One Night in Miami
Amazon Studios | Release Date: December 25, 2020
7.2
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 129 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
91
Mixed:
26
Negative:
12
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
6
tropicAcesJan 9, 2021
Good performances, but until the third act things feel a bit aimless and devoid of true drama.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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6
JLuis_001Jan 12, 2021
Regina King in her directorial debut gets a solid film.
And it helps her that the script is based on a play because from her own experience as an actress, she seems to know very well what is the best she can get from her actors, besides thatRegina King in her directorial debut gets a solid film.
And it helps her that the script is based on a play because from her own experience as an actress, she seems to know very well what is the best she can get from her actors, besides that she manages to prevent the characters from becoming caricatures, considering the class of recognized figures they are.

But the problems are triggered by the lack of a clear narrative structure and that Regina King is unable to give a faster pace to her film.

It's not that the famous protagonists stop being interesting, it's only the situations lose impact by not being able to become more active.

One Night in Miami doesn't turn out to be a bad film, but what it represents, despite being convincing, is not enough to carry the full weight of the story.

Good, but just an average good… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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5
RedDonJan 16, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love Regina King as an actress for so many years and I love what she tried to do with one night in Miami. What I did not like was the way she made my two Heroes, Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali look like b******! I would not be surprised if some of either of their children apposed the portrayal of their fathers shown here! People have to realize that this is not a historically accurate portrayal of what happened. I don't believe that Muhammad Ali was so wishy-washy with his decision to convert to Islam and I definitely do not believe Malcolm X would show such weakness at all!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
megomikeJan 22, 2021
The actors do an amazing job delivering the dialogue in such a way that you believe it must have happened that way. Each conversation between any two of the characters delivers a nugget of understanding for those of us who were not alive inThe actors do an amazing job delivering the dialogue in such a way that you believe it must have happened that way. Each conversation between any two of the characters delivers a nugget of understanding for those of us who were not alive in the 60s, and know these famous figures solely from their public details. The interactions between these four characters by these brilliant actors is the most fun I’ve had watching historical fiction in a very long time.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
Camwhit0196Feb 27, 2021
Would have been better if the story actually went somewhere, the first half and probably more seemed unimportant and only the last 30 mins or so were actually interesting and showed something worth seeing
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
bertobellamyJan 18, 2021
It's great to watch a film with so great acting, directing, and writing. Sure, 'One Night in Miami' it's strictly conventional visually and narratively speaking. Still, the diverse topics it conveys about black liberation and the role ofIt's great to watch a film with so great acting, directing, and writing. Sure, 'One Night in Miami' it's strictly conventional visually and narratively speaking. Still, the diverse topics it conveys about black liberation and the role of black voices in the community make you get involved all the way. This is an essential movie.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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7
MarcDoyleJan 16, 2021
Solid flick if a little slow at times. Aldis Hodge is amazing as Jim Brown. The Same Cooke discussion of Bob Dylan was also pretty amazing. Certainly worth seeing - the screenwriter(s) did a nice job theorizing on what these conversationsSolid flick if a little slow at times. Aldis Hodge is amazing as Jim Brown. The Same Cooke discussion of Bob Dylan was also pretty amazing. Certainly worth seeing - the screenwriter(s) did a nice job theorizing on what these conversations might have been like.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
TVJerryJan 12, 2021
This fictional account takes place in 1964, after Cassius Clay (soon to be called Muhammad Ali) defeated heavy weight champion Sonny Liston. He’s joined by his friends Malcolm X, Sam Cooke and Jim Brown, all icons in their fields. AfterThis fictional account takes place in 1964, after Cassius Clay (soon to be called Muhammad Ali) defeated heavy weight champion Sonny Liston. He’s joined by his friends Malcolm X, Sam Cooke and Jim Brown, all icons in their fields. After introducing up each member of the group in their own world, the rest of the movie takes place in a hotel room where the 4 men discuss their careers and their involvement in the civil rights movement. Since this is based on a play, director Regina King has expanded the locales a bit, but she’s kept the interactions compelling. The quartet of actors are all exceptional, embodying their characters with depth and complexity. While there are personal moments that reveal their humanity, much of the dialogue revolves around political messages. Even so, it’s an interesting deliberation in an engaging package.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
moviemitch96Jan 22, 2021
A fictionalized account of a meeting in a hotel room between four legends: civil rights leader Malcolm X, boxer Cassius Clay (later named Muhammad Ali), football player-turned actor Jim Brown, and singer Sam Cooke. This is the basic premiseA fictionalized account of a meeting in a hotel room between four legends: civil rights leader Malcolm X, boxer Cassius Clay (later named Muhammad Ali), football player-turned actor Jim Brown, and singer Sam Cooke. This is the basic premise of the film, and it's mostly the performances and impactful dialogue that keep it afloat. I found the premise highly intriguing, even if it's only fictionalized. Nevertheless, the four leads all give heartfelt, charming, and awards-worthy performances. Of course, all of this wouldn't have been possible without Regina King's brilliant and confident direction, made all the more impressive given that it's her debut as a director. Overall, King and her actors all come together to turn a pretty basic and straightforward premise into a tour de force of emotion and performance.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
