Review of the original 'The Color Purple', which many AHS students have not seen but should see
By Dominick R.
In today’s age, the new movie The Color Purple has been a topic of discussion in the film industry, but let’s not forget about the original. This movie is more important to watch than ever, especially as the book upon which it is based has been banned from a number of public schools, including our very own Airport high School. In fact, I saw our library teacher packing up books, and I noticed that The Color Purple was one of them. Since it has now become more difficult to acquire the book, whereas the film is readily available on a number of streaming services, I thought it might be a good idea to share how much I love it so that other students can learn and grow from what it has to offer.
In general, the film was such a great historical film. It follows up with Celie’s journey from oppression to self-discovery, as she struggles against the harsh realities of racism, sexism, and abuse, while also learning about love, friendship, and personal strength. Filmed in North Carolina in 1985 and directed by Steven Spielberg. The film is a profound exploration of race, as Celie finds strength in herself and in the relationships she forms with other women.
One of the most compelling aspects of the film is that Celie's evolution throughout the film is beautifully conveyed, with Goldberg's understated yet powerful performance being the emotional anchor of the entire narrative.
Another aspect of the film I enjoyed is the way the bond between Harris and Celie is portrayed. Harris is a teenage African-American girl who is brutally raped and abused by her father. She secretly gives birth to two of his children. After the births, the father quickly takes them from Celie and gives them away. Celie shares a strong bond with her youngest sister Nettie as they play and learn the alphabet together.
A third thing that makes the movie great is the way the white director tackled sensitive racial issues and experiences that he himself did not experience, but yet he made them realistic and emotional. Spielberg’s direction was sensitive and careful, balancing the film’s darker themes with moments of warmth and tenderness. He never shies away from depicting the brutal realities of racism and sexism, but he also gives space for moments of resilience, joy, and sisterhood, which are central to the narrative. Bolstering Spielberg’s work is the cinematography by Allen Daviau, which is stunning, capturing the beauty of the rural South while also conveying the emotional weight of the story.
The movie is a good, inspirational movie about the lesson behind the movie because it addresses critical issues of race. The weakness in the flim to me is the way the rape went about. However, despite that one violent scene, I feel like everyone should watch the old Color Purple over the new one because the new one has no meaning about it .
Mrs. Allen rates the movies a 9/10. She says, ”It's really good and makes me cry. It's a very good show. It's a historical drama and it has a great story behind the show.”
Anthony C. says, “It was very good eye opening, one of my all time favorite movies. WhoopI gives a stunning performance, very emotional & powerful. The ending gets me every time I watch it, it's just beautiful!”
These are what sum other critics had to say about the film. Roger Ebert, famed movie critic, had this to say: “It is a great, warm, hard, unforgiving, triumphant movie, and there is not a scene that does not shine with the love of the people who made it. Dorothy Gilliam wrote, ”I anxiously awaited the coming of this movie. Last week I saw it, and I was not disappointed. Indeed, when it concluded, I stood up and cheered.”
In conclusion, the color purple may not be some people favorite movie to watch, but me personally, I'd give the film an eight out of ten, and would highly recommend watching it if you are a fan of the history.