Synopsis: Torn apart from her sister Nettie (Halle Bailey) and her children, Celie (Fantasia Barrino
in her major motion picture debut, reprising her 2005 role from Broadway) faces many hardships in her life, including an abusive husband simply called Mister (Colman Domingo). With the support of sultry singer Shug Avery (Taraji P. Henson) and stand-her-ground stepdaughter Sofia (Danielle Brooks, Tony-nominated for the role on Broadway), Celie ultimately finds extraordinary strength in the unbreakable bonds of a new kind of sisterhood.
As we progress and move further into the future there are many habits and cycles that we must break. Many of these tendencies are passed down in the form of generational trauma. Not only is it very real but its effects can be deeply rooted in our DNA. At one point in time, people only knew one way to do specific things because that’s how their parents did it, how their grandparents did it and so on. That can no longer be an excuse because if it was something terrible, why would you want to put your family through the same torment? What you do good or bad, can live on for eternity by way of its impact on those you come in contact with. If you sow seeds of violence or mistrust, they will grow like uncontrollable weeds and those people affected will either pass it on to others by way of the same actions or through information and teachings, either way the next person is changed. However, love, positivity, and motivation can have the same trickle-down effect and will benefit everyone. Breaking cycles and trauma isn’t always easy and it may require an abundance of effort but it’s more than worth it.
“You gots to stand up to him.”
Roses are red, violets are blue, The Color Purple is special and was made for me and you. Directed by Blitz Bazawule, The Color Purple is truly radiant. It’s a film that emanates joy atop the shoulders of perseverance. While not all too dissimilar to the 1985 classic of the same name, this star-studded peek into the past is based on the stage musical that is based on the 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker. Set in the early 1900s on the Georgia coast, the story immediately evokes emotion as the timeframe is not that far removed from the abolishment of slavery. Many women are still treated as property, racism is ever present, and because of trauma, master-slave morality is rampant within some free men because it’s been passed down as the only way to live. This story not only showcases the negative ramifications of these actions but it also fights against them. It shows that for one, it doesn’t yield the results you want but that it’s just downright evil. More than anything The Color Purple champions the beauty, strength, and tenacity of the human spirit. Reinforcing the notion that with love and just a little bit of hope, we can make it through anything.
Filled with and fueled by emotion, we witness how even in the darkest moments, we can prevail. Moreover, it may take the help of others for us to see who we truly are, but we all deserve love. As one of its most prominent themes, you feel it coursing through your veins as the story progresses. Rich in soul and dripping in emotionally impactful and exciting songs, the consistently uplifting nature of this second screen adaptation sets it apart from its predecessor. This entry skirts some of the negativity of the previous one and early on opts for unity and sisterhood in the face of the evil and abusive ways of Mister who Colman Domingo masterfully portrays. The story may be Black in spirit and appearance but the need to walk in someone else’s shoes is necessary and it should go without saying that many aspects overlap in all cultures. Led by the soul-enriching voice and performance of Fantasia Barrino in her major motion picture debut, you’re guaranteed to leave the theater with tears in your eyes and a smile on your face.
“Oh, everything and everybody wants to be loved.”
Opening with the powerful voice of Tamela Mann, the stage is set for the immaculate songs and vibrancy that is to come. Despite the harsh realities displayed, the feeling of optimism never escapes. The film is aesthetically eye-catching from the set design to the hair & makeup and wardrobe. The music makes you want to move in your seat. And believe it or not, almost every performance is award-worthy. This film is going to run you through every emotion with huge highs and disheartening lows. It’s written and directed in such a skillful and grounded fashion that even those who avoid musicals will fall in love with The Color Purple. It’s easily the greatest musical to grace the big screen.
As we take this turbulent journey with Celie as she endures great suffering, clinging to the hope to one day see her sister, Nettie again, we are reminded of our humanity. While it may not seem topical in its subject matter, when you look at it from a micro level, is more relevant than ever. As it questions faith and existence, it relates to us all on some level. Since it doesn’t linger on some of its more uncomfortable subjects, this can be enjoyed by most of the family. Those darker elements are still present but in more of an implied manner. There is an abundance of familiar faces and even one surprise from the past. The Color Purple is the event of the season and one of the best films of the year. You don’t want to miss it. Its rewatchability is high.
Pace & Pop
Like the first adaptation, the film moves at a surprisingly pleasing pace. With a story such as this, you expect a somber pace that matches its initial somewhat grim tone. Instead, the pace is exuberant and full of life. What popped for me were the performances. There have only been a few films this year that have made me truly emotional, and this is one of them.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Fantasia Barrino, Louis Gossett, Jr., Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Ciara and Jon Batiste
This ensemble cast is the best of the year from top to bottom. Colman Domingo is as terrifying as a cornered rattlesnake as Mister. Taraji P. Henson effortlessly dazzles as Shug. And Shug’s character also feels more fleshed out this go around. Corey Hawkins is all charisma as Harpo and has one of the best songs in the film. Halle Bailey brings a sense of purity to young Nettie. Fantasia lights the screen up with her magical performance and soulful voice. I’ve never rooted for anyone harder. Bring your tissues. While everyone is fantastic, Danielle Brooks steals the show as Sofia. She’s funny, bold, fearless, and sounds amazing. It doesn’t matter who she shares the screen with, the scene belongs to her. I see awards in her future.
The Color Purple releases in theaters on December 25, 2023. Remain safe and lead with love.
Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 2h 20m Director: Blitz Bazawule Screenplay: Marcus Gardley Based on: stage play by Marsha Norman Music and Lyrics: Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, Producers: Oprah Winfrey, p.g.a., Steven Spielberg, p.g.a., Scott Sanders, p.g.a., Quincy Jones, p.g.a. Executive Producers: Alice Walker, Rebecca Walker, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Carla Gardini, Mara Jacobs, Adam Fell, Courtenay Valenti, Sheila Walcott, Pete Chiappetta, Andrew Lary, Anthony Tittanegro, Michael Beugg Executive Music Producers: Stephen Bray, Nick Baxter, Blitz Bazawule Director of Photography: Dan Laustsen Production Designer: Paul Denham Austerberry Editor: Jon Poll Costume Designer: Francine Jamison-Tanchuck Choreographer: Fatima Robinson Music: Kris Bowers
The Color Purple is truly radiant. It’s a film that emanates joy atop the shoulders of perseverance.
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GVN Rating 9.5
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