THE COLOR PURPLE Movie Review **SPOILER ALERT**

[@Max-do1mg]

I saw it on Broadway with Cynthia Erivo and Jennifer Hudson and when I tell you this white boy from Brooklyn was standing, waving an imaginary church fan at the end...I was shook. So good, so looking forward to the seeing the movie version of the musical.

[@josephsmith5410]

IMO Heather Headley was actually the best Shug Avery on Broadway.

[@Joliepolieolie]

The fact that Fantasia got NO love from the awards circuit…ooooo I was not ready for that.

[@jdd0815]

I was fortunate enough to see Fantasia’s run on Broadway and her raw, undeniable power as Celie was breathtaking.

[@sammydarko11]

Fantasia’s version of the character was so shy, quiet, and fearful she did was so well.

[@jay-dubb.dubb.68]

The '85 movie holds a very special place in my heart and is one of my favorite films. It is one of the last movies that I saw in the theater with my Mom before her passing. I am relieved to hear that you both liked the '23 version. I was fearful that the new interpretation would not be anywhere near as good as Spielberg's... your review gives me hope! Thank you for the review gents!! 🐠🍇

[@KnowledgeSeeker78491]

I just watched it and it was ok...I went home and watched the original and I boohooed, but get this, my son didn't like the new version because of the rape scene and he didn't bother to watch the original one with me. Overall I give this one a C and the original an A

[@NocturnalCare]

@@KnowledgeSeeker78491I agree with your assessment…I actually gave the new one a B+ and the original one an A.

[@LaToyaTillis]

Really liked the commentary about Fantasia vs Whoopi's portrayal of Celie. Their actual personalities/ life experiences brought out different nuances for the character.

[@mirtieraczo5842]

I'm so glad to hear that this version of this story is still as enjoyable as the Steven Spielberg version. I was so afraid you were not going to like it and my whole world would just be crushed. I can't wait to see it but it'll be a while because I'm in a physical rehabilitation center. I'm looking forward to watching it when it's on a streaming service.

[@Catmom-gl5nt]

Isn’t this by the author who thinks Jews are secret lizard people? Racism is ugly no matter the stripe.

[@wintersantiago2274]

Since Steven Spielberg is listed as an EP of the 2023 film, wouldn’t this also be his version?

[@princellasmith7562]

​@@wintersantiago2274 he directed the 1985 film meaning he led the creative vision of it. He didn't lead the creative vision of this 2023 version.

[@mirtieraczo5842]

@@wintersantiago2274I just meant non-musical and couldn't think to say it that way when I wrote this.

[@roseroyce15]

The ownership of the store plot and "pa" not being her real father WAS if fact in the original movie. It just seems that they're elaborated on that a bit / considerably more in the new movie. And there WAS reprieve from the trauma in the first movie. Actually the MUSIC did the SAME in the original movie. More specifically, the original movie is known WIDELY by it's music as well. One of the most memorable things ABOUT the first movie was it's musical selections. Especially "sister" (Miss Celie's blues) & "God's Trying To Tell You Something."

[@keepsit100atalltime9]

I didn't know that he wasn't their biological father. Maybe that's why they touched on it more in this movie. And the reason Nettie came to Mister's house was bc the father was trying to mess with her, too.

[@smarti1144]

Those were the only two songs in the original though, right? There was a snippet of a song by Shug. The score by quincy Jones in the original is outstanding.

[@queenredfromthequeencity]

So true, the original movie did hint at a lot of the things he thought they left out, but everything iconic was so tied to a lot of the trauma scenes we tend to forget a lot of the subtle stuff.

[@yesitislikethat]

Yes! The music (both the songs in scene, and the score) worked to offer moments of reprieve from the traumatic elements. I immediately think of the quirky score when Sofia goes _marching_ to meet Mister. It was whimsical, jaunty bit of music that gave a comical undertone. Also, there were *many* moments of levity throughout the film: •Shug’s “you sho’ is ugly” scene. •The fight in the juke joint when Celie wants to keep watching, •Celie sticking out her tongue at the rude women after Shug sings Sister. •The cut to Harpo with a black eye, saying a mule did it. •Albert ‘blowing up’ the kitchen trying to cook for Shug. 😂 I could go on and on. And yes, the background of Celie’s father was made *very* clear in the original. When she went to his funeral, it was all explained by his widow. Celie even says something along the lines of, “ma married this man after *my real daddy* died. Pa not pa.” The land, the house, and the store passed down her and Nettie. Also, I think there was a lot more nuance to the original. We’re given more subtext. The audience’s intelligence isn’t insulted by just spelling things out. Like with the scene when Sofia confronted Celie after she told Harpo to bear her. In the 2023 version, Celie flat out says, “I’m jealous of you.” 🙄 In the original, it is way more subtle, but you can ascertain that there is some envy, as well as conditioning involved in Celie’s response to Harpo. There’s more to it than that, but that is _part_ of it.

