Black and Blue
Performance & Direction: Black and Blue Review
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Black and Blue (2019) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Black and Blue features a noteworthy lineup led by Naomie Harris . Supported by the likes of Tyrese Gibson and Frank Grillo , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Black and Blue (2019) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Black and Blue
Quick Plot Summary: Black and Blue is a Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller film that delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. A rookie cop inadvertently captures the murder of a young drug dealer on her body cam. After realizing that the murder was committed by corrupt cops, she teams up with the one person from her community who is willing to help her as she tries to escape both the criminals out for revenge and the police who are desperate to destroy the incriminating footage. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it. This approach calls everyone and everything into question as the plot unfolds.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Ending Explained: Black and Blue
Ending Breakdown: Black and Blue concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Black and Blue reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Black and Blue Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Black and Blue incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, crime, drama, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Black and Blue adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Black and Blue?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Box Office Collection: Black and Blue
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $12.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $22.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Black and Blue Budget
The estimated production budget for Black and Blue is $12.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Black and Blue
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Black and Blue Online?
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YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeBlack and Blue Parents Guide & Age Rating
2019 AdvisoryWondering about Black and Blue age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Black and Blue is 109 minutes (1h 49m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, Black and Blue stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2019 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black and Blue worth watching?
Black and Blue is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Black and Blue parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Black and Blue identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Black and Blue?
The total duration of Black and Blue is 109 minutes, which is approximately 1h 49m long.
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Critic Reviews for Black and Blue
Well made thriller with solid performances from Naomie Harris, Frank Grillo and even Tyrese Gibson. Not entirely predictable at least and kept me entertained throughout and didn't run out of gas as sometimes these type of thrillers do in the third act. A decent flick from Deon Taylor who also directed Traffik from a couple years back which I also enjoyed, mostly for Paula Patton. Probably worth a rental if you like the corrupt cop crime-thrillers. **3.75/5**
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
