The Secret Life of Bees...Now this is deep!!

The Secret Life of Bees (2008)

It's about 10:30 PM at Movies ATL and I am hyping myself for the new film "The Secret Life of Bees" based on a best-selling novel. All I can say after watching this film is WOW!! This film is true to form with several thought-provoking and hidden messages.

Set in 1964 in rural South Carolina this film tells the story of Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) a 14 year-old girl haunted by the memory of her late mother. To rid herself of guilt and loneliness she plans an escape from her troubled father and leaves with her caregiver Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson), to a South Carolina town that holds the key to her disturbed soul as well as a secret to her mother's past. Once Lily and Rosaleen reach the town of Tiburon, she meets an unique set of sisters the Boatwright's. In her time with the Boatwright's Lily embraces her passion for writing as well as lifting a heavy burden from her heart. In particular, Lily finds solace in world of beekeeping and honey from the eldest August Boatwright (Queen Latifah). August serves as a "mother-like" figure to Lily and even the rest of her siblings. One could even compare her character to that of the Black Madonna (see picture) an universal mother figure to many including all the members of Daughters of Mary and to Lily who holds on tight to that love and tries hard not to betray it.

What is also interesting about this film is the parallelism between Southern African American culture and that of the Ifa (Yoruba) culture. For example, in the Yoruba culture twins (aka. Ibejis) are thought to have special powers to bring good or bad fortune, and for this reason they are catered to in a way that other children are not. May (played by Sophie Okonedo) demonstrates this to a "tee" as she plays the surviving twin (April and May). She brings a release of pain, tension, and a will to survive through others. The whole Boatwright family provides a wealth of knowledge whether its self-identity, the need for love, embracing your passion, and a will to mentally free yourself.

This film brings about many themes which can be interpreted in so many ways psychologically and spiritual. Prince-Bythewood does an outstanding job of marrying this best-selling novel with the film. This all-star cast brings a ray of "sweet" sunshine. Many will come to this movie with tears in their eyes while watching and definitely before they leave the theater. Not only will the movie bring a sweet taste to your mouth but most importantly to your soul. All in all, this family film teaches young and old the importance of unconditional love, trust, and the bond between sisters whether blood or adopted.

Grade: A