Let me first start out by say that I am a huge fan of both the book and the play (read and seen the play). It truly gives a microscopic view of the struggles that woman endure and in particular that of the "black woman". (DISCLAIMER: This is a film for mature audiences.)
"Many voices. One poem."
Tyler Perry's adaptation of Ntozake Shange's 1975 stage play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf give the audience an opportunity to view this prolific play Retaining the play's poetic style, the film's lead cast consists of eight African-American women, seven of whom are based on the play's seven characters only known by color ("Lady in Red", "Lady in Blue", "Lady in Yellow" etc). Like its source material, each character deals with a different personal conflict, such as love, abandonment, rape, infidelity, and abortion.
The movie takes a very fluid and beautiful approach. The words of Ntozake Shange are so poetic, this plays like a musical.... each person takes the words, adds character, and makes them weave together with an elegant harmony that echoes long after leaving the theater. With this film we get to see an impressive cast of African American women stand up and take charge in the film.
Keep in mind, there are some minor distractions, for example they have a room with a plasma TV, but the phone is on the wall with the old cords. It's still not enough to take away from the film. Despite the minor flaws, it still showcases its message to the audience. Another point to mention that can be a good thing or a bad would be that of the way the film is deliverered. I will not give it away, but I will say some may like others may not be too fond of it. For me it worked!
Now I must mention the exceptional group of women and men that make up this cast. This was a perfectly constructed cast that truly pushes the mark and showcases a variety of raw to the expereinced talent of African American actors & actresses. I was quite pleased with the portrayals of each character. Even with the roles of the men they are not overshadowed by the women, more so an accent to a beautiful portait. One cast member in particular definitely needs to be mentioned. Kimberly Elise in particular definitely deserving of an Oscar Nomination or at least the consideration. Once again many sleep on this amazing actress who time and time again pulls us in and doesn't let us down. Her performance in particular is breath-taking....spellbinding!! She is long overdue and her acting was TOP-NOTCH and so on point!!!!!!!
This is such a powerful movie that it is more than just a poem from a book, it is a reality that exist.
For Colored Girls is captivating, moving, and truly gets your mind churning. For me after watching this film it confirmed my belief that when women band together they can truly heal souls. As Ntozake Shange say's "Where there is woman there is magic." And this films is truly magical in that we the audience get to see the lives of these women unfold right before our eyes. Keep in mind this is an adaptation put to film (quite a good one) so the expectation needs to be a realistic one when approaching it.
Go with your girls, take your mom, your sister, your auntie, your brother, your husband, etc. Trust me Tyler Perry did his thing!! I know many have criticize Perry for taking on this movie, but I beg to disagree. You know I am honest when it comes to my critique of films. I wouldn't steer you wrong folks!
Rating: 3 out of 4 stars
No comments:
Post a Comment