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The Color Purple

(1985, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Inspiring, sentimental tale of survival.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Celie survives with the help of good friends and finds the tenacity to go on. She's a role model for people struggling through their own abusive situations. But the film also shows a great deal of racism and sexism that families may want to discuss. This film showcases the lives of African-Americans in a way that most American films do not.
  • Violence:

    Celie is physically abused by her husband, and suffers sexual abuse from her stepfather. Another character is convinced to beat his wife. Fisticuffs in a barroom brawl. Driven to despair, Celie holds a knife to her husband¹s throat.
  • Sex:

    A fair bit of sexual activity, much of it abusive. Shug helps Celie's discover her own sexuality and the friends kiss, but the scene is handled delicately. No nudity.
  • Language:

    Mild, including "Jesus."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    One female character drinks excessively.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Color Purple

Parents need to know that this adaptation of Alice Walker's powerful Pulitzer Prize-winning book deals with intense subject matter, including incest, sexual abuse, physical abuse, virulent racism and sexism. Celie is also separated from her sister and children. Teens who have experienced any abuse and more sensitive children may find the film too traumatic for viewing, but others will find the tail of moving from abuse to independence inspiring.

Read our full review by Randy White

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the abuse scenes. What feelings did they bring up in you? How did Celie's relationship with Sophia help her survive? How can family members help one another survive and heal from traumatic experiences?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative message

    All the thrills amount to nothing when it is over, and we aren't left with any questions after the end credits roll.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0

    My favorite Spielberg film.

    It's a pity it's often ignored, though.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    a good book

    I had to read this book for a college english class and I thought it was very appropriate. I think it might be harder for kids of a younger age to read jsut because it doesnt use proper english. Although there are some iffy issues, I think its things that kids will learn sooner or later. I think 10 and above or even 13 would be a good age for this book. I think it gives you an idea of what it was like back in those times in the south. For some younger kids it may have too many mature issues so I would suggest reading it first or even reading it with your kid and going over the issues discussed. Overall, I think it was a good read.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

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