The Color Purple (2023) Movie Review
In Alice Walker's 1982 novel, "The Color Purple," there's a rich history of adaptations, from the well-known Spielberg film to the Broadway musical that made its debut in 2005. Blitz Bazawule's latest best film takes the best elements from these diverse versions and creates a striking hybrid, blending the profound reflections of the written word with the powerful energy of musical performances.
The heart of "The Color Purple" revolves around Celie, played by Phylicia Pearl Mpasi in her youth and Fantasia Barrino in adulthood. In their early years, Celie and her sister Nettie, portrayed by Halle Bailey, enjoy carefree moments on the shoreline, chatting and singing. However, their joy is confined to these private moments, as their home life is overshadowed by their abusive father's oppressive control.
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Celie's life takes a dark turn when, pregnant for the second time, she witnesses her father selling her babies. Subsequently, she becomes a victim of her father's cruelty once again, being auctioned off as a wife to Mister, played by Colman Domingo. Unfortunately, what she hopes might be an escape turns out to be a shift from one violent household to another.
When Nettie leaves, Celie loses touch with her only family. Without a sister, reliable family, or children, Celie faces tough times alone. Her abusive husband is infatuated with another woman, Shug Avery, a free-spirited blues singer. Celie clings to the hope that her sister and children are alive somewhere. She finds solace in the support of Shug and Sofia, her determined daughter-in-law.
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The standout feature of "The Color Purple" is the exceptional performances. Mpasi and Barrino, both making their film debuts, skillfully portray Celie. They capture Celie's contemplative nature, hesitations, and enduring strength. Mpasi, especially, is captivating with her mesmerizing smile and powerful silent expressions that send shivers down the spine. The chemistry between Mpasi and Bailey is genuine, making the emotional core of the story impactful despite Nettie's absence on-screen.
Barrino, as the older Celie, delivers an incredible performance. She maintains a sense of childhood innocence while revealing the impact of a life constrained by oppressive men. This adds depth to her character, portraying an older woman who has been stunted in her personal and social development due to the tyranny she endured.
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Danielle Brooks, Tony-nominated for her outstanding stage portrayal, steals the show in the best film adaptation of "The Color Purple." Her performance as Sofia is a knockout, delivering a crowd-pleasing experience. Brooks brings an enchanting presence and emotional versatility, seamlessly moving between tear-jerking moments and side-splitting humor. Sofia, a character known for her refusal to be overlooked or disrespected, is brought to life with compelling force by Brooks.
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On the flip side, Taraji P. Henson's portrayal of Shug falls short. Amidst a cast that exudes authenticity, Henson's overacting stands out awkwardly. While Shug's scenes provide relief in moments of despair, there's a noticeable artificiality in Henson's portrayal that doesn't align with the film's overall sincerity. Shug, a diva masking insecurity with pride, requires an unwavering charisma and depth that Henson doesn't quite achieve. As a result, Shug struggles to find her place in the film, both in performance and on paper.
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The film's attempt to cover a broad span of time necessitates selectivity in highlighting significant moments in Celie's life. Unfortunately, "The Color Purple" occasionally takes less interesting paths, spending too much time on Shug and causing pacing issues. Some musical numbers feel unnecessary, unlike the impactful ones that seamlessly integrate into the film's major highlights. Despite this, the triumphant musical sequences, such as "Hell No" and "I'm Here," showcase the cast's choreography and vocal talents.
The film serves as a powerful emotional portrait of a woman's life, marked by the challenges of Black womanhood. It addresses both the guaranteed and unfortunately common adversities. Beyond the weight of overwhelming odds, the true impact of "The Color Purple" lies in the solidarity of Black sisterhood, whether familial or otherwise. It stands as a testament to resilience and perseverance, offering a stunning decades-long coming-of-age story that faithfully asserts itself as a cherished modern rendition.
The Color Purple- FAQ
Is The Color Purple difficult to read?
when you dive into this book, you'll notice it's not following the typical novel style. Walker keeps some things a bit mysterious, so you have to connect the dots about the characters and their actions as you read. It's like putting together a puzzle to understand the full picture.
What is The Color Purple rated?
In this upcoming "Color Purple" movie (given ½ out of four stars and rated PG-13, hitting theaters on December 25), you can expect fantastic performances from stage stars Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks. With a top-notch cast, this film has the potential to be a strong contender for the Best Picture category, just like the previous cinematic version.
What is the story The Color Purple about?
In "The Color Purple," we journey with a young African-American girl named Celie growing up in rural Georgia in the early 1900s. The story unfolds through letters Celie writes to God, revealing her challenges with an abusive father, teenage pregnancy, and a difficult marriage.
What is the message of The Color Purple?
"The Color Purple" beautifully tells the story of Celie as she grows up, discovers herself, and breaks free from oppression and abuse to find happiness and independence. The book also talks about the importance of treating everyone equally, regardless of their gender.