Gaining insight into the life of The Notorious B.I.G., 'Notorious (2009)' is a biographical film about the rapper's rise to fame. It follows Christopher Wallace, also known as Biggie Smalls, and his relationship with record producer Sean Combs, and his rivalry with Tupac Shakur.

The film showcases the violence and tragedy that resulted from the music industry's rivalry between Biggie and Tupac.

With a compelling story, solid directing, and superb performances, 'Notorious (2009)' is an excellent biographical film.

Content

You'll find a very strong, somewhat mixed pagan worldview in 'Notorious (2009)'.

It portrays the life of a real-life rap singer who sometimes follows his church-going mother's advice about God and morality, but also commits adultery and fornication.

The film contains at least 250 obscenities, one profanity, and 33 racial slurs, as well as strong violence and sexual content with nudity.

Exploring explicit content, the movie showcases the consequences of drug dealing and the importance of family.

However, its portrayal of morality is contradicted by its language and sexual content, making it unacceptable for many viewers.

Positive Themes

You can find positive themes in 'Notorious (2009)'. Despite its explicit content and negative aspects, the film explores themes of redemption and the importance of family.

Through Christopher Wallace's relationship with his record producer Sean Combs (P. Diddy) and his rivalry with Tupac Shakur, the movie highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. At the same time, it emphasizes the power of family to bring happiness.

The film also contains references to God and Jehovah, suggesting the possibility of repentance and starting over.

With its terrific score by Danny Elfman and its strong, if mixed, pagan worldview, 'Notorious (2009)' offers a glimpse into the life of a tragic hero.

Negative Aspects

Hundreds of instances of foul language and racial slurs can be found in 'Notorious (2009)', making it inappropriate for many viewers.

The portrayal of violence, explicit language and sexual content is pervasive throughout the film. There's strong violence, including fist fights, a car accident, and shootings, as well as very strong sexual content with nudity.

The movie contains at least 250 obscenities, one profanity, and 33 racial slurs. This strong content is a major deterrent for many viewers who might've been interested in the compelling story and superb performances.

Impact and Reception

The film received an R rating due to its explicit content, prompting many to question its impact and reception. Critics praised the compelling story, solid directing, and superb performances, but highlighted the film's negative aspects.

Audience reactions were mixed, with some enjoying the film for its 90s hip hop soundtrack and insight into The Notorious B.I.G.'s life, while others lamented the excessive foul language, sexual content, and racial slurs.

Despite its flaws, the movie speaks to the tragedy of Biggie's life and resonates with many viewers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NOTORIOUS is a gripping biographical film that takes viewers on an emotional journey through the life of The Notorious B.I.G. While it may have some controversial elements, it's still a powerful story that offers lessons for viewers.

The movie emphasizes the importance of family and the consequences of drug dealing, while also exploring themes of taking responsibility and seeing the results of one's actions. Despite its explicit content and negative aspects, NOTORIOUS is well-made with a compelling story, solid directing, and superb performances.

The movie appeals to fans of 90s hip-hop and offers a glimpse into the life of a tragic hero.

Follow the author Anders Wotzke on Twitter.