[@TamMcC]

"I'm just going to go through my notes" ❤😂

[@AkronRain69]

I loooooove the way Joseph describes movies. I got teared up listening to this one! 😢👍🏾

[@anthonytaylor7928]

Teared up really??

[@nonaw94]

You guys smiling while giving the review is everything!! ❤Definitely going to give the movie a watch. Excellent review!!!!

[@taylormade9748]

I’ve watched the 1982 version so many times. Always brings me to tears. I need to see this new movie

[@Terelon]

*1985 film, book was released in 1982

[@taylormade9748]

@@Terelon thank you

[@Terelon]

@@taylormade9748 yw :)

[@JohnJohn-uz8ip]

The Easter brunch screenshot reminds me of Daughters of the Dust.

[@araineacutebrownnurse7315]

Just left the movie theater ! I cried several times as this movie is quite the emotional roller coaster! Just phenomenal ! Great acting! I had no idea the father was Deon Cole 😫😱🤯 Great review as usual gentlemen 💕

[@TheBlackLightProject]

I saw this at the Kennedy Center with Fantasia with my sister. But I saw the movie after my sister died. This is/was one of our favorite movies. My 2 daughters, myself and my best friend huddled in tears when Fantasia sang “I’ve got my sister, I can feel her now.” It’s a moment I will never forget.

[@alewis4766]

I also thought of Rev Leon Lonnie Love from Martin when I saw David Alan Grier as the Rev but he’s such a huge talent I managed to get over my initial reaction.

[@DianeGJohn-ro3gd]

Me too!!!! Rev. Leon Lonnie Love!

[@IllusiveBunny]

thumbnail had me nervous but I'm glad it's Fish Jelly approved. I already know I’m going to be a sobbing mess

[@cherylrleigh1912]

Outstanding review! Danielle Brooks and Fantasia Barrino-Taylor have each earned a Golden Globe nomination.

[@TechnicJunglist]

I saw the original along with Schlinder's List and JFK in middle school. Heavy stuff to digest as a kid but necessary stories. I'm looking forward to this version as well. Thank you guys.

[@chimaikonne9487]

I watched The Color Purple on opening day and was terribly disappointed. Considering my affinity for musicals, as well as the 1985 film adaptation, I was longing to see this rendition. More importantly, I was longing to like it. Save for the performances of Domingo, Brooks, and Henson, I thought the characters fell felt and lacked dimension. To me, Fantasia was not believable as a long-suffering woman who's gone through unimaginable abuse. The staging of the musical numbers was great, and the vocals second to none. Based on the reviews I've seen on youtube, I am in the minority. But I enjoyed your commentary. On another note, one of you said that Winfrey's and Avery's dual Oscar nominations was the first time two black people had been nominated in the same category. Technically, that's inaccurate. Just a year earlier, Stevie Wonder and Ray Parker, Jr. were nominated in the Original Song category (Wonder won). Also, Diana Ross and Cicely Tyson were nominated in the Best Actress category for Lady Sings the Blues and Sounder respectively in 1973 the year Liza Minnelli won for Cabaret. But yes, this is the first time black actors have been nominated in the same category for the same movie.

[@kay.smi2424]

My jaw was dropped watching taraji make that entrance

[@Angie-cm4si]

Your enthusiasm for this film came right through my TV screen. I have the book and would love to own both versions of this film will have to wait to see if the new film will ever be available on a DVD sending you both ❤️💜🖐🏾

[@LuckyEagle640]

I loved it and cried but those time jumps were giving me “Napolean” vibes and you know that’s not good. They should have eased into those more but I loved everything else. Loved the uplifting energy. It has a little more of the positive feelings of the book than Speilberg’s. But the original Color Purple is still one of my favs. This is a wonderful companion piece. You can tell this is made by Black people because it incorporates the great joy of being Black which I think Spielberg could not fathom.

