The Color Purple-A Musical Treasure

    I was fortunate enough to go to an advance screening of The Color Purple. I was so excited! Everyone at the screening was excited! There was a lot of buzz and chatter as we waited for the movie to start. 

    The film is based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1982 novel. The story is about the life of Celie from 1909 to 1947. There was already one film adaptation in 1985, so I had high expectations; and I must say — it was fantastic! And yes, I wore a purple shirt! I listen to Oprah! 

    Speaking of Oprah, she is a producer on this new version of The Color Purple, along with Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones.

    As the lights dimmed and the screen came to life, a hush fell over the audience. I was on the edge of my seat in anticipation, I couldn't wait to see what this remake of the 1985 masterpiece was going to offer me. I was not in the least bit disappointed; it offered me nothing but pure entertainment!

Why was this movie so good? 

#1 The cast. 

    I thought the casting was spot on. Each actor was perfectly cast. We all know the big stars in it; Fantasia Barrino as adult Celie, Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery, and Danielle Brooks as Sofia but the rest of the cast was on point! From Halle Bailey as young Nettie to Coleman Domingo as Mister and Tony winner David Alan Grier as Reverend Avery and so many more celebrities It was indeed a star-studded movie!

#2 The music. 

    Gospel, blues, jazz, you name it! It will have you dancing in your seat. The singing was remarkable. On top of that, there were also new songs that were written just for this movie. If you ask me, it’s pretty much a virtual concert too.

#3 The Choreography.

     As a dance mom, of a phenomenal dancer at that, I know of what I speak. (Is it former if your child is an adult? I say once a dance mom always a dance mom!). The choreography was modern and flawless. The Choreographer, Fatima Robinson, has worked with so many artists, from Michael Jackson to Mary J. Blige. She used hip-hop moves and TikTok dances that breathed life into the dance scenes. 

    With all that I loved about this movie, I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about how hard some of the subject matter was. It was overbearing.

    If you've read the book or seen the original film, you are aware of the trauma that happens to Celie and Sofia. The abuse that Celie experiences throughout her lifetime is not an easy thing to watch. 

    Fortunately, this story is about more than that. The story is about not only sadness but also love, friendship, healing, happiness, forgiveness, redemption, reconciliation and triumph. All things that we all strive for in our lives.

    Black culture has had major influences on the world, evident through societal trends in music, dance, and art. It’s apparent in the movie —it incorporates it all. This film will surely be added to a list of classic Black films that are a must see for generations to come.

    Also, make sure you look out for the cameos. I spotted one and will look to see if there are any more when I most definitely see it again. 

This cinematic showpiece, in my humble opinion, should garner some award wins come award season. 

    As to the question of whether you should take your children to see this movie; I would say this: “Hell to the no”. While the music and dancing are great, there are a lot of grown-up issues that you may not want to expose your child to. I do think teenagers that can handle the adult issues would undeniably enjoy the music and dancing. It is rated PG-13 for mature thematic content, sexual content, violence, and language.

I give it 5/5 "Charms"

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“I'm rooting for everybody Black.”

Just A Mom Who Loves Movies