Mo' Better Blues

1990, Drama, 2h 7m

34 Reviews 5,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

Mo' Better Blues is rich with vibrant hues and Denzel Washington's impassioned performance, although its straightforward telling lacks the political punch fans expect from a Spike Lee joint. Read critic reviews

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Mo' Better Blues Videos

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Movie Info

Financially irresponsible Giant (Spike Lee) manages a jazz group, but his sax player, Shadow (Wesley Snipes), wants to replace him with a better businessman. Bleak (Denzel Washington), the band's trumpeter, then tries to defend his close pal Giant, leading to a power struggle between the two musicians. Meanwhile, as Bleak tries to straighten things out with his band mates and manager, he also must choose to be with either sweet teacher Indigo (Joie Lee) or sultry singer Clarke (Cynda Williams).
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Spike Lee
  • Producer:
    Spike Lee
  • Writer:
    Spike Lee
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $15.9M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Universal Pictures
  • Sound Mix:
    Dolby, Surround

Cast & Crew

Denzel Washington
Bleek Gilliam
Spike Lee
Giant
Wesley Snipes
Shadow Henderson (Sax)
Joie Lee
Indigo Downes
Cynda Williams
Clarke Bentancourt
Giancarlo Esposito
Left Hand Lacey (Piano)
Robin Harris
Butterbean Jones
Bill Nunn
Bottom Hammer (Bass)
Dick Anthony Williams
Big Stop Williams
John Turturro
Moe Flatbush
Rubén Blades
Petey
Jeff "Tain" Watts
Rhythm Jones (Drums)
Nicholas Turturro
Josh Flatbush
Abbey Lincoln
Lillian Gilliam
Linda Hawkins
Jeanne
Zakee L. Howze
Young Bleek , Miles
Bill Lee
Father of the Bride
Branford Marsalis
Party Guest
Spike Lee
Director
Spike Lee
Writer
Jon Kilik
Line Producer
Spike Lee
Producer
Monty Ross
Co-Producer
Ernest R. Dickerson
Cinematographer
Samuel D. Pollard
Editing
Robi Reed
Casting
Wynn Thomas
Production Design
Ted Glass
Set Decoration
Ruth E. Carter
Costume Designer
Matiki Anoff
Makeup Artist
Preston L. Holmes
Production Supervisor
Brent Owens
Unit Manager
H.H. Cooper
Second Assistant Director
Randy Fletcher
First Assistant Director
Dale Pierce-Johnson
Second Assistant Director
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Critic Reviews for Mo' Better Blues

All Critics (34) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (24) | Rotten (10)

View All Critic Reviews (34)

Audience Reviews for Mo' Better Blues

  • Jan 27, 2012
    Benefits from the fact that this is Spike Lee's debut and doesn't feature the preachiness that brings down his later efforts.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Sep 27, 2008
    Middling effort from Spike Lee. It had some good scenes and it was well acted, shot etc. I just didn't really like Denzel's character and I think I kind of was supposed to. It also went on longer than the material required.
    Sean L Super Reviewer
  • May 29, 2008
    i love this movie denzel as player a must see
    khalvic b Super Reviewer
  • Dec 27, 2007
    Plenty of style and energy, but not enough soul.
    Marcus W Super Reviewer
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