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Movie Review: The Help
The Help, Stars: Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer, Emma Stone, and Cicely Tyson; Directed by: Tate Taylor
Phinesse Demps
Host of Love of Spoken Word
on www.MySoulRadio.com
SoulofSyracuse.com Contributing Writer
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Fans of the book could not wait for this New York Times Best-Selling Book to become a movie. Some intellectual Black Americans were calling a boycott of the film saying it was depicting Blacks in stereotypical roles, while others were upset saying that Steve Spielberg was involved with another story that should be only told by a Black person. So much controversy for a movie that is only trying to do ONE thing: Make a change.
The Help stars Emma Stone (“Easy A”) as Skeeter, Academy Award®–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.
To spark change, you have to be made uncomfortable. The Help does that! Not only for the White society who really had to take a look at themselves and how they contributed to racist and prejudice actions against those who were taking care of their families, but it also makes Black America take a look at where they come from and their history that seems to be hushed. That is sad because these same women who were fighting for change are our great grandmothers, grandmothers, and perhaps mothers who did what they had to do to make sure their children and grandchildren could have better, be better, and dream better.
The line in the movie, “How does it feel to have to raise a white child while yours is at home?” really was that punch in the gut. To think of what these women had to go through just to feed a family and to survive. On the other side of this showed the struggles of White America where you had those who would like to help but are scared of being outcast like the same “Negro” that is essentially taking care of them. What was interesting was watching and feeling the LOVE these maids had for these children that they were hired to take care of and they had so much love for that child as if they were their own. This was particularly true with character played by Emma Stone (Skeeter) and Cecily Tyson (Constance); without giving the movie away, but their bond was about LOVE and not color or class.
The Help is beautifully written, honest, straightforward, and raw emotion. The movie really pulls no punches. Make no mistake about it, the heroes in the movie are the maids, for them taking a stand with a little help from someone who was not looking for self but showing love, honor, and respect. This is a film that should be seen by everyone, especially Black Women. This film shows Black Women as providers, fighters, intelligent, loving, and caring. If Black America is going to move forward they have to understand where we came from. As a country, in order to heal racially, we have to be honest about our past, present and future because there is work to be done. With just a whisper and a review, perhaps The Help will do just that. The Help in theatres nationwide.
So what are they saying?
Victoria of Baltimore says, “Loved it! It was about history! It is a positive film. Tear jerker.” Dan of Baltimore County says, “As a white man I was skeptical. This movie made me see things in a new light. Phenomenal movie.” Tonya of Texas says, “My mom and grandmother were maids and they were the reason why I went to college and graduated. Seeing this film made me appreciate them that much more. Every woman and daughter needs to see this.” Beulah states, “I worked as a maid for many years and I felt these women’s pain. We went through a lot. Shame on people especially us black folks, if we don’t support a piece of our culture.”
(For more Indie Soul, contact Phinesse Demps at phinessedemps@gmail.com or call 443-863-6886.)
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