree with/confirm his theory, Broomfield makes a VERY convincing argument that keeps you hooked and helps you overlook the grainy look of his film.
Super Reviewer
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