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Color Purple, the
 
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Color Purple, the

Starring: Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg Director: Steven Spielberg MPAA Rating: PG-13
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (131 customer reviews)

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Steven Spielberg, proving he's one of the few modern filmmakers who has the visual fluency to be capable of making a great silent film, took a melodramatic, DW Griffith-inspired approach to filming Alice Walker's novel. His tactics made the film controversial, but also a popular hit. You can argue with the appropriateness of Spielberg's decision, but his astonishing facility with images is undeniable--from the exhilarating and eye-popping opening shots of children playing in paradisiacal purple fields to the way he conveys the brutality of a rape by showing hanging leather belts banging against the head of the shaking bed. In a way it's a shame that Whoopi Goldberg, a stage monologist who made her screen debut in this movie, went on to become so famous, because it was, in part, her unfamiliarity that made her understated performance as Celie so effective. (This may be the first and last time that the adjective understated can be applied to Goldberg.) Nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including best picture and actress (supporting players Oprah Winfrey and Margaret Avery were also nominated), it was quite a scandal--and a crushing blow to Spielberg--when The Color Purple won none. --Jim Emerson


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Steven Spielberg, proving he's one of the few modern filmmakers who has the visual fluency to be capable of making a great silent film, took a melodramatic, D.W. Griffith-inspired approach to filming Alice Walker's novel. His tactics made the film controversial, but also a popular hit. You can argue with the appropriateness of Spielberg's decision, but his astonishing facility with images is undeniable--from the exhilarating and eye-popping opening shots of children playing in paradisiacal purple fields to the way he conveys the brutality of a rape by showing hanging leather belts banging against the head of the shaking bed. In a way it's a shame that Whoopi Goldberg, a stage monologist who made her screen debut in this movie, went on to become so famous, because it was, in part, her unfamiliarity that made her understated performance as Celie so effective. (This may be the first and last time that the adjective understated can be applied to Goldberg.) Nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including best picture and actress (supporting players Oprah Winfrey and Margaret Avery were also nominated), it was quite a scandal--and a crushing blow to Spielberg--when it won none. --Jim Emerson

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Customer Reviews

131 Reviews
5 star:
 (104)
4 star:
 (14)
3 star:
 (5)
2 star:
 (2)
1 star:
 (6)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.6 out of 5 stars (131 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Yes Mister... You suuuu is Ugly,,,, Everything you done to me, I already done to you, Nov 14 2007
Recently I was at HMV and came across The Color Purple.. It hit me and I realized CRAP I don't have this in my collection. I also was very surprised when I got home to tell my my wife what I bought and she never read the book or saw the movie. I had seen the film as a little boy at 8-9 years old. As I was on the subway reading the back of the cover, and to my amazement I remember the story line and I can visualize all the characters, Mister, Celie, Shug, Nettie, and also remembered the Mail Box and to me had it own unique character.

I then realized that The Color Purple meant more to me then I thought. Its part of my childhood. As I recalled the movie in my head I realized that I didn't forget the characters. Usually you remember 1 or 2 at most when you're a kid. But the way that Spielberg filmed the movie, which I didn't know, WoW. You'll learn more in the special features, really interesting about the cast and the other.

I haven't seen the film in 20 years but I knew where the dramatic parts were to come, and poke my wife to get ready. As a man, I think all men who saw the film had to cry. Because Mister was either your father, uncle, brother/ in- law, or Granddad, and you hated those characteristics. And you can also see how Celie can be your mom, sister/ in-law, aunt or grandma. The movie is a must see but very hard to watch as a family. Your drawn into the realism of the characters, and the harshness of the story. The story is very obscured in the sense that everyone in the world of any race can relate too. But you don't think someone will write a book about the sensitivity and then do a movie. The film is fictional but we know things like this happen then and now.

I also want to mention the film was nominated for 11 Oscars and didn't even win 1. Not 1, and I wonder why people think the Academy is racist. This is like the first time Hollywood has made an all African American cast adopted from a African American women who the Pulitzer Prize for the book. Giving an Oscar to The Color Purple was and should've been automatic. Another shame and embarrassment to the Academy. If anything at least Best Picture. I believe everyone who knows The Color Purple automatically visualizes the cover of the movie and sees the shadow of Whoopi on the chair. Reason is when you saw the cover you may have forgotten about it, but in the film Spielberg makes you see the transition of young Celie and mature Celie just from that picture where you anticipate to see again then 2nd time you watch the film. Absolutely what started Oprah's career and Whoopi. Made a star of Danny Glover who also should have won an Oscar for his unbelievable performance.