LisaLR1Dec 27, 2020
Impressive Directorial Debut from Regina King with One Night in Miami: "One Night in Miami," the directorial debut from Oscar-winner Regina King, is an impressive film adaptation of the 2013 play by Kemp Powers, who also serves as the movie'sImpressive Directorial Debut from Regina King with One Night in Miami: "One Night in Miami," the directorial debut from Oscar-winner Regina King, is an impressive film adaptation of the 2013 play by Kemp Powers, who also serves as the movie's screenwriter. It's a fictionalized account of a meeting in a motel in February 1964 between 4 Icons, Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali (Eli Goree), NFL legend, Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge) and Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom, Jr.), after Cassius Clay's boxing win and defeat of Sonny Liston in Miami. Primarily conversational, the men discuss their place in the civil rights movement, culture, fame and their mutual brotherly respect and love. Excellent performances by all 4 actors. Only drawback for me, being a South Floridian, I wish the film was actually shot in Florida, as opposed to Louisiana; however, Kudos to the location and production designers for the beautiful re-creation of a (near)Liberty City Hampton House Motel, and the Fontainebleau Hotel Miami Beach, all in Early 1960's style and decor.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
Bradh6886Jan 17, 2021
Poignant themes of race and the diverse array of black viewpoints on display in this dynamic script. All four of the principal cast produce layered and rich performances, Ben-Adir and Odom are standouts. King's career off with a bang.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
Lia_CJan 17, 2021
Regina King came in on an absolute mission. An incredible discourse of black voices. The whole film flows from scene to scene with only a few exceptions of drag. I really like the sound editing that actively helps us feel like we're in theRegina King came in on an absolute mission. An incredible discourse of black voices. The whole film flows from scene to scene with only a few exceptions of drag. I really like the sound editing that actively helps us feel like we're in the minds of the characters. A great ensemble cast that flourished under King's direction, with stand out Kingsley Ben-Adir as well as Leslie Odom Jr.'s silky silky voice.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
PerceptionPopJan 17, 2021
Beautifully written accompanied by 4 brilliant performances. Really enjoyed !
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
AJ_13Jan 15, 2021
Really good debut for Regina King. Many powerful dialogues and great performances by Kingsley Ben-Adir and Leslie Odom Jr.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
MahasaJan 15, 2021
This movie was more interesting than I thought.. it was beautifully made. That open up about black superstars who movies and changed the world with the gifts God gave them and how they inspired each other to be Great
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
TioWillieJan 22, 2021
This movie was powerful, insightful and beautifully done. Regina King did an amazing job
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
RatedRexJan 16, 2021
"One Night..." was decent. Nothing spectacular. The dialog was forced and unrealistic. The performances are what make the movie worth recommending.
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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7
katezoeFeb 4, 2021
Very slow starting movie. Solid performances by the four leads. Still felt like watching a play and not a movie. Impressive first film by Regina King.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
Brent_MarchantFeb 8, 2021
Based on Kemp Powers's play by the same name, filmmaker Regina King's directorial debut about a historic 1964 meeting among activist Malcolm X, boxing great Cassius Clay, football star Jim Brown and singer-producer Sam Cooke on the night ofBased on Kemp Powers's play by the same name, filmmaker Regina King's directorial debut about a historic 1964 meeting among activist Malcolm X, boxing great Cassius Clay, football star Jim Brown and singer-producer Sam Cooke on the night of Clay becoming world champ explores the state of the civil rights movement at the time and how each of them viewed its future and their role in it. This captivating look at the movement from the inside presents a balanced examination of the four friends' views on the subject, including both their areas of concurrence and disagreement and how those pointed opinions had the potential to either tear them apart or bring them together. The excellent ensemble cast of Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge and Leslie Odom Jr. enlivens the superbly penned screenplay, giving the picture a crackling intensity that's tautly sustained throughout. And, despite a few stagey segments, this is arguably one of the best theatre-to-screen translations I've ever seen, effectively opening up the source material and giving it breathing room that such adaptations often lack. King has indeed produced a magnificent work here, handily serving up the right picture for our times, one that gives us all much to ponder in terms of where we are and where we go from here.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
MattBrady99Feb 13, 2021
“This is one strange f**king night.”

‘One Night in Miami’ is exactly what the title suggests; the movie is about one night, one night only, where four icons: Malcolm X, Jim Brown, Muhammad Ali, and Sam Cooke meet up at a motel room for a“This is one strange f**king night.”

‘One Night in Miami’ is exactly what the title suggests; the movie is about one night, one night only, where four icons: Malcolm X, Jim Brown, Muhammad Ali, and Sam Cooke meet up at a motel room for a fictionalized meeting. Could you imagine what that would be like? Well, here you go.