[@macebluemoon369]

This summer I saw Fantasia in concert. She was amazing obviously. This movie is a must see for me.

[@miamiles7996]

I’m glad the spoilers were included. I really don’t like musicals but I’m going to watch this movie.

[@niathomas184]

I definitely liked the balance between the acting and singing. They had so many fantastic singers in this but I wanted to hear fantasia Sanggggg! It was definitely a great movie lol

[@SoniT]

I read the book and saw the Speilberg film. I plan to see this at some point.

[@rmn3186]

1973 Oscars Cicely Tyson (Sounder) and Diana Ross (Lady Sings the Blues) were nominated for Best Actress.

[@mixdmsages2001]

This has always been my favorite movie so I was apprehensive about watching the reimagining… U guys have me on the edge of my seat now! I must rush to see it.

[@BrooklynWalka]

Last Sunday I watched Good Grief and immediately watched your review this Sunday The Color Purple, came straight home to watch your review!!! love you guys!

[@Rude4eyez]

Thanks for the review 💜 definitely will be waiting for it to stream on MAX since it is a Warners Brothers Film. Nothing will top the original film and to better understand it would be to definitely read the book or listen to the version where Alice Walker reads it (Phenomenal narrator) ngl I rolled my eyes when I heard CiError's name. They should've cast Halle's sister Chloe instead.

[@joshuamcdowell9745]

Chloe would be too young to play Older Nettie.

[@Thisismyusername227]

You gotta see it first, she's honestly barely in the film

[@lindaloving4918]

It is a beautiful story with Victory at the end

[@zeepickens9049]

*I enjoyed your review, so happy you mentioned **#FatimaRobinson** who is an associate of my friends group. Fatima choreographed Micheal Jackson's, REMEMBER THE TIME🎶, one of my all time favorite songs. I'm so stuck💜on THE ORIGINAL COLOR PURPLE, that I kind of rolled my eyes at this 'REIMAGINING'; but, you guys have changed my mind!* 🎬

[@True-Believer616]

Like Joseph, who I also share names with, this film was a huge part of my 80s childhood. But I'm tired of black trauma films as of late and not big on musicals. I'm not sure if I'll see it in the theater.

[@juliaangulo5922]

The beauty of this version is that it’s also filled with so much joy. There are so many moments that make you laugh or want to get up and dance. In the screening I was in, it felt like we were all in church at times, very joyful experience.

[@millsykooksy4863]

I love the 80's movie but it makes me so freaking angry so I'm hesitant to watch other interpretations

[@rowlaanbennett7296]

This version was Good but I Still prefer the 1985 version! It was visually stunning and all the actors did their thing but the pacing was the problem for me! Everything happened SO fast! The original had more detail

[@82566]

Ive never actually watched this movie but it sounds good !!! Thank you, bolth Happy Holidays 🎄

[@RobyyJUsmile]

I saw the UK tour of the stage musical in late 2022 and I was so moved. I’ve been looking forward to this movie for what feels like forever. I understand what you’re saying about the trauma feeling softened due to the music, but I also agree that we don’t necessarily shy away from it just because everyone is singing. I should really watch the Spielberg version - I’m a huge fan of the book and always assumed it would disappoint me! Great review guys, keep them coming!

[@raymondtittle2918]

The original version is better in my opinion, but the remake is remarkable.

[@karenvondermehden5054]

I loved this movie. it's so sad, but it's also a very joyous movie ,one of the best of the year.

[@ramonahaggins5203]

Thank you both for the recap and review. I will definitely tune in for more reviews.

[@TheAegis1000]

It is a softer presentation ...

[@robinbenton3168]

Tamela Mann did not play the preacher's wife but a "Church Lady". There was a similar character in the 1985 version when Shug and patrons of the Juke Joint came into the church and the church lady notified the Pastor of they were approaching.

[@hotcheetosgirl08]

I feel like Oprah is going to crazy about this movie.

