The Color Purple (1985)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Alexander D

  
  THE COLOR PURPLE is a depressing, poignant tale about race. It really makes you wonder why it was nominated for so many Academy Awards and did not win a single one.

• Mike S

  
  Disturbing and uncomfortable, yet also unmistakably beautiful. There are many contradicting qualities here that are in steady conflict with each other. On one side of the coin you have truly ravishing camera work, with settings so rich in light and color, that it looks like something… More
  Disturbing and uncomfortable, yet also unmistakably beautiful. There are many contradicting qualities here that are in steady conflict with each other. On one side of the coin you have truly ravishing camera work, with settings so rich in light and color, that it looks like something out of a dream. On the other, however, there are occurences of such despicable nature, that your stomach will be left in a turmoil. Not only because of how horrific they are, but also due to the infantile fashion in which they are presented. Unspeakable crimes like incest and rape, are carelessly interweaved with lighthearted music and congrous humor. An unsavory mix that leaves a bad taste in the mouth. And why is the majority of all male characters such rotten and sadistic monsters? It only serves to place the film in disharmony, while shattering any credibility it could have had. What saves it from disaster though, is all the star-making performances coming from the ladies in the cast. Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey (here almost inrecognizable), are so terrific in their roles, that it re-directs all thoughts to what's positive about the film. Like mentioned, it's very beautiful, and Spielberg's directing is outstanding as ever. Especially towards the end where it's hard to keep the tears away. A fine drama, all things considered. Albeit sadly somewhat diminished by a less-than-plausible story.

• Matthew S

  
  Smart, poignant, honest, subtle, and thoroughly moving. The story reminds me of The Shawshank Redemption, only we are following a southern black woman in the first 4 decades of the 20th century and her prison consists of sexually, physically, and verbally abusive men, complete… More
  Smart, poignant, honest, subtle, and thoroughly moving. The story reminds me of The Shawshank Redemption, only we are following a southern black woman in the first 4 decades of the 20th century and her prison consists of sexually, physically, and verbally abusive men, complete isolation from the only person who cared about her, and greatest of all, her heart-breaking view of her self. But there is redemption, and it will run deep into your soul. Great cast. Oprah and Whoopi really do transcend themselves, proving they can act with the best of them.

• familiar s

  
  For me, it's a feel-good movie that's good but doesn't get any better. Quoting a few lines from the song towards the ending: "God is trying to tell you something. Maybe God is trying to tell you something right now....." Maybe He's trying to tell you to… More
  For me, it's a feel-good movie that's good but doesn't get any better. Quoting a few lines from the song towards the ending: "God is trying to tell you something. Maybe God is trying to tell you something right now....." Maybe He's trying to tell you to end it right now. It's al-frigging-ready enough. Amen.

• Brad W

  
  A beautifully made movie that makes me smile every time I see it. This movie gives me peace whenever i see this, the fields, the flowers, the skies, ad everything are so well made and I love Spielberg for truly capturing it. The acting is truly believing and I think some Oscars were… More
  A beautifully made movie that makes me smile every time I see it. This movie gives me peace whenever i see this, the fields, the flowers, the skies, ad everything are so well made and I love Spielberg for truly capturing it. The acting is truly believing and I think some Oscars were stolen from them. The plot is amazing and atrue tale of bravery and love and friendship and family. I was thinking it would be another Tyler Perry movie, but this is one of the most ovie dramas ever made.

• Tim S

  
  Pretty good.

• Wahida K

  
  One of the Master Piece from Steven Spielberg Movie Factory.