The film is originally adapted from a book by Alice Walker. The film is about Celie a young black woman, who is abused by her step-farther and becomes pregnant by him, who promptly sells the baby. Celie is later quickly married off at 15 to a man that considers her to be worthless and soon the abuse occurs again. She has become a slave to her husband, there is some joy when Nettie her sister comes to stay but soon is forced out by mister (celie's husband). Celie although devastated by their separation, finds some comfort in visiting friends, but her battle with her husband continues. The only hope she keeps is thinking about Nettie her children and speaking to God.. The film is touching and beautifully done, It is a timeless classic, powerful and moving. Definitely one to watch.. You will remember these characters for life Guranteed
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars "It's about time we had some stability around here.", Jul 13 2004
By D. Knouse (vancouver, washington United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   
This film received 11 Oscar Nominations back in 1985, won none of them(Shame on you, Academy voters!), and really should have won Best Picture over "Out of Africa." Whoopi Goldberg never got another role like this one, showing her incredible and untapped acting talent by way of Steven Spielberg's inspired and altogether ambitious direction. Mr. Spielberg was not even nominated for Best Director(Shame on you, Academy voters!). It was great to hear that he did win the Director's Guild Award(handed out by his peers), but this horrible oversight still needles me to this day. Back to the acting. Oprah Winfrey was given an Oscar nomination, as was Margaret Avery, but there are so many stunning performances here from the entire cast that pointing out any standout performances is nearly impossible. There is also some clever film editing(certainly the most under-rated facet of filmmaking), that keeps the film constantly fresh and the story moving forward with some fantastic cinematography. The only thing that breaks the continuity is that the character "Celie" is played by two different actresses, while her sister "Nettie" is played by a single actress both at a young age and when she is older. It is really a small discrepancy given that both actresses that play "Celie" are excellent(in particular, Whoopi Goldberg). For those who know only Whoopi's fairly lame films like "Burglar," I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised by her amazing work here. There are many moments in the film that are so genuinely touching and heartfelt that by the end of the final scene I suddenly realized that it never felt so good to cry. This is easily one of my favorite "Spielberg" films. Everything about this movie is gorgeous! Thank you.
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely A Classic, Jul 8 2004
By A Customer
A black movie nominated for 11 Oscars should hint every citizen that this movie is definitely beyond a classic. It, in every way epitomizes the plight of being black in the United States. Every person should have this DVD in their collection and reflect on the better things of life & respect evry human being. Whoopi Goldberg, Margaret Avery, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, Congratulations to you all. Fabolous performances. I hope that the Academy of Film can give the African American society a chance to bloom their talent. Its really not fair. I mean talent is out there and it is not being regarded in anyway. Once the black man is allowed to make movies then he should be recognized on the same grounds with the white man.
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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars The Color Purple
The Color Purple (Widescreen Special Edition) [2 Discs]

This is a phenominal movie. A great cast of well known stars including, but not limited to, Danny Glover,... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Lynne Pyle

5.0 out of 5 stars Why did this not win best movie?
When I first saw "The Color Purple" years ago, I was astounded. Now, seeing it more recently, I'm even more blown away. Why this did not win for best picture is beyond me. Read more
Published on Aug 31 2007 by Peck Ransom

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Inspiring Movie.
Usually when people hear the names Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey, we usually think of Day Time Talk Shows and comedic film roles. Read more
Published on May 13 2004 by Ryne Williams

5.0 out of 5 stars "Miss Celie's Blues".....
This review refers to the VHS Special Widescreen Edition(Warner Bros) of "The Color Purple"....

Okay, so where to start with this remarkable film?...How bout here... Read more

Published on May 12 2004 by L. Shirley

3.0 out of 5 stars good intentions mixed results
a weak artistic decision here. goldberg's character has been at the hands of her berating husband through most of the film and when that moment FINALLY comes for her to turn the... Read more
Published on April 23 2004

4.0 out of 5 stars Not the novel, but a good film
Alice Walker writes in "The Same River Twice" that the movie initially greatly disappointed her. Read more
Published on April 13 2004 by Edward Aycock

5.0 out of 5 stars sisterhood...
(Did this get a single bad review?) This is my new favorite movie. Obviously I am behind the times since this movie is from 1985 and I just now am watching it. Read more
Published on Mar 25 2004 by Michelle Allen

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful movie about the human spirit
I read the book by Alice Walker junior year and loved it, so I borrowed this beautiful movie from the library. You probably know the plot, so I won't go through that again. Read more
Published on Feb 22 2004 by Elizabeth

4.0 out of 5 stars GRRREAT!
The Color Purple is my favorite film of all time. Wonderful story and brilliantly acted. The one thing I do think you should know is to buy the Special Edition DVD instead if... Read more
Published on Feb 11 2004 by krazyoldkeegorman

5.0 out of 5 stars Whew, this is a hard one, but fabulous
Spielberg does it again, filming Alice Walker's iconic novel with classy melodrama - and it works. Whoopi Goldberg made her first movie appearance in this film as the central... Read more
Published on Dec 24 2003 by Peggy Vincent

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