The Color Purple sings its way into theaters this Christmas with award worthy performances and one of the best ensemble casts this year. Produced by Oprah Winfrey and led by Fantasia Barrino this new film has all the power and emotion you would expect.
Those who remember the original film from 1985 know how moving and emotional these characters are. Based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker it is a timeless story that never fails to impact audiences with redemption, pain, heartbreak, and forgiveness.
This version certainly embraces the stage musical more than the original film. Several song and dance numbers push the narrative from start to finish. This break in dialogue has a tendency to take viewers out of the dramatic moments and break the spell. At the same time, the power of music and especially the vocals of this cast at times amplify the emotion. So it is a balance that works for the most part. The bottom line is which medium you like to watch.
The film starts with a young Celie (Phylicia Pearl Mpasi) and her sister Nellie (Halle Bailey). We are introduced to their beautiful bond as well as the hardships that have already plagued Celie. The story quickly moves ahead to an adult Celie (Fantasia Barrino) who is stuck in an abusive relationship with a husband they call Mister (Colman Domingo). She has not heard from her sister in years, and her faith and hope are all but gone. Things change though when she is befriended by Shug Avery (Taraji P. Henson), a sultry Jazz Singer.
Forgiveness is as the heart of this story. Not forgiveness that forgets pain and hurts. But forgiveness that frees you from the weight of sorrow. The inspiration that Celie brings in this realm is unparalleled. Your heart breaks for her in every moment. So when she rises above all the hurt it is as if we have all tasted a little of that freedom.
The cast is superb in this film. Fantasia, Henson, and Danielle Brooks as Sofia are a powerhouse of vocals and character creation. There is not one weak number in this film. As I mentioned earlier, the songs may take you out of the moment, but that does not mean they are not incredible. I was a huge fan of Fantasia on American Idol, and to see her here is proof that she is something special.
Sofia (Brooks) steals each scene in a grand way. She is the only woman who has no problem standing up to a man or the system in general. Sadly this outspokenness leads to one of the most gut wrenching moments in the film. Brooks is so good in this role and carries the highs and lows with perfection.
The 1985 film was nominated for 11 Oscars. Will this one reach that? I don’t think so. It is easily deserving of five for sure, most of those in the acting field. Also, it is long at almost two and a half hours. If you love musicals it will go by in a flash. Otherwise it will feel even longer. But it is worth the journey.
The Color Purple is rated PG-13 for mature thematic content, sexual content, violence and language. It is a heavy film that is emotionally taxing. At the same time the redemption story is as beautiful as you will ever see.
About The Author
