The Color Purple

1985 "It's about life. It's about love. It's about us."
7.7| 2h34m| PG-13| en| More Info
Released: 18 December 1985 Released
Producted By: Amblin Entertainment
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
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Synopsis

An epic tale spanning forty years in the life of Celie, an African-American woman living in the South who survives incredible abuse and bigotry. After Celie's abusive father marries her off to the equally debasing 'Mister' Albert Johnson, things go from bad to worse, leaving Celie to find companionship anywhere she can. She perseveres, holding on to her dream of one day being reunited with her sister in Africa.

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Reviews

ScoobyMint Disappointment for a huge fan!
Joanna Mccarty Amazing worth wacthing. So good. Biased but well made with many good points.
Fleur Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.
Logan By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
babyday The Color Purple outlines the life, marriage, friendships and family of Celie Johnson played by Whoopi Goldberg an African American women at the turn of the nineteenth century in the southern United States. Celie is essentially given to her husband she refers to as "Mister" or Albert Johnson. Albert is in need of a women to care for his children as he is widowed. Celie has great difficulties in life and relationships with the exception of her sister Nettie played by Akosua Busia. Celie evolves greatly within the film and develops strong relationships with other women in her life as she longs for her sister. Celie is determined to survive this life and frequently prays to God for help and salvation.Celie feels alone in her life with little enjoyment. Celie befriends her husband's mistress Shug Avery played by Margaret Avery and relies on her immensely to get through life with a husband she despises. Celie's step-son Harpo played by Willard Pugh marries Sophia played by Oprah Winfrey- Celie is ill prepared to give marital advice to Sophia as Celie only knows violence in her relationship. Celie silently observes her family around her and as she narrates the film allows movie goers know her thoughts. The Color Purple is racially charged as Sophia is punished for defending herself to a white man. Another movie that a deals with the injustice of racism is 42 a movie about Jackie Robinson. Different scenarios yet two people that overcame racism in pursuit to find happiness. The determination of the female characters- Celie, Nettie, Sophia and Shug to create a bond and a family in a time that was difficult for women and African Americans. The director used angles to zoom into times when Celie was so angry at Mister has she contemplated revenge on him. Along with the sound of sharpening the razor to shave Mister. Celie uses voice over narration during the film as her feelings and thoughts are not allowed to known to anyone but herself. This is impactful to the theme as Celie struggles to be a person in this film as she feels worthless and is conditioned not to speak for herself. The film is thought provoking and can even spark anger at the great injustices that take place throughout the film. Ultimately admiration arises for Celie as she develops as a person and friend all the while her prayers are answered.
Unhelpful Yoda I couldn't take my eyes from this film. While generally it's an extremely sad film, there are moments that are heart touching. I didn't really know much about what happened to African American women in the early 1920s so it was an eye opener for me. In my opinion women were treated like property and obviously like slaves. There are a lot of confronting themes in this film like incest and violence so if these subjects make you uncomfortable then this isn't a good film to watch. With that being said there are some truly amazing scenes that will bring tears to your eyes. Oprah played her part wonderfully and so did Whoopi Goldberg. I highly recommended this film if you have a few spare hours. Keep the tissues ready!
rat_202 Often labelled as Spielberg's first 'serious' film. What was Jaws, a comedy? But I understand. Watching this, in the 80's it didn't feel like what 'A Film by Steven Spielberg' should be. No aliens, Nazis or sharks. But even as a nine-year old, I found myself really getting involved in the story. I just couldn't stop watching. So yeah, it's a Spielberg film in that respect. Danny Glover gives one his best performances as the cruel 'Mister.' Jeez, after this my sister and I hated him! Oprah Winfrey is impressive in her debut as the fiery Sofia, and Margaret Avery is wonderful as Shug, the beautiful singer who gives Celie something she is sorely lacking - love and friendship. But ultimately, this is Whoopi's movie, and while she's good in Ghost, this is the movie she really should have won the Oscar for. Ah, yes the Oscars. This movie famously received eleven nominations (though not one for Director) and went home empty-handed. There are reasons for this. Margaret Avery's OTT Oscar campaign was ill advised, but Spielberg's omission seems vindictive. I think the Academy hadn't forgiven his somewhat presumptuous move of inviting a camera crew to watch his reaction to the Oscar nominations for Jaws, expecting to see his name on there. But the real message they were sending was 'Stick to blockbusters, Steve. Leave the serious films to the big boys.'That year, Out Of Africa took the big prize, and it's an overlong film with nothing to say. It wasn't until Schindler's List that the world finally appreciated what a truly great filmmaker Spielberg is, yet the evidence is all here. No, the film isn't perfect. Spielberg's love of sentimentality creeps in at times, and John Williams is very notable by his absence. The explicit lesbian scenes of the book are also markedly toned down. But there are worse ways to spend an afternoon than in the company of The Color Purple.
wigginsams This movie is the epitome of the Southern pre-World War I to post World War II climate and attitudes. While following the plight of a young Black woman,forced to marry at a young age, it addresses issues such as gender biases, racial stigmas, religion and even those matters which some may still consider taboo in today's society. Poignant and dramatic this movie is well worth its weight in gold. I am so fond of this movie that I wrote a 15 page term paper on it and the various topics explored for a sociology course. I have not read the book,although I plan to someday but it's my understanding that the book is as good, if not better, than the film version. Samotta Wiggins