[@erikchristensen822]

She is a producer

[@anthonytaylor7928]

Shes executive producer duh

[@josephsmith5410]

I saw the Broadway musical, and this film felt quite different. It was it's own thing, which I guess is a good thing. You could actually take out all the songs and the basic story still packs a punch. The Spielberg film felt bigger, but this one had some nice intimate moments. It's a good film, a nice musical, but not better than the 1985 original.

[@demondbrooks568]

It's good but nothing can touch the raw emotion and realism of the original. The pacing in the original is much better as well.....

[@LynneJordan11]

I was proctoring the MCATs when I read The Color Purple in one sitting. Then the movie (which I LOVED) … I am so happy you loved this film. I hope it does well in theaters! Our. Sacred cow. So many folks are turning this into a holiday family outting. 💜 I’ll be glad when it opens cause the press events and purple outfits are starting to get on my fragile nerves. 😂😂

[@funnyguyla]

Great review as always! I was on the fence for about the first hour. The song transitions weren’t working for me initially, especially with the dancing. Something about it was jarring. I love movie musicals, but a lot of the numbers seemed like they belonged on the stage rather than in a movie. Also, everything felt so rushed, especially Sofia’s arc. It seems like she has her confrontation with Miss Millie, goes to jail, becomes Miss Millie’s maid, and then the big dinner table scene all in ten minutes! That’s the problem when you have to cram in all these musical numbers and still tell this epic story in less than two and a half hours. I don’t agree that they’ve done justice to the lesbian love story. In the original movie we got a kiss. In this one we get a kiss during a fantasy number and them waking up in bed together. In the stage play they were in an ongoing relationship, complete with relationship drama such as Shug breaking Celie’s heart by running off with other men just to come back to her. This movie suggests they hooked up once and that was the end of it. It’s disappointing that in 2023, with Moonlight a best picture winner and queer stories more mainstream than ever, they still couldn’t explore this love story honestly. With that said, the performances won me over and I was in tears by the end. Give Danielle Brooks the Oscar now. Taraji deserves a nomination and so does Fantasia. If Jennifer Hudson can win an Oscar for singing the hell out of one song, Fantasia should at least be nominated for this. I think I would have preferred Cynthia Erivo but she chose Wicked instead.

[@jacobneale5844]

‼️ Never read the Book or seen the movie before definitely heard of it but I’m excited & am probably going to see it opening day 🍿 I’ll have to come back to the video :)

[@puspavelai8353]

Just the title reference you point out, coming from the conversation, between the two characters, in regard to the colour purple, that was informative. Another fine pick was describing one woman as "happy go-lucky, and the other as "downtrodden" - reminded, of the adage: *Walk a mile in my shoes...* So, it helps better appreciate this story, without 'judging'

[@kookloo]

Y'awl be givin everything away! #spoileralert PERIOD'T! 😂🤣😅 Our team at Kookloo loved this movie and fondly recommend it!

[@mkoh8778]

This review confirms in so many ways why remakes, in particular this one, can be problematic and unnecessary. Folks are so quick to take things that represent a different period in time out of context trying to right so-called “wrongs.“ but it sounds like the filmmaker for this film has helped them out. And as for Danny Glover, getting top billing in the 1985 film, he was the bigger star at the time. that movie made Whoopi and Oprah stars.

[@avillianchillinskrillian]

okay.....

[@myytchanneldinakoha8498]

Liike West Side Story. Pointless.

[@sarab3417]

@@myytchanneldinakoha8498it’s basically bringing the stage play to real life… that hasn’t been done before . lol west side story was a worse copy and paste

[@philcriswell3540]

This is not a remake of the original movie based on the book.. It is the movie version of the Broadway musical.

[@filmgirlLisa]

Yeah I agree. I liked that it was a different beast at least but mostly it was unnecessary. The only thing you can do is compare it to the original. I has high hopes but in the end I feel like make a new musical, new story and you can a film on its own instead of a companion piece to a film done 40 years ago.

[@ceeaz1633]

This was a good movie , the visuals were phenomenal… I’m did feel there was too much singing and dancing , but overall I liked it.

[@graphiquejack]

I hope Taraji gets an Oscar and then she can demand more money. She deserves to be making more considering the career she’s had.

