On Wednesday 24th of January 2024, London Mums Magazine was invited to Leicester Square to review the movie The Color Purple.
The Color Purple is a musical take on an adaptation of a classic novel based in the Southern USA in the early 20th century.
The story
The Color Purple is the story of an extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond. This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule (“Black Is King,” “The Burial of Kojo”) and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones.
The screenplay is by Marcus Gardley (“Maid,” “The Chi”), based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. The executive producers Alice Walker, Rebecca Walker, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Carla Gardini, Mara Jacobs, Adam Fell, Courtenay Valenti, Sheila Walcott and Michael Beugg.
The trailer
The verdict
The choreography and music bring relief to the tense and emotional themes. The musical dance segments are really terrific, especially the choreography. However, sometimes the change from the heavier dramatic scenes into full song and dance routines seem artificial. Musically I did miss a memorable Melody which would have really sold me on the production although the orchestration was very professional.
The cinematography and costumes are wonderful. The dark themes of domestic violence, implied incest, explicit racism and the subjugation of women are tempered by underlying themes of redemption and forgiveness.
The emerging ability of the women to stand up for themselves resulting in changing behaviour from some of the men is heartening.
The portrayal of implied lesbian relationships is sensitively implied as to be inoffensive to even the most homophobic viewer. The finale is emotional and full of symbolism. This is not suitable for young children but could be educational and thought provoking for over16’s. It engenders a myriad of emotions.
London Mums’ rating: 6/10
