The Secret Life of Bees (DVD)

Sue Monk Kidd’s The Secret Life of Bees tells an incredibly brave and daring story of a 14-year-old Lily who flees from her home to find solace and sanctuary in the home of another family miles and miles away. The story – set to motion picture by Director Gina Prince-Bythewood - features a stunning cast and a very warm setting.

 

Set in 1964, Lily (played by Dakota Fanning) longs to know more about her dead mother and relies solely on only a few of her mother’s possessions since her father refuses to indulge her curiosity. Among these belongings was a picture of a Black Madonna with an inscription that said, “Tiburon SC.” This picture led Lily on a journey that would soon teach her a multitude of lessons about her life and the times she lived in.

 

This movie touches the heart in many ways. I was glued to the screen the entire time and wished that I had first read the book. The meaning behind the story is very easy to understand but is also quite entertaining to watch in film. With a cast, featuring Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, and Dakota Fanning, you can’t go wrong.

The Secret Life of Bees (DVD)

secret_life_of_bees_xlgBased on a novel by Sue Monk Kidd, The Secret Life of Bees is a powerful story of love, hate, and reconciliation. Set in the eastern state of South Carolina during the initiation of the Civil Rights Act, this film depicts the life of a young white girl named Lily, who believes in bad karma, struggles to discover her own identity, and deals with the ugliness of racism in America.

Upon first watching this film, I honestly expected another one of those Tyler Perry type flicks. I’m not trying to sound prejudiced at all, but when I think of a predominantly female African American cast, Perry’s films always seem to come to mind first. However, by the end of this feature, I was pleasantly surprised with a excellent film which focused on a good script and even better dialogue.

What really made The Secret Life of Bees special for me was its casting. I can’t recall another film were I cared so much for each and everyone of its characters. Every member of its cast fit their roles perfectly. The conviction, fortitude, and demeanor they put into their characters were apparent throughout and it was definitely their performances which propelled The Secret Life of Bees to being one of the best films of 2008.

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