As the credits rolled, tears rolled down my face. They were tears of joy, sadness, pride, triumph, and exhilaration. I was joyous, because I had witnessed a masterpiece. I was joyous seeing women and men who looked like me come together in word, song, and dance to bring a story to the screen that spoke to my heart and to the hearts of countless others.
Fantasia Barrino was breathtaking as Celie. Halle Bailey was superb as Nettie. Taraji P. Henson slayed her role as Shug Avery. Danielle Brooks was a force to be reckoned with as Sofia. Colman Domingo lit up the screen as Mister. Corey Hawkins was wonderful as Harpo. Ciara was exquisite as the older Nettie. Deon Cole blew me away as Alfonso. Tamela Mann set a magnificent tone in the opening of the film as First Lady. H.E.R., who played Squeak, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, who played the Young Celie, Jon Batiste, who played Grady, Lou Gossett Jr., who played Mister Johnson, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who played Mama, and David Alan Grier, who played Rev. Samuel Avery, were beyond brilliant. All of the performances were magical and mesmerizing.
I was sad because of the brutality that was exhibited in the film. I knew it would be there, because I saw the original Color Purple. I don’t condone it, but I understand it, because I know there was a time in history when Black men were treated less than human, when Black men where subjugated and mentally, emotionally, and physically castrated. These men, more often than not, took their frustrations out on the women in their lives.
I was proud of Oprah Winfrey for keeping The Color Purple alive, for her vison and her courage. Kudos to Stephen Spielberg who co-produced the film and the director Blitz Bazawule. I felt triumphant, because once upon a time ago I was Celie—a young Black girl who hated everything about herself. A young Black girl who internalized her childhood trauma. And thank God, like Celie, I discovered forgiveness and healing and transformed into the woman I am today—a woman who loves everything about myself, imperfections and all. I was exhilarated, because the film ended with a powerful message of forgiveness and the importance of family.
If you’ve seen the original Color Purple and the musical on Broadway, please don’t assume you’ve seen it all. Trust and believe, this latest version will take you to emotional heights you never imagined.
It’s a must see!!!
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