July 11, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Film Review: The Color Purple

FILM REVIEW
THE COLOR PURPLE
Rated PG-13
140 Minutes
Released December 25th

Like the historical novel it’s based on, The Color Purple follows a close-knit group of people from a Southern town through history from 1907 to 1957. That’s a lot of history, family secrets, heartbreak, and triumphs to cover in 2 hours and 20 minutes. This is a compilation of realizations of a dramatic and impactful story based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel, then made into a 1985 feature film by Steven Spielberg, the screenplay for which was penned by Menmo Meyjes. Then, it became a Broadway musical in 2005 that was revived in 2015. This new version was written by playwright Marcus Gardley and does not veer from the paths of the previous iterations about the intermingling of the lives of strong, courageous and colorful black women living in the American South of the early 20th century, some 50 years after the end of the Civil War.

Director Blitz Bazawule was born in Ghana and is a gifted multimedia artist, filmmaker, artist, musician, and writer based in New York City. It’s not easy to follow the thread of the story, but the people, their actions, and reactions to their environment, how they are shaped by their culture and society, come through. The flow of the narrative does not quite match the awe of the performances by the talented cast. The transitions from the action to the musical numbers are slightly abrupt, and the songs tend to overpower and break from the storyline, but they are colorful and exuberant. 

Fantasia Barrino, who is mesmerizing as “Celie,” was the winner of the 3rd season of American Idol. Her debut album, “Free Yourself,” sold a million copies and went platinum in 2 months. This is her film debut, and she brings a first-hand connection with her character’s suffering as she was verbally, mentally, and physically abused by her first husband at a young age. Fantasia played the role of Celie on Broadway in 2007 in the second year of the show’s original run. Halle Baile, who gained fame recently as “The Little Mermaid,” plays “Young Nettie,” and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi is “Young Celie.” I wish we could have seen more of them here as they tug at your heartstrings with their beautiful voices. Danielle Brooks, as “Sofia,” steals her scenes with her strength, intensity, and energy. She was in the Broadway revival of the show in 2015. Colman Domingo is superb, as always, in the role of “Mister.”

Taraji P. Henson had turned down the chance to play “Shug Avery” on stage because she felt she was not a strong enough singer. Watching her in this movie, you would never guess that. When she was offered the role this time, she called Margaret Avery, the original “Shug Avery” from Spielberg’s movie, who told her, “I have all the faith in you.” Henson truly understood her character and the story. As a child, she spent her summers in the South with her grandparents. She says, “It’s the South. All you have is time.” The dancing and drinking scene with Shug and Mister had very little direction in the script and was mostly improvised. Henson notes that Domingo told her, “Listen, I don’t want to know what you’re going to do. Just do it. I know you got me.”

The Color Purple is a classic story of our time, of huge importance, and needs to be seen. Bazawule has created a lavish production, and the cast brings their all to recreate these characters with huge emotional arcs. Each scene is beautifully mounted, and the choreography is jubilant. 

Kathryn Whitney Boole has spent most of her life in the entertainment industry, which has been the backdrop for remarkable adventures with extraordinary people.  She is a Talent Manager with Studio Talent Group in Santa Monica. kboole@gmail.com

in News
<>Related Posts

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Santa Monica Joins Regional Lawsuit to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The motion to intervene seeks to ensure that Santa Monica and other plaintiff-intervenors can advocate for their residents’ rights in...

Promenade Restaurant Introduces Lunch Menu Set at $18 Per Person

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The fixed $18 price point targets commuters and those seeking a power lunch or a change of scenery The restaurant...

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...