With the tried-and-tested music and lyrics of Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray, this film adaptation of the Color Purple musical was practically guaranteed to have power in its key moments. And with a cast that includes tremendous vocalists like Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks (both of whom had previously played their respective characters on stage), the film’s most important sections possess an energy and soul that allow its protagonist to dream of something beyond her dire personal circumstances. However, after a while, this movie begins to feel like it’s only ever made up of isolated scenes without the proper build-up nor the right pacing to earn the movement from one episodic moment to the next. Even with the dynamite chemistry between cast and score, the film’s odd staging and blocking constantly get in the way of what should be something incredibly emotional.
"The prime success of the new movie version of “The Color Purple” is its tone: it plays like legend, filtered through the pleasure and the pain of the telling."
— Richard Brody
"Bazawule does well to draw out multifaceted performances from his cast, particularly Barrino and Brooks, and with them the big emotional beats all manage to land well enough."
— David Jenkins
A decades-spanning tale of love and resilience and of one woman's journey to independence. Celie faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.
Celie Harris endures an abusive marriage, separation from her sister, and life as a Black woman in early 20th-century Georgia.
The main reason to see this Color Purple is still its music—a classic, soaring Broadway score that draws just as much from the blues, gospel, and African music, and gives ample opportunity for its performers to really sing out. And while the performances here can't help but live in the shadow of Cynthia Erivo's Tony-winning portrayal of Celie, Barrino's work can still be plenty affecting. Her version of this character isn't nearly as subtle in how she expresses her inner desires, but it's still a likable approach that works for how innocent Celie is, robbed of a proper childhood and of proper love.
If I sounded this good, I would burst into song all the time too.
Oscars
10 nominations
Cannes
1 nomination
Golden Globes
5 nominations
Nat. Board of Review
1 nomination
