Watch The United States vs. Billie Holiday

"The United States vs. Billie Holiday" is a biographical drama film from 2021 directed by Lee Daniels. It tells the story of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday and her battles with the U.S. government over her powerful song about lynching, "Strange Fruit." Andra Day stars as Billie Holiday, bringing to life the complex and powerful personality that made her a cultural icon. The film also stars Trevante Rhodes as Jimmy Fletcher, a federal agent who originally targets Holiday but eventually becomes her ally, and Garrett Hedlund as Harry Anslinger, the head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics who launches a campaign to silence Holiday.

The film takes place in the 1940s and 1950s, as Holiday is at the height of her career and is also grappling with a history of sexual, emotional, and physical abuse. While she is beloved by many of her fans, she is also being targeted by the government for her drug use, which they see as a threat to the social order.

Through it all, the film shows how Holiday uses her music to speak out against the injustices she sees around her, and how her personal struggles and experiences become intertwined with her art. The film is a powerful exploration of the relationship between art and politics, and of the courage it takes to stand up for what you believe in, even when the whole world seems to be against you.

The cinematography of "The United States vs. Billie Holiday" is stunning, with rich colors and visual motifs that capture both the glamour of Holiday's life and the darkness that is always lurking beneath the surface. The music too is a highlight, with many of Holiday's most famous songs featured throughout the film, as well as some lesser-known tracks that showcase her range as a singer.

But it is Andra Day's performance that truly steals the show. She brings a raw energy and vulnerability to the role of Holiday, making her struggles feel all the more real and urgent. She captures both the joy and the pain that defined Holiday's life, and brings a fierce determination to the character that is inspiring to watch.

Overall, "The United States vs. Billie Holiday" is a thought-provoking and powerful film that does justice to the life and legacy of its legendary subject. It is a must-see for fans of both jazz music and political drama, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and courage can still shine through.

The United States vs. Billie Holiday is a 2021 music movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 52.