[Movie Review] The Color Purple (2023)
Plot Summary: A woman faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.
Director: Blitz Bazawule
Writer: Marcus Gardley, Alice Walker, Marsha Norman
Runtime: 2 hours 20 minutes
Main Cast:- Fantasia Barrino as Celie
- Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery
- Danielle Brooks as Sofia
- Colman Domingo as Mister
- Cory Hawkins as Harpo
- Phylicia Pearl Mpasi as Young Celie
- Halle Bailey as Young Nettie
- Ciara as Nettie
- H.E.R. as Squeak
- David Alan Grier as Reverend Avery
- Deon Cole as Alfonso
- John Batiste as Grady
- Louis Gossett Jr. as Ol' Mister
- Tamela J. Mann as First Lady
- Aunjanue Ellis-Tyalor as Mama
Review by: Samuel
What I Liked
Everything form the original is here plus more. So everything that was great about the original- direction, narrative, pacing, performances- are also great here. So, rather than focus on those, I will focus on three new aspects that enhance an already wonderful film.
First, the color grading. Not something I often discuss, but the colors POP in this film form the first frame. Similar to Kenneth Branagh’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” this film has scenes that look like paintings. Any number of scenes can be paused, screen captured and used as wallpaper- it’s that beautiful.
Next, is the music. Unlike the previous adaptation, this one is a musical and for the most part the music works. Not every song will be for everyone, but I think any individual will find multiple songs and dance numbers they enjoy thoroughly. What is really impressive is they added these musical scenes but somehow also added a bit more to the characters and story than the original all while maintaining a similar run time.
That actually is something else I’ll add (we’ll call this aspect 2.5)- the runtime. Too many movies today are overly long for no reason, but looking aback on this film there isn’t any waste in its runtime and even the songs I didn’t like as much (I didn’t dislike any) never felt out of place or like they were overly long and running up the time I spent in my seat. Kudos to this film for being one of the few in recent history for being justified in its runtime.
Lastly, Fantasia. Oh Fantasia! The American Idol winner has never been better. I was worried about how she would be as an actress, and those worries were put to rest. She embodies Celie as well as Whoopi- and I know that’s saying something. But the way she walked and talked made me believe she was an early 20th century black woman from the South. The way she behaved and her facial expressions around her “husband” made me believe she was a woman struggling through years of abuse and neglect. And when her anger finally boiled over into one of the best monologues this year, I felt like jumping up and cheering. That’s all to say, Fantasia will need some serious consideration come awards season. Her performance was akin to a real-life documentary about Celie. And, her voice! What she’s famous for. She puts it on FULL display and you are reminded why this country voted her as the best singer back in 2004.
What I DIdn’t Like
As the film’s script follows the book, I’m not sure it’s fair to put my criticism of the narrative on the film, but I must state it. I HATED the redemption arc for Mister/Albert. He was a cruel and violent man who did not deserve forgiveness in my eyes. He did not earn his redemption and I’m not sure he would have lived long enough (in the film’s timeline) to ever earn it. He deserved to die alone and miserable for almost literally embodying the evil of man.
Summary
Outside of that, the only thing I can criticize about the film is the makeup for the aging. Characters seemed to only age 10 years (max) over the 40 years this film takes place. None more so egregious than David Alan Grier’s pastor character who seemed to stay aged 69 for 40 years. This is more funny than anything else, and aside from being completely noticeable as an audience member, does not take away from the experience.
