The Help - A Labor of Love. Few movies move me to tears, but The Help did just that and then some. The story takes place in Jackson, Mississippi where a white woman, raised by black maids, decides to write about her experience. In the 1960's, it was tabu for whites to associate with blacks. And, in many jurisdictions, the law forbade the two from interacting on a personal level. Kathryn Stockett took a huge risk when she decided to collaborate with several black maids and write about their story.
The Help was a Labor of Love in the making... not only for it's prolific author, Kathryn Stockett, but also for her best friend, Tate Taylor, a childhood buddy and amateur Director with whom she entrusted the rights to direct the film. Both were rejected and discouraged from writing the book and making the movie, but something more powerful than the human spirit propelled these two to expose the naked truth about discrimination. And the rest of the naysayers are eating 'Minnie Pie' today (you'll have to see the movie to get a huge laugh from this line).
Speaking of lines... one of the best and most powerful line in this movie is when Viola Davis tells a young white girl... 'You is Kind, You is Smart, You is Important.' Oh My God... we could all have benefited from hearing these most powerful words as children. It is said that change begins with a whisper... Pssst, come closer, I want to tell you something. A little closer... closer... okay, that's close enough... now listen carefully... don't walk to this movie... run! And you best be bringing the tissues with you, because the tears are going to flow. It is powerful, it is poignant, it is purposeful... and it is most befitting, on this lovely Labor Day, to encourage you to see this film!
Mel - Just about ready to head to the river for some sunshine and stick throwing (For the dog, not me, I've had my exercise) - but, just wanted to let you know, "You is kind, You is Smart, and You is Important."
I know I'll make it to the cinema to see this but I'll see it at home sometime soon I'm sure. I'm debating reading the book first. Great review!
PS I LOVE LOVE LOVE Debb's comment!
I luv ya Debb! Have a great day with Mac... see ya tomorrow, my friend!
ME TOO Susan! The book is next on my list ;-)
Mel, I read the book and it made me laugh, cry and celebrate along with the characters regarding the 'pie'. I heard the movie follows the book pretty closely, looking forward to seeing it.
You make me wish I lived where there are movie theaters. Maybe I can request the book from our local library.
Meanwhile, I have a friend who grew up in the deep South, and she has told me about being raised by her black nanny. She loved her and considered her more of a mother than her real mother - because it was her nanny that took her everywhere, listened to her, and all the rest.
Wanda ~ I laughed so hard and so loud... thank God the people around me were laughing too!
Oh Marte ~ This is the film to see... and it absolutely mirrors what your friend told you about growing up in the South. Very powerful stuff!
This movie is on my list to see I think it will inspire a lot of individuals. Happy Labor Day.
Mel-I hadn't heard about this movie but with this review I will most definitely have to. I ditto Debb's last line ("You is kind, You is Smart, and You is Important.") in SPADES my friend. Hope your Labor Day is relaxing and enjoyable
Pat ~ You'll be glad you did... it's gripping, true and extremely entertaining!
Sharon ~ When you see the movie, you will so appreciate that line even more. Thank-you kindly on Debb's ditto!
Dang it, it's my Donald's turn to pick. How the heck am I gonna get him to pick this movie? And shooting involved?
I will definitely go see it. Being raised in the deep South from a long line of Southerners, I am very familiar with the mentality. Thanks so much for your endorsement. Every time I see the previews I think it looks like such a neat movie. (PS ~ and I am so excited for your that you girls will get to be together tomorrow!)
Mel ~ This book is one of the most poignant books of the century!! I have not had the chance to see the movie but do plan on it!!
Tammy ~ Just tell Donald 'He is kind, He is Smart, and He is Important!'
Being from the South, you'll especially enjoy this film Mimi.
I'm all over the book now Karen... can't wait!
Mel....I saw this last weekend & just loved it!
Mel, from the very first time I heard about the movie, I couldn't wait for it to come out! Powerful, poignant and purposeful movies are the kind I prefer - I want to laugh and I want to cry when I get to go to the movies, which is not that often, but I don't want to be doing it because a movie is so bad. I can't wait! It is very tempting to just go and get the book now but in my opinion it is always best to see the movie first.
Mel, this is incredibly compelling! After a nice hot shower, I'm literally out the door for the 7:10 showing. Boy, oh boy, am I psyched. Brian
Wasn't it fabulous Christine? How about that pie?!
Me too Andrea! I hear the movie is very true to the book =)
Oh Bri... you're in for a treat! Don't forget the tissues, while I eat my pie ;)
Mel, we read this in our book group--absolutely one of our ALL TIME FAVORITES. Aren't there toilets, TOO that play a part in this?? We read so many, I may be mixing it up....anyway, I loved all of these characters and want to buy the film and watch it at home (so I can keep my puffy eyes to myself)!
Mel, this movie was just wonderful! I laughed, and cried and cannot believe that condition like that existed -- and probably still do in some places. Loved THE PIE!
The Help is really doing well at the box office. I don't go to theater movies anymore because there are so many movies via Netflix that I haven't seen, not to mention that the snacks are overpriced and the seats are uncomfortable.
I'm all about the book now Gayle... and yes, there is a big deal about toilets... but nothing compares to the scene with Minnie's Pie! It was a hoot to meet you today... you girls were exactly as I imagined you... cute as ever!
I laughed and cried too Elise... that's what makes a film great in my book!
Well Eric, you should rent it when it comes out... and I know what you mean about the price of snacks... but nothing beats theatre popcorn... it's just so yummy!