It’s true that The Help is one of the most taked about movies of 2011. In fact, I’d say the best selling book {which this movie was based on}, was as well. It was always front and center in conversations, and it was on my list to see in theatres. Alas, I didn’t have the chance, yet am lucky to have received the Blu-ray/DVD Combo pack for review recently, being released in stores on December 6th!
About: The Help
Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon, “The Help” stars Emma Stone (“Easy A”) as Skeeter, Academy Award(R)–nominated Viola Davis (“Doubt”) as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny – three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s, who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. From their improbable alliance a remarkable sisterhood emerges, instilling all of them with the courage to transcend the lines that define them, and the realization that sometimes those lines are made to be crossed – even if it means bringing everyone in town face-to-face with the changing times. Deeply moving, filled with poignancy, humor and hope, “The Help” is a timeless and universal story about the ability to create change.
This is a movie that will have you reaching for the tissues, being such an emotional and touching story. At times I felt terribly sad and frustrated by the struggles that the help faces, then happy with the humor that can still emerge in such times. Through the story, I was impressed at the strong message of unity and fighting for what is right – fighting for others. We started the movie with my 7yo watching, and though she fell asleep half-way through {it was late, she was tired and it is a long movie}, I loved that she saw that essential empathy that Skeeter had for others. And, my ‘motherhood strings’ were pulled with seeing the attachment of the children to the help, and how carelessly that connection was broken by ignorance. I hugged my kids tighter the next day, after watching. On so many levels, even the hilarious parts of the movie {Minny’s pie!}, it’s a movie that brings out many feelings – I now know what all the fuss was about, it’s a fabulous movie!
The Help is rated PG-13 and one of the DVD bonus features is Mary J. Blige’s music video, ‘The Living Proof. And very interesting to watch is an additional bonus feature: “In Their Own Words: A Tribute To the Maids Of Mississippi,” which is an
honest observation of life in the South from real-life maids, including director Tate Taylor‟s childhood caretaker, Carol Lee.
Disclosure: I received product to facilitate this review, all opinions are my own.
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