Issue Date: 10/20/08
'The Secret Life of Bees' uplifts viewers
By Kelley foyt
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The movie, which remains true to the novel written by Sue Monk Kidd, is set in the South in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement. Lily Owens, a 14-year old played brilliantly by Dakota Fanning, runs away from her father, T. Ray (Paul Bettany), who is cold-hearted and distant. Lily is joined by Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson), her caregiver and mother-figure. Rosaleen, an African American, is on the run after offending cops for attempting to register to vote despite her color.
The unlikely pair head to Tiburon, S.C. where they are taken in by the intelligent and independent Boatwright sisters, August (Queen Latifah), June (Alicia Keys), and May (Sophie Okonedo). There Lily is able to discover a home and some answers to her mother's death so that she can finally understand herself.
The best element of the film is based on the ideal casting. Each actress successfully portrays unique characters that viewers will easily be able to empathize with.
The Boatwright sisters are written as a paradox: they are successful female African Americans despite the prejudice that surrounds them. Latifah perfectly fits the role of August, who owns a thriving honey business and portrays the role of the dominant sister. Keys, a newcomer to the movie business yet no stranger to the public eye, expertly portrays June's character, a hasty and judgmental individual who teaches music. The third sister, played by Okonedo, is the highlight of the film. Okonedo dramatically depicts the sweet woman, who has been traumatized by her twin sister's death. Okonedo is able to beautifully illustrate the simple, yet complex character who August describes as someone who "carries the weight of the world on her shoulders."
Fanning once again proves to audiences that despite her age, she truly is a remarkable actress. She wholeheartedly takes on each of the scenes while devoting herself to Lily's character. Her talents are particularly reputable in a scene where she breaks down and confesses her deepest and darkest secrets.
Despite the core plot on the Jim Crow era, "The Secret Life of Bees" isn't a weighty film. There isn't a lot of detailed history. Instead the movie focuses mainly on the themes of racism and prejudice in the era. The movie is both inspirational and heartwarming, but is definitely directed at a limited audience. In all likelihood, typical male viewers will be less than satisfied by this "Oprah-worthy" film.
Overall, the story captures compassion and beauty in an era of discrimination. The warmth and intelligence, combined with the model casting of "The Secret Life of Bees" is what makes the movie so intimate and memorable.
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