Why The Color Purple 2023 FLOPPED

Join Heit & Cheri as they discuss why The Color Purple 2023 flopped at the box office and how many fans of the original 1985 film and the Broadway musical were left feeling like it missed the mark.
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AXIOM AMNESIA RETAINS 100% OWNERSHIP OF THIS VIDEO AS A COMPLETE ORIGINAL COPYRIGHTED WORK:
All of the music in this video consists of the original productions of Axiom Amnesia, the animations were created by Axiom Amnesia, and the voices are that of Axiom Amnesia hosts giving commentary throughout. This video was produced in its entirety by Axiom Amnesia, including all graphics, logos, music, sound effects and video (unless otherwise designated).
Film Clip Credits:
Blitz Bazawule (Director). (2023). The Color Purple [Film]. Warner Brothers Pictures.
Steven Spielberg (Director). (1985). The Color Purple [Film]. Warner Brothers Pictures.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

Did you see The Color Purple 2023? What did you think? Be sure to subscribe to our newest channel here!: AXIOM AMNESIA 2.0: www.youtube.com/@axiomamnesia2.0?sub_confirmation=1

[@lakishasmith956]

Won't be watching it I would have preferred a remake if they wanted to update the movie but not this musical looks like too much singing and dancing for my taste.

[@msdawnmicheleautumn]

I’m here. I didn’t go to see the movie because of the negative reviews from friends. Not one gave a positive review of it. They just called to talk about how disappointed they were about the remake. I’m one of the few people that actually read the book. It gets no better than that.

[@quickmealswithtee]

In the words of Damon Wayans and David Allen Greer in Men on Film… Hated it and will not watch it again.

[@quickmealswithtee]

I’m Here

[@Tcoupons]

I never wanted to see it as soon as i found out it was a musical. I never saw a full trailer that really showed anything indicating it to be a musical. I guess I don’t watch enough tv or be on the right socials. Idk. When i saw an advertisement about it never said anything about it being a musical. I found out about it through family and friends that it was a musical. I immediately decided nope I’m good. If it aint broke don’t fix it.

[@Ladyrolanda]

Your disappointments lie in the same areas as mine. But my biggest disappointment was the dinner table scene. I revered that scene because Ceelie finally found her voice, stood up for herself, and told Mr. about himself. That scene came and went so quickly, and I felt nothing. How? How!

[@MissPotential.]

Agreed. The musical took alot away from the movie. I can't imagine the color purple being turned into a musical.

[@teeahtate]

Right

[@memefree3101]

A lot of important moments were rushed to me (the finale) and like you said the dinner table

[@lilbitofeverythin6894]

​@memefree3101 or the scene where celie said "like he's doing his business on me". that whole conversation was so good.

[@keba773]

I felt like that about the church scene with Shug. That scene was iconic and it was not redone right.

[@tanevalariewilliams4047]

I honestly feel like the cast was amazing but some movies don't need a remake especially not a remake of a musical, that like if they remade set it as musical, this should have left alone seriously

[@AxiomAmnesia]

Agreed!

[@alejandronopasanada5302]

IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A MUSICAL! and 53:54 “Look how they massacred my boy” 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️In a musical. I tired of this movie when I was young and it’s just not for me. I JUST had this song on in the last week.

[@groovy_kid3958]

Lmao Heit im probably one of the few gen z’ers who was lowkey there for halle bailey… just a lil bit.

[@reneechristopher2121]

I agree with you 💯%.

[@michelleholland2755]

Some movies are classic that can never be made again, and The Color Purple was one of the greatest movies ever made. The remake of this movie to me was not that the movie was rushed and was just plain boring 💯💯💯💯

[@mycinnamongirl]

It failed because we don’t want to see people singing and dancing about gross sexual and domestic abuse. It’s a mockery of the subject matter.

[@CourageUnderFire87]

Yet, you love to hear people RAPPING about murder, robbing and sexually exploiting women right! You love watching degrading reality and tv shows making a mockery of black people… that’s ok though lol. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE

[@mannafestluv]

Good point…it’s a different day and not entertaining.

[@jacquelinelogan320]

Yeah but we accept the rap culture which promote sexual assault, black on black crime, and black women being whores and drug dealing drug abuse alcoholism… you name it… make it make sense????

[@Gemgirl05]

💯💯💯👏🏿👏🏿

[@thechemi5083]

I honestly don't know what singing they were talking about in the original..I remember them singing at the Saloon or Bar whatever you call it with Suge Avery..but the movie was Raw af nothing Musical about it.

[@carolfraz588]

The reunion of the two sisters also fell flat. Original movie reunion was emotional.

[@teeahtate]

Very true.

[@apriljohnson7447]

Yep

[@romerjusu3804]

Nothing beats the original. It seems like a money maker that flopped.

[@xoshayc]

Big time! I got chills with the original… my Haitian mama was crying when she watched the original scene for the first time!

[@deb8911]

The original was just so iconic! So many lines I recite at the drop of a hat to this day 😂

[@williams7446]

Me too😂 I still watch it.

[@kevinknox1239]

All my life I had to fight.😂😂😂😂😂

[@mannafestluv]

Mister’s Daddy to Mister: “what’s wrong with ya now?” 😂

[@paktru]

​​@@mannafestluvYou told Harpo to beat me..

[@msbronzekitten]

She at home Finna shave mister lol

[@chaneltendre3493]

No more remakes. Can we sign something to petition 😂

[@AxiomAmnesia]

😂

[@tarecahubbard-holt1630]

Can I sign first? But there is nothing new under the sun. I just recently watched a silent version of "Jurassic Park". I couldn't stay awake. 😂

[@MichelleWatsonLee]

I’m 32 and I enjoyed it. I was crying in the theater and everything. I didn’t go in with huge expectations because I knew it wouldn’t hold up to the first. Of course not. When I learned that it was a musical, I really let my expectations go and overall I really liked it. I’d watch it again. It was the nostalgia for me. Talking about the film with my sister and getting to see it with my mom and her sister, all of whom I don’t get to see very often, made it all really emotional to me. I think Christmas was perfect timing. Me and my sister still sing “sistaaaaa, you been on my mind” to each other to this day. So yeah I’m here for the vibes. Danielle was my favorite to watch. I’m glad she got nominated.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

I'm glad she got nominated too! Maybe my expectations were too high...