[@bellepierre24]

Purple used to be the colour of royalty. In the old days in Europe, before synthetic dyes, purple was the rarest colour dye to make and it was expensive to make. If you were nobility, a rich merchant who could afford it, you still would not be allowed to wear purple. It was the colour of royalty. More than a few heads were lost in England for being bold or stupid enough to show up at the royal court in purple. 😅😅😅

[@amandakriss4244]

The 80's movie is one of my all time favorites. The book is my favorite book of all time. I adore the musical and saw it in person on the first national tour. The song "I'm Here" is one of the best ever written and performed PERIOD. I adored this movie. The stage musical is closer to the book in how the relationships are presented. We got the cute little Queer Polycule at Shug's mansion. I am so happy about that. Most people I have talked to refuse to watch it because they are convinced it's a remake of the 80's movie. When I explain it's a film version of the stage musical it doesn't seem to matter. None of them have read the book and see any further media past the 80's movie as a remake and cash grab. I am shocked it's getting little to no promotion for awards. I feel like the 80's version really steeped itself into the trauma and removed most humor and connections characters make as they age and deal with their traumas differently.

[@Thisismyusername227]

I am such a fan of this channel and would love to give some gentle feedback- could you start to add timestamps for the different segments each episode? Intro, Synopsis, Review, Rating - things like that? This would help for clarity and repeat viewing

[@LynneJordan11]

Uh oh those facial expressions don’t look too promising. 😊😂😂😂

[@VirgosGroove3]

Oh no. Joseph doesn’t look thrilled 😅

[@jaylalindsey7380]

The color purple is my favorite movie and my favorite color

[@jucxox]

I wish I knew that was really tarji singing before I saw the movie. Fantasia made me cry like I knew she would. I hope she gets an Oscar.

[@TheBaba1920]

The film was so good and complex and touching. I hate it didn’t get the love it deserved.

[@monikaspencer8006]

Saw the movie Dec 26th, and it was outstanding 😊❤. This film will win Best revised edition. It's gotta. 🎉

[@Biscuitplease]

In the musical, Sofia never remarries but she is still legally married to Harpo. She has a child with her new lover but still has love for Harpo despite the past.

[@pamelalansbury94]

Oh I agree I cannot see David Allen Grier as a serious role. He plays Santa in that new Eddie Murphy movie and that was perfect for him.

[@zivaray]

These Hollywood can’t come up with original material. They always going back to the classics. Leave well enough alone! I already know I won’t like it

[@philcriswell3540]

It's not a remake. It's a movie staging of the Broadway show.

[@ssbasketsonline]

❤❤Thank you for sharing!❤❤

[@ytuaeb]

I would encourage people to read the novel itself. In it, I could see beyond much of the audience's complaints and biases with race, time periods, gender roles and how society and politics shaped them, men and women's legal rights, homosexuality and bisexuality. Beyond all that I could see simply a story being told. By a very bold and lovely novelist and writer herself.

[@b.rburns7166]

A GREAT REVIEW. A couple things: Sofia did n not marry Buster. I definitely David Allen Grier and Ciara was a miscast

[@kaylao.3326]

Damn! I knew the preacher’s wife looked familiar. Anyways, I loved this film and I enjoyed your review ❤

[@joshuamcdowell9745]

I read the book when I was in ninth grade and I love the musical. One of my favorite Broadway musicals. Can't wait to see the movie. I saw The Color Purple on tour with Fantasia. The movie isn't out yet and Danielle Brooks and Fantasia are both getting nominations, including the Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress and Supporting Actress in a Musical/Comedy. The director wanted to dive into Celie's psyche and explored her imagination which was something that wasn't done in the original movie.

[@kimbronson3520]

This remake was HORRIBLE to me. I was thoroughly bored and fell asleep in the movie. The ending was not heartfelt like in the orginal. They should have never remade this masterpiece!!

[@Nonyabusiness08]

It just didn’t move me like the book, 1985 movie, or the Broadway play. Maybe I need to see it again 💁🏾‍♀️

[@quincycuthbert5408]

The trauma was not as palatable as that is the reason why I am so conflicted about the movie. The production is great though

[@rev.lindadavis1024]

No spoiler alert for me. I am still going to see it.

[@hnybee113]

IT'S what I'm going to watch on Christmas. NICK have you done Maestro yet? I cannot wait. Bernstein is very important to me. As two of my fave works and roles I've sung are West Side Story and Candide. Ugh I hope it's good.

[@AlmostPerfect3d]

I wonder in the 85 version if there are deleted scenes with Rae dawn Chong. She's in three sparodic scenes.