• Daniel M

  
  Throughout his career Steven Spielberg has proved that when it comes to popcorn thrills and light-hearted entertainment, there is almost no-one better on the planet. But when he turns his hand to more serious subject matter, he has a habit of pulling his punches for the sake of a… More
  Throughout his career Steven Spielberg has proved that when it comes to popcorn thrills and light-hearted entertainment, there is almost no-one better on the planet. But when he turns his hand to more serious subject matter, he has a habit of pulling his punches for the sake of a sentimental cop-out, betraying an audience’s trust so that he can make us cry. That is the central problem with The Colour Purple. Spielberg does not seem like a natural choice for this feminist tale of oppression and humiliation in 20th century Georgia. This is especially the case when you look at his previous film, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Sure, Indiana Jones is the upmarket equivalent of a B-movie matinee idol, and hence women’s rights are not high up on the agenda. But at least both the other Indy films had the sense and decency to pair him with a strong-willed female character, rather than a damsel-in-distress. To give Spielberg credit, the first half of The Colour Purple is very, very good. Danny Glover gives a powerful performance as ‘Mister’ (Albert), reminding you that beneath the Lethal Weapon exterior lies a talented and underrated leading man. Whoopi Goldberg, who was Oscar-nominated for her performance, is a great match for him. Every single act of oppression that Mister heaps on Celie is completely believable, and as Celie retreats further inwards your heart goes out to her. You genuinely sympathise with the character rather than simply feeling as if you should: there is great depth to Goldberg’s performance, and in the shaving scenes you could cut the tension with… well, a razor. The art direction and cinematography are also great, really taking the audience into the heart of black culture. From the tumble-down state of Mister’s house to the juke joint on the riverbank, the sets seem to have been lifted straight out of the 1920s and 1930s. The bleak mood created by these harsh and simple surroundings further enhance the sense of despair at the heart of the story. These are people with not much to hope for, few prospects and little to cling to save their families and strict moral principles, however distorted and corrupted both things may be. Much like the opening of Saving Private Ryan, the audience feel like they are in the characters’ personal hell. It’s a strange sensation, one which is simultaneously frightening and captivating. But sadly, like so many of Spielberg’s films, it isn’t long before The Colour Purple collapses into a soggy pit of sentimentality, never to emerge. The second that Celie discovers the backlog of letters from her long-lost sister, the film falls apart and never recovers. This may be a problem with the novel: it is never made clear why Mister kept the letters, rather than simply burning them and thereby permanently destroying Celie’s hope. As far as the film is concerned, this is a deus ex machina, a get-out-of-jail-free card for the director. The discovery of the letters confirms and restores Celie’s sense of hope, and allows her to stand up to her oppressors with seemingly minimal effort in the transition. This easy road to recovery cheapens the message of the film, removing the threat of retaliation and making the whole thing seem rather frivolous. There’s nothing wrong with the idea that hope overcomes all despair, but the film hasn’t earned the right to wave away the problem, at least not so flippantly. All of which begs the question: if the survival of Nettie is assured, why does the film need to drag out for another hour-and-a-half? Spielberg himself doesn’t seem to know the answer, as long sections of the second half are crammed full of inconsequential rubbish. Why do we need the goofy comedy sequence in which Sophia’s ditzy mistress is learning to drive? Why do we need the scene of the juke band entering the church, which seems to have escaped from 1941? And why, oh why, do we need the sequence of Sophia and Harpo trying on pants?! The only explanation for this is that Spielberg emphasises them to illustrate Celie’s gradual return to happiness. But as it is, these sequences only emphasise the lack of backbone in the second half of the film. Where the opening act or two was bleak and portentous, and almost as good as The Shawshank Redemption, the latter acts are shallow and inconsequential. Even when Celie and Nettie are united and the tears start rolling, you’re cross with yourself for crying because you know the film hasn’t done enough to make the tears seem genuine. The Colour Purple stands alongside Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan as one of Spielberg’s admirable failures. Each of these films have great opening acts which feel genuine, are inhabited by truthful characters and look fantastic. But each of these falls down on their inability to develop a dark storyline without resorting to over-the-top villains or unjustified special effects. The Colour Purple is not an awful film; certainly it gets away with what it does for a whole lot longer than Schindler or Ryan. It’s just a real shame that Spielberg couldn’t follow through on the promise of the first half and deliver a film about hope which wasn’t cheatingly sentimental. That is the great success of Shawshank, to which The Colour Purple cannot hold a candle.

• Anthony L

  
  Spielberg's first real drama has stood the test of time. Moving and impressive.

• Thomas B

  
  an incredibly moving, no holds barred, film. whoopi goldberg is brilliant in this amazing drama.

