The Color Purple

When "The Color Purple" was released in 1985, 38 years ago, it was considering a fresh and original film opening up the door to a very talented and serious black cast. Even though this remake of "The Color Purple" was a fair duplicate of its predecessor, it was still as well crafted as the original as far as the acting, directing, writing, photography and choreography.

A story of love and resilience based on the novel and the Broadway musical, "The Color Purple" is a decades spawning tale of one woman's journey to independence, Celie (Fantasia Barrino) faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood. Since her sister, young Nettie (Halle Bailey) subsequently went to Africa, The story begins in 1909 when Celie met and was forced to be the wife of Mister (Colman Domingo) who abused and only wanted a maid and servant. Then years later, she met and befriended Shug Avery (Taraji P. Henson), a well known entertainer who, after hearing about the abuse thrust upon her by Mister, Shug took Celie under her wing and protected her. Then, even farther down the road (time wise), the son of Mister, Harpo (Corey Hawkins) married Sofia (Danielle Brooks) and all became friends much to the chagrin of Mister. This spans the better part of 40 years. 

Others to round out the cast are Ciara as Nettie, H.E.R. (Gabriella Wilson) as Squeak, David Alan Grier as Reverend Avery, Shug's father, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi as Young Celie, Deon Cole as Alfonso, Jon Batiste as Grady and Louis Gossett Jr as Ol' Mister, Mister's father. 

This was intensely and passionately directed by Blitz Bazawule ("The Burial of Kojo" '18, "Black is King" '20) plus TV and shorts. Who would've concluded that a director with the limited amount of experience as this filmmaker could've crafted a film with the quality as this? Of course, considering that powerhouse producers of the likes of Spielberg, Winfrey, Quincy Jones and Scott Sanders were involved, they had to have known this filmmaker or he probably wouldn't have been involved. The sequencing, staging, pacing and continuity in script was spot on. It was equally well penned by writer Marcus Gardley ("My America" (segment: "The Preacher's Benediction") '14) plus TV. This story basically followed its predecessor fairly closely, and other than it being a musical which the original was not, it and the characters were, all in all, intact. What made this truly fresh and exciting was the musical numbers and the choreography by Fatima Robinson. Certainly, the two and a quarter hours moved right along which kept my interest. Also the photography by Dan Laustsen, asc/dff was stunning and definitely showcased the incredible quality of this production. Other than a couple of very small places of slowness in the story, this script was amazing. 

Certainly.if you liked the 1985 original, you'll love this one replete with fine acting, directing, writing, photography, choreography, costume design, music and lyrics. It will undoubtedly be considered for several Oscar nods. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                 Rated: PG-13                                       141mins.