Bukowski: Born Into This (2003): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2003, Bukowski: Born Into This is a documentary film directed by John Dullaghan, running about 130 minutes.

What it’s about. Director John Dullaghan’s biographical documentary about infamous poet Charles Bukowski, Bukowski: Born Into This, is as much a touching portrait of the author as it is an exposé of his sordid lifestyle. Interspersed between ample vintage footage of Bukowski’s poetry readings are interviews with the poet’s fans including such legendary figures such as Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Joyce Fante (wife of John), Bono, and Harry Dean Stanton. Filmed in grainy black and white by Bukowski’s friend, Taylor Hackford, due to lack of funding, the old films edited into this movie paint Bukowski’s life of boozing and brawling romantically, securing Bukowski’s legendary status.

Who’s in it. Bukowski: Born Into This stars Charles Bukowski as Himself, Harry Dean Stanton as Himself, Sean Penn as Himself and Bono as Himself, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.1/10, Bukowski: Born Into This has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Bukowski: Born Into This page.

If you liked it. Fans of Bukowski: Born Into This tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.