The strong only triumphs through manipulation, power, force, and abuse. Their strength grows as they fulfill their desires to dehumanize others by degrading human beings. This is the reality, be it now or then, today or tomorrow. The sole means of resistance is to stand up for oneself. But can the weak rise like a phoenix? Can those without a voice find one?
Set in rural Georgia during the 1900s, Celie’s life unfolds against a backdrop of challenges, including violence and heartbreak. She becomes a mother to two children, Adam and Olivia, the result of a tragic incident involving her father, Alphonso. Regrettably, she is denied the chance to spend more than a few precious moments with them, as her father takes them away, separating Celie from her children. Nettie, her sister, becomes a cherished presence in Celie’s life, but even that joy fades when a farmer named Mister approaches Alphonso seeking Nettie’s hand and ends up with Celie instead. What initially seemed like the prospect of a happy marriage turns into a difficult situation, with Celie facing mistreatment from her spouse.
Even with each passing day, Celie finds herself with no prospects in life beyond being a maid, used and violated by her husband. Powerless and voiceless, her situation changes only when a woman appears in her house, acknowledging her strength.
Nettie and Celie share an unbreakable bond, relying on each other daily. When Nettie leaves her father, Alphonso, after a difficult situation, Celie hopes that having her sister by her side will help her navigate the challenges with her husband, Mister. However, when Nettie rejects Mister, she is asked to leave the house and not come back. Nettie promises to send a letter every week but fails to keep her promise, making Celie worry that her sister might not have made it through the night. As the years pass, Harpo, Mister’s son, marries his girlfriend, Sofia. Harpo’s treatment of his wife differs from how his father treats Celie, leading to some jealousy. Nevertheless, Celie and Sofia form a strong bond, growing together in unity as resilient women.
However, everything changes when Shug Avery, a jazz and blues singer and Mister’s long-time mistress, arrives at his house. As the narrative becomes more intense, the wonderful and heart-filling songs add necessary excitement, shaping a deeper narrative to an already heart-wrenching story of survival. Celie emerges as an incredibly strong woman, her will taken from her by her husband. She is used on a daily basis, akin to a slave, receiving no respect or recognition in the house that she is supposed to own. Mister is a ruthless, heartless, and utterly terrifying human being, someone not everyone would want to share a road with. Yet, that ruthlessness disappears once Shug Avery arrives. He transforms into someone sweet and caring, the embodiment of kindness towards his mistress, while treating his own wife as if she were just a lifeless thing.
The film’s cast deserves a special commendation for delivering an impactful performance that truly enhances the beauty of the movie. Blitz Bazawule’s work in choreography, music, lyrics, acting, and direction is of the highest caliber. Each element of the performance is profoundly inspiring, prompting you to shed tears of emotion. There’s no need to conceal your feelings while watching with the audience because, regardless of your background, the film is sure to evoke a heartfelt response. It’s a beautiful yet challenging story, and the stellar performances by Fantasia Barrino (Celie), Danielle Brooks (Sofia), the wonderful Taraji P. Henson (Shug Avery), Colman Domingo (Mister), Corew Hawkins (Harpo), and Halle Bailey (young Nettie) make the journey you are about to embark on truly worthwhile, deserving to be relived time and time again.