[@unbeknownst2mee929]

Agreed. I really enjoyed this movie and thought they did wonderful:) my only complaint was "God is trying to tell you something." That song touches my core and I didn't feel it in this adaptation

[@user-er5ur1eq8t]

I totally agree! I actually couldn’t get enough of the movie, I’m a pretty tough and very sincere in my reviews of any movie. I didn’t expect it to out perform the original and that’s a tough feat for most remakes. I saw the broadway play with Fantasia as well and thought that was good; however, the musical I liked better than the broadway version. The original is just what it is an original and should be looked upon as that. I’m not comparing the three because it’s different settings, cast, versions, and timeframes as well. For the musical I think the casting director did an incredible job because I felt the cast and their performances were fitting. One minute you’re crying and the next joyful which displays the actors and actresses were in great character form. It’s streaming now, and I’m definitely buying it so that can watch both versions and enjoy! 😉👍🏽👍🏽💜💯

[@jasminehill6312]

I saw the original a million times and I saw the play on Broadway. And I saw this new version. This new version wasn’t necessary. No one asked for it and sometimes musicals don’t translate well on screen.

[@jbod-8387]

100% agree. This shows the danger in doing a remake or reboot that no one was looking for, and redoing a classic.

[@lgreen9932]

Exactly!!

[@filmgirlLisa]

Yeah LOVE the movie, saw the play. Loved both. Was excited for the film version of the show even though I usually don't like reboots. But unfortunately this was like a Disney park ride of the original film. It relied too much on it and seemed more like a companion piece to the first the film than its own thing.

[@ButterscotchCloud]

I’m here! I rented this on Vudu and watched it with my mom-who was in her late teens when the ‘85 version dropped (I’m 30). Although my mom enjoyed this adaptation, I didn’t care for it at all. I just don’t feel that the story works as a movie musical. I’m sure the actually Broadway play was great, but this film felt really hollow to me. To be frank, I’m tired of all these remakes. They feel so diluted-as if they’re purposely devoid of all the meaty rawness and soul of the originals.

[@gayleholmes9081]

I agree whole with all you said....I'm sick of the Hollywood remakes too....this new latest is Snoop doing a black version of the Bad News Bears......for these writers to go on strike demanding more of everything and getting it....they need to pass on the talent so that fans get it to. I have yet to see this movie, bc the original was enough for me and to see this all as a musical???? Sorry not sorry

[@MsThoughtful]

Thank you for this comment! I'm so tired of the remakes. It's just a money grab because they know that they can play on people's nostalgia. I love the original. I was weary when I went to see this because although I enjoyed the Broadway musical, I could not see it working as a movie musical and I was right. It just lost the soul and depth of the original. It almost felt like a Disney version of the original. It's time to let these remakes go and leave the classics alone. It's time to start creating new classics. I feel like there are a lot of young talented writers, directors, and actors who can bring new ideas. Also, I thought Ciara as Nettie was such a weird choice.

[@tarecahubbard-holt1630]

Amen!

[@lakishasmith956]

In the original movie 1985 when Shug is singing in the church the young lady that is also singing is her daughter.

[@gayleholmes9081]

Shug singing that song that brought her dad to the church in the old version, that made me cry....it was so powerful....I'll stick with the old version....which to this day, I still haven't watched a second time. It wasn't all that. The sign of a real good movie, is seeing over and over.....sorry, that's not me.

[@loveaffect]

@@gayleholmes9081FR 😂I’ve rewatched the color purple so many times , but the day I saw the musical version I already knew I was never going to watch it again .

[@kaylao.3326]

How you know?

[@Cori_13]

I hate that I didn’t like this adaptation of the musical. I loved the original movie, and in general I love musicals, but something was off. They left out a lot of iconic lines and scenes that I was really looking forward to seeing. I think everyone did a great job but not as an individual actor but missed the mark as a cohesive cast. But I gotta say Danielle Brooks stole EVERY SCENE she was in. She was amazing. She has a song named Black Woman. That song has been my theme song for years. I can’t wait to see what she does in her career next.

[@user-ex5lw2sr9e]

She was PERFECT for Sophia but overall, Spielberg had already made a PERFECT movie!!!

[@tinishamccroskey7752]

On the colorism issue. I think the reason it hit better without Nettie and Suge being lighter skin was that it shows the invisible scars that trauma carries. The original they are both deep brown but Cellie had been abused and silenced and told she was ugly. Where as Nettie had been told she was pretty and protected (indirectly by her sister enduring the abuse). She has the freedom to carry herself different abd feel beautiful and it's nit really about her external its about what she was able to feel about herself. With Nettie being light it kind of can add a little bit too much a superficial reason to the difference in the sisters treatment and belief and self esteem.

[@awesomeyou6815]

Thank you

[@loveaffect]

True , I honestly felt like it made it easier for people to sympathize with celie bc Nettie was lightskin . I think it added nothing to the story tho , and honestly didn’t even make it any better . The main reason Nettie was treated different was because she had more European features than celie did . Celie is beautiful but she had the big nose , the big lips , everything people associated with ugly back then . Making them 2 different skin tones made it seem more like they wanted both sisters to be looked at as different from each other instead of the 1st film where they were the same , one sister one heart

[@Strongpoeticmind]

@@loveaffectThe original Nettie was Darker-skinned with longer hair and was just as beautiful. Why does a character have only to be lighter skinned to be normalized and seen as attractive?

