Top Ten Movies: The Color Purple

Movie number 10.  This list has been tough.  I could put 15 different movies down depending on my state of mind. The deepest truth is that I love movies.  They have been an important part of my life.  I watched almost desperately as a young person, looking for clues about my place in the world.  Even the goofiest movies helped me by posing questions I would never have considered.

 Please know that my list is not super serious.  I did not want to list a bunch of dramas that I found thought provoking, although that has it's time and place.  My list is mostly about how movies you don't expect can stick with you over time.  Now, at this time and under my unique circumstances, movies are like familiar friends that I am able to meet and enjoy again.  They can bring back a quick rush of memories or just remind me of a certain person, place or time.  I have been extremely fortunate and have seen a ton (as if each movie was a vhs tape and they were put into a huge pile) of movies. So my Top Ten Movie list is like a group of old friends I am suggesting you meet.

Ok, Movie number 10.  I kept coming back to a movie that genuinely moved me, a movie that also deeply marked me when I was young.  I saw it first when I was 13 or 14 and looking back that was probably too young.  The movie was so real, I remember being completely blown away.  It was almost an experience-powerful, painful, funny at times and completely unforgettable.

Movie #10 in a list with no particular order:

The Color Purple

Film

en.wikipedia.org

The Color Purple is a 1985 American period drama film directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Alice Walker. Wikipedia

Release date: December 18, 1985 (USA) Director: Steven Spielberg MPAA rating: PG-13 Screenplay: Menno Meyjes Awards: Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Drama Film, More

Cast

Margaret Avery

Whoopi Goldberg

Celie

Danny Glover

Akosua Busia

Rae Dawn Chong

Squeak

I know it is a very serious movie.  I know the experiences shown in the movie are very far removed from my own life and experiences.  There is something in the way the film was made that amplifies a connection.  I felt The Color Purple in a way that I don't think I've felt any other movie.  Steven Spielberg has a gift.  He really brought to life a story so sad and heartbreaking at times and then so uplifting, so about love.  I was compelled to read the book by Alice Walker.  It is so well written, she brings you into a world and shakes you up.

Photo Courtesy:  telegraph.co.uk

Then there is Whoopi.  She seemed born to play the role of Celie, her eyes are haunting.  Seeing her go through so much on screen makes me feel like I know and love her. 

Photo Courtesy:  movies.zap2it.com

Danny Glover played well his complex character.  I hated him.  What he does in the end though means something, I'm just not sure what exactly.

Photo Courtesy:  movies.zap2it.com

Oprah was so good I almost wish she had done more acting.  She carried her story line like a champion weight lifter.  When she was broken, I was too.  

Photo Courtesy:  altfg.com

Photo Courtesy:  ktismatics.wordpress.com

Margaret Avery shocked me several times in the movie, but her singing voice is so vibrant and mature, it haunts me to this day.  When she sings and goes to the church to confront her father, just wow.  Or when she sings Sister.  Fantastic.

Photo Courtesy:  twiteacher.com

This movie is very special and if you have not seen it, please consider it.  The story is full and rich and leaves you with a strong feeling of hope.  

"I'm poor, black, and I might even be ugly, but dear God I'm here.  I'm here."

One quote today, sometimes one is enough.  I'll just leave you with a few great photos. 

Photo Courtesy:  theurbandaily.com

Photo Courtesy:  mauricebroaddus.com

Photo Courtesy:  cookingwiththemovies.blogspot.com

Photo Courtesy:pumapac.org

Photo Courtesy:  livingincinema.com

My Complete List of Top Ten Movies:

Lady Hawke
Stand By Me
The Fifth Element
Coming To America
Enemy Mine
Forrest Gump
Joe Versus the Volcano
The Color Purple
The Princess BrideGalaxy Quest

I hope you have a wonderful rest of the weekend.  Welcome, Fall!