We see them hanging out at this motel, sharing laughter, and fooling around, taking the time to breath in that chilly night air on the roof top, a little break from their eventful lives. However, they debate on each other’s characteristics, as they all discuss the pros and cons of each other. All points are equal and made for an interesting conversation.

An impressive direct debut from Regina King, who already being an actor herself knows how to get great performances from these actors. While not visually striking, but the way the movie manages to re-create a couple of legendary shots like Muhammad Ali’s underwater training are the best kind of tribute to them.

This is very much an “actors movie” because they all take certain stage and deliver superb performances. Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X, Eli Goree as Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), and Aldis Hodge as Jim Brown were all equally fantastic as these recognisable figures of history. Particularly Leslie Odam Jr. as Sam Cooke, who also did an amazing job of singing/performing.

I can easily see this turning into a stage production in the late future. There's theatrical potential here.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
AstronautJonesFeb 8, 2021
Watching the actors play these legends on screen was almost like watching the legends play themselves. They all did such an amazing job capturing the gravitas of each icon from their mannerisms down to their personalities. Hard to believeWatching the actors play these legends on screen was almost like watching the legends play themselves. They all did such an amazing job capturing the gravitas of each icon from their mannerisms down to their personalities. Hard to believe that this was Regina King's directorial debut. It seems as if she'd been doing this for ages. Can't wait for her next effort.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
RenffurJan 19, 2021
The mere thought of these four figures in the same room is mindblowing. Regina King directed a thoughtful and performance rich film! If you by chance know of any of these four people the film revolves around, it sets a special tone andThe mere thought of these four figures in the same room is mindblowing. Regina King directed a thoughtful and performance rich film! If you by chance know of any of these four people the film revolves around, it sets a special tone and therefore makes a great watch.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
LISOCHIKOTOSAMar 6, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I generally enjoyed this movie and the idea behind it and i thought Regina King did a very phenomenal job. The idea of these 4 legends in one room discussing issues that were being hotly debated in America at the time and are still being debated today was brilliant.All four of them offer very unique contributions to the discussion and i think the film paints all four of them in a good light, especially Muhammed Ali and Malcom X. However at times the dialogue and the scenes go on and on without really going anywhere. And also i felt like there was no climax, or maybe i missed it and it was somewhere in some of the boring scenes. The movie also ends rather abruptly that i even scratched my head trying to figure out the overall message of the film. It was still a great film though.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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10
Mel1216Feb 22, 2021
The director actors and writes did an amazing job. I enjoyed this movie very much.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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0
VsaceFeb 24, 2021
bruh what is this movie......there is no literal point cuz nuthing like this actually happened in real life.......i'm pretty sure the four never met in real life.....this movie is a disgrace.....how bout you make a movie based on only one ofbruh what is this movie......there is no literal point cuz nuthing like this actually happened in real life.......i'm pretty sure the four never met in real life.....this movie is a disgrace.....how bout you make a movie based on only one of them......utter garbage… Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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1
Mauro_LanariJan 20, 2021
(Mauro Lanari)
In 1990 Gore Vidal, Venice Film Festival jury president, behaved like many today with this work, and caused a scandal with a "very fragile opinion, at the limits of ridicule": "for him the true author of the film is not the(Mauro Lanari)
In 1990 Gore Vidal, Venice Film Festival jury president, behaved like many today with this work, and caused a scandal with a "very fragile opinion, at the limits of ridicule": "for him the true author of the film is not the director but the writer, the one who drew up the script and screenplay" (Beniamino Placido: https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1990/09/22/venezia-scatenata-la-vendetta.html). If true, then the debutant Regina King with Kemp Powers and his stage play should be judged for the script published directly as a literary text, if she does not know how to transform it into a different code, the audiovisual one of cinema that demands the "instant cult" of shots and sequences that should scratch the so-called collective imagination, while in this case, seen (heard?) the slew of chatter about chatter, soliloquies, monologues, dialogues, I dozed off. Long live "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" (Stoppard 1990) and the endless reboot of "The Big Sleep" [Hawks 1946].… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
risonyeongMar 11, 2021
what a jem of a show. very tightly paced with enough change of scene to support a dialogue show. bear in mind, it's an adaptation of a play. loved the dialogue and very deep script. no wonder malcolm x is nominated, very passionatewhat a jem of a show. very tightly paced with enough change of scene to support a dialogue show. bear in mind, it's an adaptation of a play. loved the dialogue and very deep script. no wonder malcolm x is nominated, very passionate multi-layered tortured and torn performance. i loved sam cooke too as mohd ali was over the top. thought i would gave up half way as there's suddenly too many african american themed movies in the awards running. but this really hooked for all the 2 hrs.
watch because it's really hard to make a show just on real dialogue and real acting. At least Da 5 blds had a lot of blown up scenes and shootings to anchor around.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
KellyKingApr 25, 2021
This movie is all about the dialogue: amazing way to show characters, themes and history.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
sanctuarydecineDec 25, 2021
top tier writing, acting and directing. definitely snubbed for best picture and director. kingsley ben-adir gave an oscar worthy performance as well. just absolutely amazing.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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