[@loveaffect]

@@Strongpoeticmind I don’t know , That’s just how people are , I didn’t say I personally think she needed to be lightskin to be attractive I said that I don’t think it added much to the story . I preferred the original to the newer version . Nettie being about the same skin tone as celie but younger , and considered not ugly . But Celie being considered ugly just bc her nose is big and lips was big .

[@johnetteford6171]

NETTIE IS DARK SKINNED , SHUG IS BROWNSKIN .

[@Bluetown66]

I watched it yesterday and felt the movie was extremely poor, hollow and empty. The production did not comitt to the musical numbers or the characters. There was zero emotion in the scenes, which were rushed just to get to a musical number that was forgettable. The 1985 version made me an emotional wreck. This version left me cold. I don't believe the director was up to the job. Over all a pretty poor effort.

[@kabroyality]

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who felt they told Fantasia to scale it back, especially when she wasn't singing solo. They should have casted more powerful singers. I don't see why they didn't get people who played the cast on Broadway for all of them.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

And this is where Tyler Perry got his plays right, because he had amazing singers!

[@gayleholmes9081]

Money money money.....I'm sure was the reason

[@Terelon]

They originally wanted Cynthia Ervo to play Celie in the movie version

[@Starkardur]

J-Hud played Sug for some time on Broadway - I mean I think she would even be a better choice than Taraji and hear her and Fantasia harmonize. Man that would have been great.

[@gayleholmes9081]

@@Starkardur Uh, you can't cheat Jenn....that's why she was passed over

[@shawnuchenna3503]

Tata Vega did all of the Shug singing for Margaret Avery in the 1985 film. Margaret did a hell of a job selling the lip sync that most feel Margaret did the vocals. Taraji held her own. I admit I was surprised to see that she was casted since she would need to really bring that belting, growling power synonymous with Shug.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

I agree about Margaret selling the vocals, and that was part of the point we were making--the singing and acting in the first film were superb... Never mind that they were done by different people.

[@RosDC]

I agree...Taraji did hold her own.

[@tarecahubbard-holt1630]

I never knew that. Tata was a beast!

[@miamiles7996]

I didn’t care for it. In the original I felt a connection to the characters this not so much.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

Agreed!

[@jmsfaith2181]

All this talk of the new movie is just making me want to go and watch the original for the 99th time. That whole cast to me was just nothing short of total amazing! With this musical, I do remember hearing Halle Bailey was cast as the sister, and Taraji as Suge Avery and remember thinking I don't see it with these two (especially if you think of how strong that cast was from the original). Also I love Fantasia but more as a singer than an actress.

[@veejack9196]

I totally AGREE with everything that was said! You guys certainly didn’t miss a beat. I’m sure a lot of people felt the same way because I felt the film wasn’t giving COLOR PURPLE 💜💜💜

[@gayleholmes9081]

And for the powers to be to put all this blame on T, is so unfair. The movie wasn't all that, like stop blaming the cast.

[@memefree3101]

I really feel like the girl who played young Celie could have carried the whole role even into adulthood

[@toyaJM]

She tried out for it and they wouldn’t they gave her young Celine but she definitely could’ve carried it. I didn’t need to see Fantasia or Taraji play in this film.

[@tam_forreal]

“Maybe God…” In the original movie adaptation, the song that they sing as they leave the juke joint and walk to the church was also very “musical” feeling.

[@tarsheajordan3201]

My favorite part of the movie 😊

[@tam_forreal]

@@tarsheajordan3201 mine too

[@chelbeh]

The church scene was more captivating in the original because it was mother and daughter singing against each other. Not just the singer and the better singer in the new version. That was a strong missed opportunity. Bc there was no back story there like with Ceilie, Nettie and the mother.

[@HeyTexasItsMe]

Yussssssssss you’re so right

[@dadrienedavis]

Wait, that’s true??

[@chelbeh]

Yup. On the. origial she said her children were with her ma and pa. So when they pan to the preacher's wife (grandma) and she says sing God's trying to tell you something they also show another little girl that resembles the daughter singing . @@dadrienedavis

[@slei8656]

I just finished watching it and loved it! Danielle Brookes is WOW, love her deeply now

[@AxiomAmnesia]

Danielle Brooks is amazing!!!

[@deidraleitner5787]

Uhhh guys, Margaret Avery didn’t sing a note in “The Color Purple”.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

Good point! Now that you mentioned it, I do recall watching an interview with Margaret Avery talking about having to work extra hard to lip-sync properly. Still, Vega sang it better and Margaret pulled off the visuals better. IMO Of course, there is room for preference and difference of opinion here. :-)

[@LP-zs5tg]

Tata Vega was the singer

[@timothyypearson]

You wanna know a secret Phyllis Hyman was suppose to play the part she was spilbergs original pick but she tried to run the meeting and they cut her Phyllis would not have had to lipsync the 85 movie would've been at another level Phyllis would've rocked that part

[@kristinapowell7491]

@@AxiomAmnesiathey all was good however maybe Tyler perry should of direct it he has more knowledge when it comes downy to ish

[@filmgirlLisa]

@@kristinapowell7491 I thought of Tyler Perry too and I don't know if Taraji sang her parts in "I Can Do Bad..." but I assumed she didn't because her lip sync looked a little ridiculous to me.

[@PGHDude]

Wow how am I just now seeing you all’s content again? Man the algorithm isn’t cool! Glad to see y’all on my feed again!

[@AxiomAmnesia]

Welcome back! KZbin can be so cruel! 😔

[@margaretjackson498]

I am 79. In the newer version, the issue was character development and wow moments that were missing when compared to the original version. The newer version didn’t get you to understand the issues within the various relationships that told a story that made what played out in the movie believable. The newer version depended on the audience to fill in the gaps based on memories of the back story behind all the characters from the original story. In the newer version I felt like I was on a journey that never ended, with a bunch of people who I never got to fully understand as individuals or their depth of relationships, as far as chemistry, to the other characters.

[@stephaniedrew6213]

Margaret you articulated this accurately. I was literally sitting in the Theater saying 'wait what about'. Too much was left out that was so memorable in the first movie.

[@filmgirlLisa]

100%!!

[@TheOriginalGaPeach]

“I’m here “!! Age- 47! I did enjoy the musical movie version but the original “The Color Purple “ movie is and will always be a CLASSIC AND THE BEST!!! I enjoyed your commentary and I agree with your analysis of the new film!! I was very young when this movie came out! I didn’t read the book until after I graduated from college!! I actually wanted to watch it in a theater but I ended up watching it on the Apollo platform! I was surprised it was available so soon!! God Bless!!

[@deidraleitner5787]

Unfortunately, because I’ve seen the original 99,000 times, this one needed work to me and I’ve also read the book twice.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

I think that's the hard thing about the natural comparison that's gonna happen with this new film. Those were big shoes to fill!

[@acearch5ive]

I am a 70 year old man and after40 some years I watched Speilberg's Color Purple the other day. Late into the night, alone and with tears running down my face.That film had some kind of life in it and it stirred me up. Speilbergs good at that sort of thing. Then, tonight I watched this new musical version. I have not seen the Broadway play but I am very familiar with the music and much of it I like alright. This movie opens up and straight off I said to myself,"wait a minute this doesn't look right." Whoever was the art director and production designer and choreographer just got it all wrong. This movie is a mess and its hard to sit through because the whole time Im thinking how did all of these talented people with millions to spend get it all so wrong. There is no magic and if people are going to be singing and dancing through Jim Crow America then you better figure out something pretty clever and with some kind of magical realism to make it work. This is just plain creepy and disturbing.

[@maatspear]

David Alan Grier is a Tony Award theater trained actor who was in Broadway shows before and after In Living Color and played an abusive husband in Queen Sugar.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

I saw him in Queen Sugar and he was amazing in that. I wish we could have seen him in more dramas throughout the years.

[@tarecahubbard-holt1630]

We know, and your point?

[@laurettelaliberte8864]

I've read the book several times over the years and my sister and I revisit the original movie every year, and still cry every time. Celie's last words to Mister are what reverberated in my head when I finally left my situation. I don't now about anyone else, but I didn't need a "bold reimagining" of something that was perfect the first time.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

This part!

[@maatspear]

At the time, the biggest star of the 1985 film was Rae Dawn Chong who played Squeak. She was in several box office films at the time.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

Right, and her role in the film was relatively small.

[@bajanboinoho5378]

Oprah was salty at the time because producers didn’t put her name on the poster yet Rae Dawn Chong was in a smaller role and was on the poster with the most name recognition in 85. That year the Oprah show was just launching and she felt her star rising would have helped further hype the film. When Oprah had the cast reunion on her show years later, Oprah and Rae threw slight shade at each other over the issue.

[@Starkardur]

Rae Dawn Chong was the most famous actor in the film at that time. @@bajanboinoho5378

[@filmgirlLisa]

@@bajanboinoho5378 Yeah I saw that shade. Even subtly that exchange was messy.

[@therealmarlonbellamy]

I’M HERE! I’m 42 years old & i have not seen this movie. The original was in heavy rotation in my household growing up.

[@kadrae5277]

David Alan Grier was in A SOLDIER'S STORY with Denzel Washington, Howard Rollins Jr, and Adolph Caesar. That movie was dramatic and takes place in 1940s.

[@TheLove2share]

I’m so glad you mentioned that. When Cheri said he hasn’t had a serious role I was like “What?” Lol. Y’all must not know David is a true Thesbian, Julliard trained. One of the most underrated actors of our time. Sing. Dance. Act. 🙌🏾 This role was like charity for him.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

Oh yeah I forgot about his role in that movie. It was was early in his career. Good point. I want more of that on film and TV from him.

[@deidraleitner5787]

I loved most of the musical performances but the cohesiveness wasn’t there in most of the film.

[@Cori_13]

@deidraleitner5787 I just commented the same thing! I think they were all great, but not as a unit. Something was just off about it.

[@NelsonStJames]

What works on the stage doesn't always translate to the screen. This is why Broadway is still a thing, and yet musicals as a cinematic artform have pretty much disappeared except for in animation. One has to be extremely talented to make a film musical work in 2024. I think a new film adaptation of the novel (rather than the musical ) could have been done; especially considering that Alice Walker was not entirely pleased with the changes the original film made to the novel, though I'm skeptical if a truly faithful adaptation of the novel as Walker wanted would have been successful either. I think the Color Purple is as well beloved as it is because of the casting and because of the direction. Novels are many times better than the movies made from them, but many times the films are more entertaining.

[@TheLove2share]

You two made great points. I agree with most of your observations. 1) Should have casted based on skill rather than notoriety. 2) Music wasn’t memorable & cohesive. 3) Marketing failed to mention a few of the GOATS in this movie (Whoopie/ Louis) I’m 42 & didn’t expect this version to be a remake of the original. I’m disappointed that it wasn’t even great on its own. An old story told differently; many reasons it wasn’t executed well. And Taraji’s rants about low pay during the promotional tour didn’t help either. Some folks boycotted the film of that.

[@treniadublin6568]

I enjoyed the old movie, the Broadway play, and the new movie. I'm glad there were differences between them. The producers/directors for the new movie indicated that there would be some changes. So, there you have it, wasn't meant to be exactly the same.

[@theocnetwork1521]

I actually just watched the original for the first time on HBOMax and I loved it . I was always hesitant to watch the film due to the overtones of black trauma but the film really touched me in the sweetest way

[@afiyamark3897]

I thought the cast was great, however i wish the film expressed more of the pain that celie endured with mister. In the new film, I found myself not really having a hatred for mister as much as I did in the 1985 film and that bothered me. That's one of the reasons that i disliked this film.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

Agreed!!!

[@Dead346]

So you dislike this movie because you wanted to hate Mister and you didn’t. That sounds like a deeper issue that might need to be examined a little bit.

[@watching-commenting]

Cheri you hit the nail on the head with the colorism aspect. It adds the unnecessary stereotype that lighter is more attractive . They could've found another dark-skinned actress to play Nettie that could sing easily. Halle did not add enough to the character to be needed.

[@PrettyHazelEyedMLS]

Actually I've heard that in the book Nettie was light skin but they didn't highlight that portion in the 1980's movie adaptation.

[@quickmealswithtee]

Agreed… I felt that Halle’s performance was mediocre at best and had nothing on the original Nettie.

[@teiashort1451]

Is it because she is light skinned? Like why you bring that up? Either she can act or not, her skin tone has nothing to do with how well she performed.

[@watching-commenting]

@teiashort1451 I brought it up because Cheri did. Shedding light on colorism should always be brought up. I don't think doing so diminishes a property ,but rather adds context.

[@deloresredman4792]

Right she was a gorgeous dark skinned girl

[@makilahh]

The tone of the 2023 film was off as a musical. It was a little light hearted during the darker moments and the pacing seemed fast. Sug Avery singing voice from 85 movie will always be Tata Vega.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

Agreed!

[@monica204laurel]

Exactly!!!

[@user-ex5lw2sr9e]

I'm watching it now, and it's nothing compared to the PERFECT movie Spielberg made...but PLEASE tell me they did the church scene justice??? I'm a white guy, I've been watching this movie since it came out in 85, I was 10...my dad loved it...but shug singing in church ALWAYS made my eyes wet

[@makilahh]

@@user-ex5lw2sr9e You will be disappointed

[@MissPotential.]

At 46:00 mark when discussing if celie is considered ugly, i think in the musical they didnt really put emphasis on celie being unattractive bc they used colorism instead, casting the sister and shug lightskinned. So the two women celie was most closed to would be considered better looking than her due to their light skin. In the original, there cant be a debate about color bc the women were all dark skin or brown. So a point was made to audience that celie was ugly bc they were all the same color! celie sister and shug were dark skin just like celie but more attractive. Wasnt about lightskin, but beauty. But they purposly put this colorism controversy in this musical, making it seem like mister was attracted to only light skin.

[@awesomeyou6815]

Yes exactly!! Cause that hurt when they did that switch up like I literally cried. You turned Nettie light skin?! I would understand if in the og film she was brown skin or close to being light skin then I'll be like "oh ok" but Nettie was dark skin midnight dark skin I mean how often you see dark skin women being displayed as beautiful in the media. Not too often

[@awesomeyou6815]

I bet it was Oprah's idea too 😒

[@namastewellness]

💯 subliminal was all that was needed.

[@awesomeyou6815]

I meant 40:00

[@candicecarter405]

We needed the sisters playing patty cake. The reuniting scene was not even emotional enough. Too much was taken from the sisters story

[@BSJ-Unparalleled]

I’m saying before seeing this video. But to me, the main reason it doesn’t even compare to the original is because of the music. The music in this version is just there for musics sake. It sounds great, but the music doesn’t help contribute to the story.

[@queenscarlettpimpsunkiss..5537]

I think the casting Of Lightskinned characters who were written to be dark skinned.. Skates Over thee FEATURISM conversation that this movie/story had/has. . Which was actually way ahead of its time.. even now in certain cases. Alot of ppl don't know what featurism is.. But The Color Purple has those stories/convos in there. Which is necessary to talk about and unpack. Juss as well as Colorism

[@DiamondEmerald]

I’m Here! I’m 34 and watched the film with my bestie in theatres. We both loved the original and the Broadway version and were committed to seeing the movie despite neither of us believing it needed to be made. I agree with all of the commentary. Not playing patty cake killed the most beloved part of the movie. What I haven’t seen people comment on was the watered down version of the lesbian relationship between Celie and Shug. I remember noticing when the original version played on TV, sometimes they would cut the scene where they kiss short- the original movie implies more happens. The Bway version makes it clear they are in love w/o a sex scene but with the kiss and the song. This new version makes it seem like they’re trying to sanitize the relationship with that weird rendition of “What about Love”. Which is weird since this day and age this kind of connection is more socially acceptable. I play the Bway musical soundtrack constantly and it carries the story completely. Danielle Brooks is amazing - Fantasia did better as Celie in the Bway version because she had time to cook and let go. David Allen Grier is a Boss who also played the Lion in the Wiz on the new version of the Wiz (another story completely). I wish the cast was treated better. The book and Alice Walker’s intentions and belief in Womanism should be highlighted more (I don’t think she would have appreciated this portrayal that watered down Celie and Netties love as well as Celie and Shug’s love). Basically, when you do a scene by scene comparison and with commentary from the book, PLEASE invite me to offer some commentary 😅. Great job y’all!

[@maxalberts2003]

You're the first commenter on KZbin to bring up Walker's Womanism. Thank you. People in this country are appallingly undereducated and sometimes appear to have ZERO historical memory. Thank you again.

[@anakinnotvader]

I give this movie a solid 7.5/10. The conflicts and dramatic scenes needed more development , and it does suffer from comparisons to the first film. Overall I do enjoy this musical adaptation- it made me realize the story is a Cinderella adaptation with a new setting. I’M HERE

[@AxiomAmnesia]

I'm open to this actually... Maybe I do need to watch it again because that song Keep it Movin' is growing on me!

[@lashelldavis15]

I'm Here! I agreed with alot of the points made. The main point made was the connection of the music. In the 1985 version, when Shug sang God's Trying to Tell You Something, you felt the connection. You saw the love between Father and Daughter with the correlation of God wanting his children to come back to Him. That scene had levels that brought joy and tears. I remember seeing that movie when it came out as a child and that scene touched me so deeply. And even now after 39 years, I still cry at that scene. It brings the loving connection between us and God, Our Heavenly Father, as well as the loving connection between a father and child.

[@kristinapowell7491]

The young lady commentary is A1💯❤️you point out a lot of key points and you know your stuff

[@tiffanybolden1319]

Boy!!!!!! You all are literally the only platform, people to say the hard things about TPH casting, singing, acting range, and performance , people like her, shevis good, but this was a respectful, but truthful take....

[@oldsouljs8042]

I believe if this wasn't an all star cast it would've been better. One thing I will say about the 2023 version is that it was a bit more closer to the book. I didn't have high expectations for the 2023 version. The original film never gets old for me. I can sit and watch the whole movie any given day.

[@george4u1960]

It was not a flop for me. I loved it.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

❤️❤️❤️

[@robinanthony7345]

I never tried to compare the 2 understanding this one was a musical. I liked both movies. I agree the relationship between Shug and her father was much weaker than the first movie. I enjoyed both movies. I think most people were stuck on comparing the two expecting it to be a word for word remake.

[@tp5652]

Wholeheartedly Agree!

[@awesomeyou6815]

I was mad cause they made Nettie light skin cause as a dark skin woman you don't understand how important it was to see two dark skin women as the lead. See now since you made Nettie light skin now it's a colorism issue Mister don't want Nettie simply cause she's pretty he wants her cause she's light skin & to prove that theory shug Avery the other woman he was crazy about was also light skin. It really hurt to see that cause if you grew up dark skin you understand the discrimination that's brought on to us which is unfair. Now when Celie's dad sells celie to Mister & calls her ugly, it feels like hes only doing that cause shes dark skin. It shows that dark skin women shouldn't be protected we deserve pain & torment cause we're not light skin even when it's literally our role we can't have it

[@awesomeyou6815]

40:22 Thank you. Exactly my point

[@teiashort1451]

But in the book she was light skinned. I’m sorry that the world make dark skin women feel ugly. You are not. ❤

[@awesomeyou6815]

@@teiashort1451 ♥️♥️

[@MissPotential.]

​@@teiashort1451 If you think it's just the WORD that's the problem, then u just don't get it or u you don't want to get it. Obviously, you took nothing from the comment, went right over your head.

[@williams7446]

@@MissPotential.she said she’s sorry the WORLD makes dark skin women feel ugly. But like she said she was light skinned in the book and that’s facts. I’m a brown skin girl and I definitely agree that men prefer light skin. But It’s not the womans fault. And it’s crazy to me when we don’t like the colorism, but y’all bring it up every chance y’all get.

[@rosalinda7454]

I saw the original Color Purple when I was about 12 yrs old. That movie was a beautiful and emotional movie. I didn’t watch the new version, because the trailer didn’t grab me at all. I like musicals, but I didn’t think this movie needed to be made into one. I agree with you about the casting of Suge Avery. I was surprised to see Taraji in that role.

[@gaygungirl9495]

I’m here! Great review. Agree with everything you just said

[@AxiomAmnesia]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@lovelly309]

THISSSSS is why I said from the beginning, this movie should not be made again... The original one was the best and I said, I was not paying to see it and if and when I wanna see THE COLOR PURPLE MOVIE, I'm watching the ORIGINAL...... Then look what happened after making the movie with all the complaints and issues and the treatment that was given.... SMDH

[@maatspear]

In this film, many of the songs from the Broadway play were omitted to add the contemporary songs. The songs kept were Push the Buttons, Im Here, and Hell No. Quincy wanted Sister and God is Trying to Tell You kept from the 1985 film.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

I did like the song I'm here, but who doesn't love Fantasia? 😂

[@jtaylor3439]

I always think it’s funny that no one catches it but in the original when shug comes In The church singing the young lady in the choir that stops singing. To my knowledge that’s one of shugs children. It’s her daughter that’s been raised all this time by her father. People always forget shug has kids. ❤

[@mimic89]

Love yalls content!!! I'm 17 and I absolutely LOVE the original Color Purple. I watched it with my mom when I was way too young to lol but the profound story definitely stuck with me. I've seen it at least 20 times and I'm halfway through the book so l'm really anticipating my viewing of the remake. I do enjoy musicals and I did like the broadway interpretation of the story but I had low expectations of the remake since I saw the initial trailer.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

Ohhh... ❤️ Be sure to let us know what you think of the new movie when you see it. 😊

[@ARenae-vo4ch]

I went to the movies to see this with my mom. I don't like musicals either (Dream Girls being the exception). I didn't have much of an expectation for this movie so I can't say it was a disappointment. I still wanted to give it a chance though. I was ready for it to be over not long after it started 😆. I don't see myself rewatching. Danielle as Sophia was the best thing about this movie for me. The jail and dinner table scenes both made me cry, which was COMPLETELY unexpected. I hope she wins the Oscar. She deserves it. I'm Here

[@VidWatcher01]

It flopped? I heard the Mean Girls reboot left much to be desired too

[@AxiomAmnesia]

Lots of movies flop. I heard mean girls was a great disappointment too. You're right.

[@whodat6195]

Yes, I took my 8yr old daughter to see the movie because I had not yet read the book. I don’t know how it impacted her but just recently, I told someone I took my daughter to see the movie and they told me it was child abuse. Even though she was only eight, I took my daughter every where with me not knowing I was being an abusive mother. I thought, I’m taking my daughter with me and not leaving her with just anyone.

[@melissalavant1982]

You did nothing wrong today’s society with television and social media nothing can be hidden nowadays.

[@candicecarter405]

I agree with the colorism of the new director. The first one got it right with even darker actresses being seen as attractive. Even from the perspective of mister in the first one she was darker.

[@naturallybroadway4897]

I’m 28 and I liked it. I’m a big fan of the original but it’s soooo heavy ( which is a testament to the great acting and direction, it really makes you feel) and than I’m even more of a fan of the Broadway adaptation. I think what they did was mesh both of them together and I enjoyed it. Sure there are some moments that I missed like “god is tryna tell you something” sequence or “ mama …..” that the son said but I think it’s just a lighter take on the movie and they tried to do a bold take on the story. I will say I had a different cast in my head when thinking about the movie ( not everyone, just some because of how amazing it was on Broadway and I think they need to give more Broadway actors and actresses more shine) but I think the performances were pretty solid. The main issue I had which is what I have with most remakes is that they make it to Hollywood. I like that they gave celie an imagination, but some of the dream sequences I could have done without, most of them actually. Daniel knocked it out the park for me! I would watch it again.

[@ChrissyB99]

So as someone who hasn’t read the book, nor had I seen the original 1985 version until after watching the 2023 version, I agree with you guys on some things and these are my thoughts: 1. It being a musical remake took away from the emotional scenes a bit. I never even came close to tears. Some things were just off and to be honest I wasn’t expecting much from the 1985 version after seeing the 2023 version. Oh I also wasn’t expecting it to be a musical so when the first two songs hit I was confusion lol. 2. Idk if the book portrays Celie and Nettie this way, but the 2023 version made it seem that Nettie was both book and street smart making Celie the overall ugly dumb one but in the 1985 version with the way Celie was narrating the story I got the vibe that though she may not be book smart she was at least somewhat street smart. She was the one noticing Mister’s eye catching her sister in the church, I believe she was the one to tell Nettie that she gonna have to leave soon when Nettie was living with them. And what also led me to believe that Nettie wasn’t that well versed in the knowledge of men (unlike Celie who has seen the dark side of men by having who she believes to be her “father” impregnate her behind her mama’s back) was the scene in the original when Nettie is walking to school and Mister was tracking her on his horse I got a sense of her innocence like she almost didn’t understand nor think he would grape her. 3. It being a musical & the choice of direction in the 2023 version took room from some of the more subtle scenes, that I believe originally built the characters in the 1985 version. Scenes like Celie’s goofiness when her father asks her to come out the house to “model” for Mister, the sisters playing and their connection through Nettie teaching Celie to read, (maybe I missed it in the 2023 v) the scene where Celie’s dad comes in after the baby is born and tells her not to tell anyone as it would kill her mama depicting to me that the father raping Celie was behind her mothers back and not after she had died which is the vibe I got from the 2023 version, even the humorous parts between mister and Celie (1. when he was trying to make food for Shug and didn’t know how to operate the stove Celie just watching him until she realized he was bout to blow up the kitchen and got out of there and 2. When Shug comes back and they both rush downstairs to go greet her and then pretend to have the flu when they realize she brought a husband back with her. 4. The jail scene and Sofia’s moment at the dinner table were the best parts of the 2023 version imo. Final Thoughts: There were some good scenes in the remake but the story was lacking and some of the scenes were disjointed. And I felt this way before even watching the 1985 version which was superb in depicting this story imo. The original took me on an emotional journey where I physically had to stop what I was doing (cooking) and watch whereas the 2023 version was just BG noise. I also agree with Cheri that the ending scene was not it for me in comparison. When I first watched it I liked it but in comparison it fell short. These 2 movies just had 2 different vibes for me. The 2023 was an okay adaptation

[@goated3285]

I just don’t go to movies like that anymore, paying for all these subscription services I just wait and watch things in my woman cave since I built my own theater. I actually loved it, after watching it and realizing I hadn’t watched the original as an adult, I went back and watched that one with my wife since she knew more about the book then I did. If anything it made me want to actually read the book. I’m not even a big musical fan as I hate those type of movies but I’m definitely going to watch it again. But my mom did go to the theater to see it, she also said she loved it so idk. Maybe most people aren’t into the story like that nowadays.

[@nessaj4522]

Why do they want this movie to FLOP? It didn't flop after it made all of the money it did and most people that went to see it seemed to enjoy it . ❤

[@AxiomAmnesia]

Who wants this movie to flop?

[@mikerickman1248]

OMG! Such an excellent analysis!

[@AxiomAmnesia]

❤️❤️❤️

[@shepardp11]

Should have left this on Broadway. There was literally ntn that they could have done with a musical that wasn’t done in the original. U can’t remake a classic. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@MsMaidh]

I just turned 31 and I've only seen the original color purple once on TV, when I was a teenager. While many have rewatched the original fifty-eleven times and can quote it by heart, it didn't have that same rewatchability factor from me. The way some ppl describe it, it's almost like a comfort film for them. Whereas for me, it was too heavy of a film for me to want to return to for fun and entertainment. I guess I'm just part of that group of "modern" blk women who are tired of seeing traumatic portrayals of other blk women on screen. It's not what I want to spend my money on to see. I did see this new musical version on opening day with a friend who really wanted to see it. But again, this will not be something I rewatch or even feel compelled to show my children. I agree, I don't think we are the right generation to market this remake/musical to. Clearly, not enough of us were interested in seeing this movie retold. But to give props where they're due, Danielle Brooks was the best part of this movie and deserves all the nominations she's received this award season.

[@laneicea5924]

Great review and comparison. I agree with most of it. I wish you could have added the book to the comparisons too which would have brought more appreciation to the musical movie. I am curious if you read it?

[@AxiomAmnesia]

I read the book decades ago and honestly I don't remember all of it and the differences. I'm much more familiar with the 1985 film.

[@naeemahbrewster9841]

I’m here! Thanks!!

[@AxiomAmnesia]

Welcome!

[@KingXaChris]

I’m 36 and the original is my favorite movie of all time. I’ve loved it since I was about 5. But with that said I actually enjoyed the new one. If we’re comparing of course the OG one is better but on its own and putting the original out of mind, I like it. I actually saw it 1 and a half times 😆(went with my family the day after it came out and a fight broke out so we were evacuated). I think everyone did a good job, even Ciara at the end. Yes some of the things you mentioned could have been done better but overall I still think it’s a good movie. Also, the OG sparkle is one of my favorites as well and I hated the remake with Whitney, and I love me some Whitney.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

The Sparkle remake was not nearly as good. I agree. Maybe I will give it the new movie another chance. I'm open...

[@tp5652]

YES!!... OG SPARKLE!!!!😂

[@adrian_9951]

Because they should have left it TF where it was with Whoopi and Danny Glover

[@doreenpierce2555]

I saw the Color Purple and I loved it, the acting of all the actors were Subperb it should of gotten a AWARD. The dancing, and acting was excellent !!!!!! It definitely wasn't a FLOP for me. My girl friends and myself loved it.

[@AxiomAmnesia]

❤️

[@user-mu2vc1rd6h]

There's just some great movies that should NOT be remade!!!!! Color purple is one of such movies.

[@user-mu2vc1rd6h]

@@joyl3321 and it still flopped.

[@EldonMBrown]

I went on Christmas day. Me and my family enjoyed it but most other folks thought it was boring and to much music.

[@lolabunny3731]

They should have left the movie The Color Purple alone. Being remade was a mistake. Every movie doesn't need to be remade. And then made it a musical for Christ sakes!!❤️🐇

[@francineolguin363]

I’m here! I really thought this going to be more of a talk on how the trailers failed to even advertise this film as a musical.

[@KiaBellSparks]

I’m here. I haven’t seen it my daughters went without me and didn’t want to go again. Now with reviews out it’s hard to find someone to go with me

[@teesacquiredtaste]

I'm Here ! I didn't watch the new 2023 version bc I knew you all would give me the perfect break down. Plus it was too many big names to be any good lol Not to mention musical 🎶 ... I was inevitable for me to check out. I truly appreciate the videos & I will forever to continue watching ❤️

[@AxiomAmnesia]

Thank you ❤️

[@thechemi5083]

They should've had Lovie Simone play Nettie she's a young DARK Absolutely gorgeous actress.

[@BossLadeeTee-LilJeremyJ]

1985 powerful every time I watch it I get chills and tears start rolling down my face

[@hduece78]

Steven Spellberg understands cinematography and that’s something where you don’t you need to understand black culture to bring that to a film.

[@adamc8018]

The original is one of my all time favorite movies.

[@MsAlana83]

I loved this movie! I love music and musicals, but I went in without expectation. I did not compare this to the old one. I didn't want to see the same movie twice. I was here for all of the music, and cast. My Mom, myself, and my daughters, 18 &16, loved it! What I do agree with you all on is that the timing may have been incorrect.

[@Optimism211]

Colman Domingo's portrayal of Mister was completely original and his own, in my opinion. He and Danny Glover don't remind me of each other at all

[@emanuellawton7942]

Taraji P. Henson's public beef with the producers about her pay for her role in the movie brought on negative publicity for the movie.

[@homehere9817]

I love y’all’s channel ❤

[@AxiomAmnesia]

❤️❤️❤️

[@roshafam3477]

I'm here!!!🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@dee-dee8718]

The hair spray remake with Queen latifah was very good. The music was too! The color purple remake was okay but I could have certainly done without it. Also they remade Mean Girls this year and turned it into a musical. It didn't go too well either smh

[@joss-rainemcwise4039]

I liked the film but I had to view it as a musical. It to me didn't have as much depth as the original. The acting also in the original to me was better in some ways. I loved danielle brooks' interpretation of Sofia. I feel what they mainly failed in doing is informing people it was a musical. Musicals in general don't dive into deep emotions well. Which is why to me it makes sense why it's not as dramatic.

[@philliswheatley5925]

You cannot reinvent the wheel...

[@LLCoolCooper]

I liked the 1985 version. The first Shug Avery (Margaret) did not sing. It was praised for its production and Táta Vega's vocal performance with Vega featured on four songs from the album. The song, "Miss Celie's Blues (Sister)", is sung by the character Shug Avery, played by Margaret Avery in the film but whose singing voice is dubbed by Vega.

[@mishuhhh]

The thumbnail, in that scene me and my friends all went “aww..”it did not hit the same 😂

[@awesomeyou6815]

During that time people was watching instead Beyonce's Renaissance (ik i did) Wonka, The iron claw, migration, & the hunger games. This version of the Color purple wasn't on anybody list. When i went to go see the movie man there was nobody in the movie theater

[@LIVEFRMNYC]

Reasons I didn't care for The Color Purple 2023: 1) The atmosphere. I understand video technology has advanced a lot since the OG version, but this is not Avatar. We don't need color grading to look better than real life. This kills the mood that's trying to be set. They should have color graded similar to Killers Of The Flower Moon. 2) Fantasia didn't convince me that she was ugly and insecure enough to play Celie. Whoopi did an excellent job at playing that role with conviction. 3) I could get past Taraji being Taraji. She did a good job (technically), but I just couldn't get in her character Shug. All I would see is Taraji. They should have went with Jurnee Smollett, as she's much better at playing a sultry and southern character. 4) The male actors were not marketed enough for this film. And they actually did a great job. This wasn't the case for the OG version. 5) Some of the musical numbers (music and dancing) just seemed a little to modern for the time period the movie is portraying. There was one scene that felt like a cross between Kirk Franklin and Kanye's Sunday service.

[@HelloItsYou]

When i was little this movie was one my favorites as like 8 yr old. I used to cry EVERYTIME Oprah would get attacked in the market when she didn't wanna be their maid. That scene came across so scary 😨. Original color purple was masterpiece 💜 👌🏻 👏🏻