THE COLOR PURPLE (Theatrical Release USA 1985)

Ben Meyers’ rating—4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

The Color Purple becomes an outstanding tribute to the directing style of Steven Spielberg. The film richly packs itself with powerful, undulating waves of life's dreams, disappointments, justice, injustice, desires fulfilled, and desires thwarted. Spielberg captures life's voice. Danny Glover and Whoopi Goldberg play off each other in such a complete and natural way that viewers are unaware of the terrific attention to detail that each scene relies upon to tell their life story. Watch for Laurence Fishburne and Oprah Winfrey in this movie.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Two sisters Celie (Deserita Jackson) and Nettie Harris (Akosua Bustia) live with a sexually abusive Father, Pa Harris (Leonard Jackson). Farmer Albert (Danny Glover) choses the youngest sister for marriage, but Pa Harris refuses and gives the oldest daughter to Albert. Albert agrees, takes her home, and treats her as poorly as her father did. Nettie comes to stay with Celie and the story is off and running as lives begin to unfold in a series of dramatic events that make it seem that a happy ending is impossible.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Peter Guber and Jon Peters for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Shug Avery (Margaret Avery), Sofia (Oprah Winfrey), Harpo Johnson (Willard E. Pugh), Young Celie Harris (Desreta Jackson), Old Mister Johnson (Adolph Caesar), Squeak (Rae Dawn Chong), Miss Millie (Dana Ivey), Grady (Bennet Guillory), Preacher (John Patton, Jr.), Reverend Samuel (Carl Anderson), and Corrine (Susan Beaubian).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film absolutely makes the 'add to the home library' list as well as the Ben Meyers' Top 100 Hollywood Films list.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers