‘The Color Purple’ is Magical
An important film that centers Black joy.
The Color Purple is a film adaptation of the musical, which is adapted from Alice Walker’s novel of the same name.
This film takes us into the world of Celie (Fantasia Barrino), a young woman who discovers herself in the midst of difficult and trying circumstances.
The Color Purple is fantastic!
Fantasia Barrino shines in the role of Celie, particularly in the third act. There are a few songs toward the end of the film where her performance is so powerful that you can’t help but be moved.
In the aptly named song, I’m Here, she sings, “I’m beautiful, yes I’m beautiful, and I’m here,” while staring right into the camera. That moment gave me goosebumps. It is, of course, an incredibly powerful character moment, but I think there’s more to it than that. After decades (centuries?) of Black women being told they aren’t beautiful, it was powerful to watch her affirm to herself that she is beautiful.
Danielle Brooks plays Sofia and gives a phenomenal performance. This character changes tremendously throughout the film, and Brooks handles each of those changes masterfully. She also has a singing voice that will cut you to your soul, which is an absolute joy to experience.
