Empowered Movie Review, The Help
Recently I had the privilege to attend the movie preview The Help, a movie full of depth, emotion, humanity, empowerment and hope.
The Help stars three strong women in Mississippi in the 60’s. It shows the racial patterns that have permeated the entire country since slavery, especially in the south.
From this setting, a writing project emerged, spearheaded by a young woman who was “raised” by a Nanny. She gathered together many stories of their lives and works at great risk to all involved. The result became the seeds of change which blossomed in unlikely areas, helping expand the perceptions of the townspeople.
I lived in the south of the United States for several years and could relate to the prejudice, control and inhumane treatment of Afro American Nannies working in white homes and raising up the children amongst their many other tasks. By the end of the film, I had tears in my eyes.
The film illustrates the ongoing need for communication, acceptance, and knowledge and shared experiences. I hope that The Help inspires many to make the changes still needed in these demanding times.
The Afro News is proud to sponsor this “must see” film.
Genre: Drama. Rating: TBD Release date August 10, 2011, Running Time 137 minutes.
Cast: Jessica Chastain, Academy Award®–nominated Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, Chris Lowell, Sissy Spacek, Octavia Spencer, Emma Stone, Cicely Tyson, Mike Vogel
Director: Tate Taylor
Producers: Brunson Green, Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan
Executive Producers: Mark Radcliffe, Tate Taylor, L. Dean Jones Jr., Nate Berkus, Jennifer Blum, John Norris, Jeff Skoll and Mohamed Mubarak Al-Mazrouei
Screenplay by: Tate Taylor. Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling novel by: Kathryn Stockett.
Website and Mobile site: www.thehelpmovie.com
