The Color Purple
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The extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond.
- Released: 2023-12-20
- Runtime: 140 minutes
- Genre: Drama
- Stars: Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Ciara, Deon Cole, Halle Bailey, Aba Arthur, Colman Domingo, Terrence J. Smith, H.E.R., Louis Gossett Jr., Tiffany Elle Burgess, Corey Hawkins, David Alan Grier, Fantasia Barrino, Jon Batiste, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Stephen Hill, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Tamela Mann
- Director: Blitz Bazawule
Comments
- emjgiddy - 16 June 2024
Okay Movie
The 2023 adaptation of "The Color Purple," directed by Blitz Bazawule, revisits Alice Walker's seminal novel with a new lens, merging the story's powerful themes with a visually and musically vibrant interpretation. While the film has its moments of brilliance and emotional resonance, it doesn't entirely capture the depth and nuance of its source material.
The film features a talented ensemble cast, with standout performances from Fantasia Barrino as Celie and Danielle Brooks as Sofia. Barrino brings a raw vulnerability and strength to Celie, effectively portraying her journey from oppression to empowerment. Brooks, with her commanding presence and robust vocal performances, breathes life into Sofia, delivering both humor and heart. Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery also deserves praise for her charismatic and multifaceted portrayal.
Musically, "The Color Purple" excels. The soundtrack is a mix of soul-stirring ballads and uplifting anthems that highlight the characters' emotional arcs and enhance the storytelling. The musical numbers are choreographed and performed with energy and passion, making them some of the film's most memorable moments. The vibrant costumes and set designs further enrich the film, transporting audiences to the early 20th-century American South.
However, the film struggles with pacing and narrative cohesion. The ambitious attempt to cover the extensive plot of the novel within a limited runtime results in a rushed and sometimes disjointed narrative. Key events and character developments are often skimmed over, which can leave viewers, especially those unfamiliar with the book or previous adaptations, feeling disconnected from the story and its emotional core.
Moreover, while the film is visually striking, it occasionally prioritizes style over substance. Certain scenes, though beautifully shot, lack the emotional weight necessary to fully convey the gravity of Celie's experiences and growth. This emphasis on aesthetic sometimes detracts from the story's more profound and intimate moments.
Another area where the film falls short is in its handling of the novel's complex themes of race, gender, and abuse. While these issues are present, the film's treatment of them can feel superficial, missing the depth and sensitivity that made Walker's novel so impactful.
In conclusion, the 2023 adaptation of "The Color Purple" is a visually and musically engaging film that showcases some strong performances, particularly from its lead actors. However, its rushed narrative and occasional lack of emotional depth prevent it from fully doing justice to Alice Walker's powerful story. For fans of the novel and musical theater, it offers a fresh take with memorable musical numbers, but it may not resonate as deeply as previous adaptations. - johnsutto - 4 May 2024
Not as good as the first.
Yes everything about this movie was professional from the filming to the quality of acting. I thought the music and settings were brilliant. Everything was too good. I preferred the original as it was more rustic and relevant to the story. The quality of singing and music was of high standard as was the choreography. There was something about Whoopie and the old cast that made it something special. I did not feel my emotions as much as the first and put this down to having more music and dancing scenes. I did find the newer version had a little bit of comedy there sprinkled through it. A very good movie but I did prefer the original.
