In the age of reboots and revivals, we have now reached a new stage of films based on the musicals based on the original movie. In the case of The Color Purple (2023), it is a movie based on the Tony award-winning musical based on the 1985 movie based on the 1982 book by Alice Walker. In terms of original intellectual property, we are indeed in the end times.
Regardless, I was highly anticipating this reimagining (as the cast and crew have called it) of the film. The cast is STACKED with amazing talent from top to bottom and I truly mean it. What would be considered small roles in this film were played by humongous talents and the concept of a lead carrying the film diminished quickly. This film truly showed an ensemble at its best, from seasoned veterans to actors shining in their first mainstream theatrical release. Regardless, each performer got to shine in their moments.
The standout performance for me was Danielle Brooks who played Sofia. Brooks played Sofia with the nuance that was deserved. Brooks has played Sofia prior on stage alongside Jennifer Hudson (who also competed with Fantasia in American Idol) and Cynthia Erivo. Brooks is the breath of life in the film and brings a sense of joy, autonomy, and agency that we have come to love with Sofia. Brook’s performance of “Hell No” is captivating not only in vocals and choreography but also in the presence that only Danielle Brooks can bring to a screen. A true delight to the film!
The director of the 2023 film, Blitz Bazawule, also had phenomenal directing choices, particularly with light and water. The most infamous line involves references to God. Sofia lets Celie know that God is in her and Celie, at the beginning of the original film and book, has a conversation with God. There were many instances where the director emphasized how God exists in this story and through these characters. A great example of that is the scene with Mister and Celie and when he hits her the curtain falls and lights come through and separates them, signifying that God is in the room, there to protect her.
Water was also a powerful and impactful symbol that the director masterfully utilized. This is exemplified in the scene with young Celie and young Nettie singing, dancing, and finding solace near the water. In contrast, the scene with Mister occurs in a downpour, rain beating on him as he goes back to the land that has been ruined. The directing choices in this film were subtle but immensely powerful.
The main criticism for me was the story of Celie and Shug Avery. This film was an opportunity to go there with the story in a way that they couldn’t in 1985 in a visual form. The choice to still be more subtle with their storyline was a bit of a disappointment. Grace should be given because, at the end of the day, the film was marketed towards specific sectors and a generation of Black communities that are not there yet in being able to fully receive the story of Celie and Shug. However, Taraji P. Henson and Fantasia’s chemistry is electric and the tenderness they held between their characters was absolutely beautiful to watch. The story of The Color Purple is the story between Celie and her sister Nettie but it is also equal parts the love story between Celie and Shug.
This film was beautiful in so many ways and, because of the cast and director, was filled with so much joy and care that was missing in the original. I am glad to have seen it and witnessed it! I am also grateful to have a new generation experience the beautiful story that is The Color Purple.
Epilogue: Also, no more redemption arcs!!
Rating: 3.75/5