• Arash X

  
  Oh this was just unbearable, Sappy & corny & overall a shallow portrayal

• Chris W

  
  This was Steven Spielberg's first "serious" dramatic film, and I must say, it doesn't disappoint. I'm aware that the film tones down some of the more controversial and edgy content that was present in Alice Walker's source material (and does so quite a… More
  This was Steven Spielberg's first "serious" dramatic film, and I must say, it doesn't disappoint. I'm aware that the film tones down some of the more controversial and edgy content that was present in Alice Walker's source material (and does so quite a bit), but that is not a problem. People criticized him for directing this (the African American community), feeling he wasn't the right director for the job, but I say he was. Alice Walker herself even suggested that he do it. Some might say that with Spielberg's toning down of the material doesn't make it quite as much of a mature film as it could/should have been, but again, not a problem. He delivered in that area in spades later on, and besides, this was his first "serious" film-give him a break. The performances here are brilliant and flawless. No one screws up here. It's sad that this was Whioopi Goldberg's first major film, and that she has yet to return to serious fare like this, instead opted for comedy, and eventually, seemingly fading off into obscurity. Oprah annoys me now a days, but in this film, she delivers a performance so strong and great that I'm willing to forget that she bugs me. Sad, happy, funny, touching, compelling, inspiring, hopeful, uplifting, cruel, painful, wonderful, moving, and beautiful. These are all words that perfectly describe The Color Purple. I'm mad that this film was nominated for 11 Oscars and won none, but that, like the subject matter in the film, is (like it or not) an unfortunate fact of life. This was one of the best films of the 1980's, and everyone needs to see it. They will be a better person for doing so.

• Lady D

  
  Not your average Steven Spielberg film, this powerful masterpiece captures a horific tale of control displayed in a number of different ways. This film remains a timeless classic due to the era that it's set in. This should be on the list of anyone who calls themself a film… More
  Not your average Steven Spielberg film, this powerful masterpiece captures a horific tale of control displayed in a number of different ways. This film remains a timeless classic due to the era that it's set in. This should be on the list of anyone who calls themself a film fanatic.

• Robert C

  
  There are few people who can ruin a film like Spielberg, this is one of the exceptions to that rule. A heartbreaking story, beautifully shot with some truly amazing performances by everyone envolved. I'll admit that Whoppi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey had me leary going into this… More
  There are few people who can ruin a film like Spielberg, this is one of the exceptions to that rule. A heartbreaking story, beautifully shot with some truly amazing performances by everyone envolved. I'll admit that Whoppi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey had me leary going into this film, but both really proved themselves as exceptional actresses.

• Dan S

  
  A great movie. Whoopi gives an amazing performance, with a rough story catching on to you and never letting go.

• Mister C

  
  Alice Walker's novel comes to the screen under the direction of Steven Spielburg. This was the movie that made an unknown actress Whoopi Goldberg into a international star. You have an all-star cast including Oprah Winfrey,Danny Glover,Margaret Avery,and Rae Dawn Chong. Need I… More
  Alice Walker's novel comes to the screen under the direction of Steven Spielburg. This was the movie that made an unknown actress Whoopi Goldberg into a international star. You have an all-star cast including Oprah Winfrey,Danny Glover,Margaret Avery,and Rae Dawn Chong. Need I say more about this black cimema classic from the 80's?

• Keysha H

  
  Fantastic film! It is so rare to find black historical films or epics, let alone one that moves you so deeply. There are amazing performances and the film will make you laugh and cry.

• Tom E

  
  The greatest movie I ever saw that DIDN'T win an Oscar! It certainly deserved it, but the Academy had something against Steven Spielberg!

• Candy R

  
  Disturbing movie about a woman who suffered abuse by men who should have loved and protected her.

• Dean M

  
  Director Steven Spielberg makes this black culture of 1900 to 1930s really superb and emotional story of Celie (Whoopi Goldberg), down-trodden by cruel husband (Danny Glover) and forcibly separated from her sister, who eventually finds freedom. Whoopi Goldberg does a wonderful… More
  Director Steven Spielberg makes this black culture of 1900 to 1930s really superb and emotional story of Celie (Whoopi Goldberg), down-trodden by cruel husband (Danny Glover) and forcibly separated from her sister, who eventually finds freedom. Whoopi Goldberg does a wonderful performance in her debut drama film. At the final scene that makes feel happy and cry - I wouldn't tell you while you'll watch it.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings