Alice Walker's novel The Color Purple is a landmark of African-American literature. The powerful story of an abused young woman, Celie, Walker's book has previously been adapted as an Oscar-nominated movie by Steven Spielberg and it later made the successful transition to Broadway where it won a host of awards.
The Broadway adaptation has now become a brand-new movie. The subsequent musical translates the story of Celie's heartbreak and eventual empowerment into a bold production that is rich with a sense of African-American blues and jazz culture. Director Blitz Bazawule collaborates with screenwriter and noted playwright Marcus Gardley, not to mention the powerhouse trio of Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones, all of whom collaborated on the earlier 1985 movie.
Fantasia Barrino gives a breakout performance as the steadily thawing Celie while Danielle Brooks has been Oscar-nominated in her role as Sofia and Taraji P. Henson plays the blues singer Shug who awakens Celie to a sense of self that was previously dormant. (Click here to discover our interview with Taraji.)
The movie is designed to be a kaleidoscopic experience, by turns harrowing, uplifting and celebratory. It screened last night for Unlimited members and they've been singing the film's praises on social media. Here are some of their reactions.
Devastating but also uplifting - I loved every minute! Also the cast was outstanding. Bravo 💜👏 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
— Matt Weaver (he/him 🏳️🌈) (@Matt_Weaver21) January 23, 2024This film was absolutely amazing with some stunning musical numbers. Definitely will be seeing it again. I’m glad I was able to see it early as a #CineworldUnlimited Member
— Reece Pateman (@RPateman489) January 24, 2024
The director did his research for this one, a Lot of callbacks to the original. The cast, the production & the singing was GREAT! A nice surprise to see Woopi Goldberg at the beginning, but only right to have her in it. Fantasia was amazing & her soft delicate voice was nice. 3/5
— DWAYNE JOHNSON (@DWAYNEJ89432) January 23, 2024
An amazing timely story of women empowerment with a fantastic blend of drama and music. Fantasia Barrino was robbed, her portrayal of abuse felt so authentic. It is heavy and bleak but undeniably such a hopeful tale, that truly makes you think about the value of people.
— Matt The Critic (@matt_the_critic) January 23, 2024
Best film of the year - it’s certainly going to take some competition! It deserves all the recognition and awards 💜 Equal parts devastating, uplifting and joyous ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
— Amber Rose (@diabetes_geek) January 23, 2024
The Color Purple is on release at Cineworld from January 26th, so click the link below to book your tickets.
Missed the screening? Curious about what other Unlimited screenings we have coming up? The following links tell you all you need to know.
Planning to watch The Color Purple and the rest of this year's awards contenders with your Unlimited card? If you're already a member then you're set. If you're not, then now is the perfect time to sign up. For less than the cost of two tickets per month, you can join Unlimited and reap the rewards of advance screenings, 10% off favourite snacks and drinks and a lot more. Join up today via the following link.
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