[@philcriswell3540]

I really enjoyed the movie, but missed the church ladies "greek chorus" throughout the story.

[@Katorri]

Take a look at David Alan Grier's performance in Queen Sugar, it may change your mind, maybe

[@justaguy7230]

Jeez, so far away. Are you guys fans of the Spielberg adaptation?

[@fishjellyfilmreviews]

Yes

[@Bbvb579]

why so far.. i know its not allowed.. but cant yall just talk a little bit like eveyrome did.. pleasesssss

[@KnowledgeSeeker78491]

Spoiler: When they woke up in the bed the audience was gasping. I was pissed because at the audience because I thought it was about time that they show that they were lovers... Now what I didn't like was how it was kinda thrown together imo

[@funnyguyla]

Really?! The theater I saw it at was near empty. I remember the kissing scene in the original had the audience going crazy every single time. I'd like to think we'd be past that in 2023.

[@denisemoore4266]

Good review ❤❤❤

[@patriciagodfrey264]

LOVED IT!

[@TheBaba1920]

I really really didn’t the skin color difference between the sisters. I get it for modern times but the first film ideas about the sisters being the same color sent a stronger message for me.

[@IK_4]

I liked the 80's movie. You said that this version is more palatable, but does that take away from the message?

[@crownmecee3583]

I loved it! It made me cry

[@janessamarie4601]

I also wasn’t totally sold on Ciara as older Nettie.

[@waliyahw1]

This just wasn’t necessary in my opinion. Why did it need to be a musical 😂

[@AllGreyEverything]

It's been a musical for over a decade and a half. There have been two Broadway productions. The revival won the Tony and so did both actresses who played Celie. Your complaint is late.😂

[@tekashikuti9692]

@@AllGreyEverything Exactly. All of these folks are just loud and wrong.

[@missleelee7232]

I feel this should not of been made....but i ❤ so many of the actors in this one....i have hope lol lol

[@philcriswell3540]

It has not been remade. It's the movie of the Broadway musical.

[@missleelee7232]

@@philcriswell3540 well I saw it and I like the original best😉

[@joylizray]

I love this movie so much!

[@TheFadingMan]

I loved the book. I loved the 1985 movie. Why don’t I want to see this? I haven’t heard a song that pulls me in yet.

[@blkjem21]

If this movie or cast wins anything it's a slap in the face to the original movie. I'm sure this version is phenomenal but Whoppi and Danny deserved their awards.

[@KnowledgeSeeker78491]

They about to get their face smacked to save face

[@philcriswell3540]

It's not even the same thing. It is based on the Broadway musical, not really a remake.

[@ednaamck3831]

I watched the original one time. I admit I am a 100% movie snob. So, I enjoyed the first half of the movie which is the only part I would re-watch. As to this remake with Spielberg involved to make sure black male-female relations are interpreted in negative interactions and Oprah on tap to beef up the homosexuality I will pass. Not interested.

[@Sara-fv4mt]

I'm repulsed that they bothered to make a 3rd rendition of this story. The 1st was a traumatic nightmare. It's shocking it was ever made. I never seen the musical due to me simply never liking the original movie, and now this comes out based on the musical and I'm still not impressed by what I'm hearing. I'm saying this as a bw, I'm not fond of how Hollywood showcasing bw as beaten down, traumatized, and only seen as undesirable.

[@ugoddessthepoet]

Girl! And doesn't it feel cringey to hear people say things like they "enjoyed" the movie and it was "so good"???? It's literally trauma...😢 (No offense to Fish Jelly, but critics in general.)

[@niathomas184]

Well maybe if you changed your perception you would enjoy it.

[@MsDisneylandlover]

I saw the stage play.

[@keepsit100atalltime9]

This sounds just like the original movie.

[@Yourstruly4.0]

Respectfully, compared to the original I didn't like it

[@MegaJoesworld]

I love the movie

[@jamesanson2711]

i thought this film was beautiful

[@kalonjiedwardrichardson9234]

❤ it!

[@kinfolk233]

People don’t realize the cultural value this movie has to black Americans. This movie gave us languageeee. There are so many words, phrases, expressions that coming from the original movie (example/ “I’se married now). Remaking it is a big deal.

[@zeidenmedia]

The actress from Nope!