Based on the bestselling novel by Kathryn Stockett, this multiple Academy Award-nominated picture is one of the best films never to have won Best Picture (alongside
Goodfellas and
A Few Good Men). It's set in Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960s. A time when violence and bigotry between the races in the deep American south was at an all-time low.
It's a deeply heartfelt and touching story which doesn't try to cover all the racial tensions of that time, but merely illustrates some of the injustices which took place. It's based on the author's own experiences as a young adult growing up and in my opinion it doesn't trivialize anything, as it also manages to touch on important events of the time: the assassinations of Medger Evans and John F. Kennedy.
Unlike the book, the main narrative focus in the movie is provided by Aibileen, a proud but stoic black women who has raised 17 children for white women, but has barely had time to grieve the death of her own son years earlier. The performance of Viola Davis in this role is brilliant! She was nominated for Best Actress for this role, but lost out to Meryl Streep unfortunately. Viola infuses Aibileen with such strength and fierce courage, even when she is silent, her eyes and facial expressions convey so much hurt and life experience I don't know if any other actress could've been able to pull it off. She is ably supported by a first-rate cast: the ever-impressive Emma Stone plays "Skeeter" (the character which represents the author, trying to bring justice and awareness to the town of Jackson); Academy Award-winning Octavia Spencer as Aibileen's best friend Minny who has her own emotional journey of growth throughout the movie; the gorgeous Bryce Dallas Howard going against type as the cold, calculated Hilly Holbrook and Jessica Chastain in a surprisingly good performance as Celia Foote, considered white trash by the other white "elite" even though she's richer than all of them. Celia is a woman with many emotional scars, but she is a true lady, and a person's skin colour doesn't bother her at all.
The film is quite lengthy, almost 2 and a half hours, but you never feel it. The pace isn't slow at all, and there's all the required drama and even a decent few laughs to make this a sure-fire winner for women AND men, of any culture and creed. This movie will break your heart, make you smile, and ultimately lift you up and fill you with hope. One of the year's best! (5 out of 5, by Carlisle Johnson)
The #1 New York Times bestseller by Kathryn Stockett comes to vivid life through the powerful performances of a phenomenal ensemble cast.
Led by Emma Stone, Academy Award-nominated Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Bryce Dallas Howard, The Help is an inspirational, courageous and empowering story about very different, extraordinary women in the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project — one that breaks society’s rules and puts them all at risk.
Filled with poignancy, humor and hope — and complete with compelling, never-before-seen bonus features — The Help is a timeless, universal and triumphant story about the ability to create change.
(Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress; also nominated for Best Picture and Best Actress in a leading role)
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Region 2. This DVD will play in all South African DVD players.
Dolby Digital 5.1