Beloved (1998)
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78% of critics liked it
(67 reviews) -
69% of users liked it
(9,438 ratings)
Jonathan Demme directed this adaptation of Toni Morrison's fact-based fifth novel (winner of a 1988 Pulitzer Prize), written in an experimental stream-of-consciousness flow and capturing the impact and aftermath of slavery on the human soul. In 1873, middle-aged Sethe (Oprah Winfrey) lives near… More Jonathan Demme directed this adaptation of Toni Morrison's fact-based fifth novel (winner of a 1988 Pulitzer Prize), written in an experimental stream-of-consciousness flow and capturing the impact and aftermath of slavery on the human soul. In 1873, middle-aged Sethe (Oprah Winfrey) lives near Cincinnati with her teenage daughter, Denver (Kimberly Elise). She gets a surprise visit from her old friend Paul D (Danny Glover), whom she knew when they were both slaves on the Kentucky plantation Sweet Home. Paul D moves in, and a number of mysteries are introduced, including Sethe's memories of her dead older daughter and the fact that Sethe has been abandoned by her husband, two sons, and Denver's grandmother, Baby Suggs (Beah Richards). When a feral, insect-covered, stuttering teenager (Thandie Newton) turns up at Sethe's house, she is nursed back to health by Denver and called "Beloved." Violent flashbacks begin to explore shocking episodes from Sethe's past. (The film is rated R "for violent images, sexuality and nudity.") Hints of the supernatural surface as the question arises -- could Beloved be Sethe's older daughter, back from the dead? This film was a pet project of producer-star Oprah Winfrey, who spent over a decade bringing this work to the screen after she bought the film rights in 1987. With titles fashioned by leading poster/titles designer Pablo Ferro and music by Rachel Portman, director Demme filmed in a variety of locations, including Pennsylvania (Philadelphia Civic Center, Lancaster's Landis Valley Museum), Maryland (Fair Hill Natural Resources Area), and Delaware (Old New Castle). ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi
- Directed By
- Jonathan Demme
- Written By
- Akosua Busia, Richard LaGravenese, Adam Brooks
- Genres
- Drama
R,
- In Theaters
- Oct 16, 1998 Wide
- Studio
- Touchstone Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune
A movie that requires the viewer to meet it halfway. Those willing to make the effort will be rewarded with an exquisitely photographed and intricately layered drama.
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Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle
Something rare: a brave film about the emotional toll of slavery, the anguish of memory and the cruel divisions that still sear African American lives.
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Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
Demme's potent adaptation of Morrison's novel may be substantial, but it is also engrossing.
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Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
A knot of fierce emotions that is left for the viewer to untangle. Make the effort.
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Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
Once this film gets its bearings, the unsentimental fierceness of its vision brushes obstacles and quibbles from its path.
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Cast
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Oprah Winfrey
as Sethe
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Danny Glover
as Paul D
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Thandie Newton
as Beloved
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Kimberly Elise
as Denver
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Beah Richards
as Baby Suggs
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Lisa Gay Hamilton
as Younger Sethe
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Albert Hall
as Stamp Paid
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Irma P. Hall
as Ella
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Carol Jean Lewis
as Janey Wagon
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Kessia Kordelle
as Amy Denver
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Jude Ciccolella
as Schoolteacher
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Anthony Chisholm
as Langhorne
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Dorothy Love Coates
as M. Lucille Williams
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Jane White
as Lady Jones
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Jason Robards
as Mr. Bodwin
- Wes Bentley
- Robert W. Castle
