The Color Purple (1985)

I love this movie so much

Why so much hype?

Best movie ever!

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

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.

From the director of Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark & E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, The Color Purple finds Steven Spielberg stepping away from his usual forte to try his hand at stories dealing with serious subject matters and although it isn't as refined & accomplished as his later features, it's still a brave attempt that's emotionally dense & powerfully moving at times.Set in rural Georgia during the early 20th century, The Color Purple centers on an oppressed black woman as she struggles through life enduring rape, incest, poverty, sexism & domestic violence but eventually finds her self-worth & identity with the help of two strong female companions. Her tale spans 40 years, covering the abuses she suffers and the transformation she undergoes.Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film finds the visionary filmmaker outside of his comfort zone yet determined to broaden his area of expertise, and he makes fine use of his skillset to deliver a tale that's rich in emotions, characters & dramatic depth. A few trademarks still make their way into the final print, it even manages to find some humour in what's a discomforting experience, and it's well narrated.The era-appropriate props & rural location provide the story its required timeline, Cinematography makes controlled use of camera, color tones & lighting to capture each scene in wonderful detail, Editing begins the story on a gripping note but it starts wandering in the middle and is lethargic in the final hour, while its background score marks one of the rarest occasions when a Spielberg film wasn't scored by John Williams.Coming to the performances, The Color Purple packs a strong cast in Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, Margaret Avery & Desreta Jackson. The film marks the acting debut for both Goldberg & Winfrey, and both ladies are terrific in their respective roles, especially Goldberg who is the heart & soul of this movie. The rest of the supporting cast is no slouch either and pretty much everyone does well with what they are given.On an overall scale, The Color Purple is an emotionally absorbing cinema that isn't an easy sit but what it puts on the screen is powerful, disturbing & thought-provoking stuff. Sure it's sentimental at times, runs a tad too long, and ends up overstaying its welcome, but it's also worthy of respect for what it attempts to bring to light. A scathing critique of sexism & a celebration of sisterhood, The Color Purple may not reverberate with all but it will nonetheless manage to leave its imprint on the viewers. Worth a shot.

This film is a great portrayal of Alice Walker's the Color Purple. I remember upon studying the novel at A level, being shocked at the level of violence that women like Celie had to endure. I was very glad that the film didn't water this down. To have done so would be a grave insult to the women worldwide who had to suffer this treatment.Whoopi Goldberg made her film debut in the Color Purple and she was great in her role as the grown-up Celie. I've always liked how she can bring a naturalness and realism to her acting. The Color Purple is no exception. Read my full review for more: http://goo.gl/ykObxL

Coming in 1985, this was Steven Spielberg's first attempt at melodrama; he had directed Raiders of the Lost Ark and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 3 and 4 years previously. This inaugural bid for Spielberg as a dramatic director feels a bit clumsy at times, and at times he struggles to portray harrowing oppression suffered by Celie Johnson, the film's protagonist. This may be the result of the film's PG-13 rating, as the harsh themes of domestic violence and incest are at times brushed over too lightly. Despite these issues, Steven Spielberg's dramatic debut is shot tremendously and full of brilliant performances. Danny Glover, while subdued by the film's hesitation to portray violence, is convincing as the abusive husband of Celie. Whoopi Goldberg is fantastic as Celie Johnson, and was undoubtedly robbed of an Oscar in 1986. Margaret Avery is also great as the inspiration to Celie and performs a few great songs, at least one of which also should have won an Oscar. But the real standout performance is from Oprah Winfrey as the empowering Sofia, giving by far the most moving performance in the film. The original music and musical collaboration in the film is superb, adding a lot of heart to the film. If you are a fan of Steven Spielberg, and want to see his origins in drama, this movie will not disappoint. It is a great film for black and female empowerment, but is not as brutal as films like Schindler's List, making it a great introductory drama to Spielberg's decorated career.