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Born to Be Blue (2016)

2016 • 1h 37m • Drama, Music • R
On September 29, 2026
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All reviews

Reno on Born to Be Blue

6/10 · Aug 4, 2016

The story behind this performer’s achievements involved a woman and other factors. It isn’t a terrible semi-biographical musical drama with some romance woven in, but many people likely haven't heard of it because it didn't come from Hollywood. For me, it was simply slightly above average, largely due to the initial thirty minutes. The storytelling felt tedious then; a film needs a strong start and this one’s first impression fell short. However, the next hour or so, leading up to the ending, proved much stronger. I did dislike the hushed conversations that were present throughout the movie, though. I wasn't familiar with Chet Baker before seeing this film, and I am grateful for the introduction. The narrative isn’t particularly unique when compared to other biographical films about music and singing—the familiar themes of fame and drug use derailing a career, and then struggling to recover, are present. It felt like a rehash of those ideas, except with a jazz focus, but everything was presented in a gentle way without delving into significant complexities. The story mainly concentrates on the romance and the music; other aspects were given little attention. There are moments where the couple seeks assistance from others, such as pursuing opportunities or meeting their families. The film only covers a specific period of Chet’s life. It's disappointing not to know more about his earlier years, or his time living in Europe later on, which seems like it could have been much more compelling than what was shown here. Ethan Hawke delivered a strong performance as always, and so did the other actors. There’s nothing wrong with watching it once, but some viewers might find it more disheartening than enjoyable or entertaining. Therefore, this film is intended for a particular audience—be sure you fit that description before deciding to see it. 6/10

Source on TMDB