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In 1985, Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple adapted Alice Walker’s award-winning novel into a classic drama that captivated audiences and critics alike and went on to earn 11 Oscar nominations. Now, the new adaptation of the story—and its Broadway musical version—opens to holiday crowds with its own award season recognition in its sights.
The Color Purple follows the story of one resilient woman through forty years of challenges and self-discovery. Sent away to be married to a cruel man who really just wanted someone to cook and clean and care for his children, Celie (Fantasia Barrino) was taught to be quiet and submissive. She suffers in silence, enduring the abuse of her husband, Mister (Colman Domingo), cut off from her beloved younger sister, Nettie (Halle Bailey). But through the years, she encounters strong, talented, outspoken women, who encourage her to stand strong and be true to herself.
As it follows Celie on her journey, the film tells much of her story through catchy Broadway-style musical numbers from a wide range of genres. And that only intensifies the emotions of the experience, leading viewers through the heartbreak, the loneliness, and even the hope. This updated mix of the original novel, the 1985 film, and the Broadway musical does make some minor changes—and, admittedly, the timeline doesn’t always make sense, skipping over some of the details and leaving some gaps in the storytelling. But it still touches on the important points while staying true to Celie’s moving tale of pain and loss and growth.
Every member of this remarkable ensemble cast adds to this powerful story. Fantasia Barrino gives a solid, soulful performance as Celie, but she’s not on her own here. She’s joined by so many strong female characters—from Danielle Brooks’s bold and outspoken Sofia, who refuses to take any disrespect, to Taraji P. Henson’s larger-than-life Shug Avery, who drives the town’s men wild with the same powerful voice that inspires her timid, withdrawn friend. And these unforgettable characters come together to tell a story of sisterhood and support—of women who help each other through the hard times and celebrate their joys and triumphs together, too.
Though the story follows Celie through so much pain and suffering, The Color Purple is still a moving and even uplifting film. And the cast of characters and their musical numbers only add energy and spirit to Celie’s story, making it a crowd-pleasing holiday release.
You can revisit Celie’s story when The Color Purple arrives in theaters on Christmas Day, 2023.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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