The Notorious B.I.G. (2009) Review in 2025
The Notorious B.I.G. is a biographical drama film that tells the story of the life of the legendary rapper Biggie Smalls, also known as The Notorious B.I.G. The film explores his rise to fame, his struggles with fame, and his eventual tragic death.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, this movie is not suitable for family viewing due to its mature themes, strong language, and graphic content.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of Biggie and hip-hop music. It's a powerful and engaging film that provides a detailed look at Biggie's life and legacy. However, it's not suitable for family viewing due to its mature themes and graphic content.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film is based on the book 'Biggie: Voletta Wallace Tells the Story of the Notorious B.I.G.' and it covers Biggie's life from his childhood to his death. The film shows how Biggie's life was marked by violence, poverty, and racism, and how he struggled to balance his music career with his personal life. The film also explores the impact of Biggie's death on his family and friends, and the lasting legacy of his music.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-researched, providing a detailed look at Biggie's life. However, it feels a bit rushed in some parts, and some characters are underdeveloped.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Wendell Pierce delivering a standout performance as Biggie. The supporting cast is also excellent, bringing depth and nuance to their characters.
characters7.50/10
The characters are well-acted, but some of them feel a bit one-dimensional. Biggie's character is the most well-developed, but his family and friends are not given enough screen time.
direction8.00/10
The direction is solid, but it could have been more creative in some parts. The film's pacing is well-balanced, but some scenes feel a bit slow.
cinematography8.50/10
The cinematography is excellent, capturing the gritty and raw feel of 1990s New York City. The camera work is stylish and engaging, but some scenes feel a bit too dark.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's story is engaging and well-researched, the cinematography is excellent, and the acting is superb. The film provides a detailed look at Biggie's life and legacy, and it's a must-watch for fans of hip-hop music.
Cons
The film feels a bit rushed in some parts, and some characters are underdeveloped. The direction could have been more creative in some parts, and some scenes feel a bit slow.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man."
"I'm the king of New York, and I'm here to stay."
"It's all about the Benjamins, baby."
