 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Color Purple
- Review Date: August 2, 2005
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 1985
Common Sense Media says
Powerful tale of survival with wrenching scenes of abuse.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this intense drama is the adaptation of award-wining author Alice Walker's novel The Color Purple and deals with serious themes -- incest, marital abuse, overt racism and sexism -- that are not appropriate for young children. On the other hand, mature teenagers will benefit from seeing the movie, as it will open their eyes about the difficulties women -- especially black women -- experienced in the early 20th century. Many scenes include glimpses of violence and abuse, all against women, but here are also positive messages about the importance of women's relationships with other women, the power of the sisterly bond, and the human capacity to overcome oppression.
What's the story?
In this inspiring, wrenching drama based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Whoopi Goldberg plays Celie, a Southern woman who has been abused all her life. Her current abuser is her husband, Mister (Danny Glover). Various women in her life slowly help Celie find strength in herself. Eventually, correspondence with her sister in Africa gives Celie the courage to stand up to Mister. THE COLOR PURPLE marks director Steven Spielberg's stab at a serious historical drama after the much lighter fare of the first two Indiana Jones movies.
Is it any good?
This movie isn't for the weak of heart. It deals with real, traumatic issues, including child abuse, sexual abuse, racism, and sexism. But for teens who can weather the subject matter, the story of a woman's journey from abuse to independence is inspiring. There's a great deal to admire in this sweeping epic, starting with the simple fact that complex African-American characters like those presented here are rarely seen in American movies. Goldberg, nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, shines as the abused Celie, as does Glover as her brutish husband. Oprah Winfrey made a memorable impression as the strong-willed Sofia even before she was a household name.
The movie brings out radically different responses in viewers. Those who like sentimental material tend to be extremely moved by the story. But other viewers find the movie overly grandiose, with scene after scene designed to be gut wrenching. Part of the problem lies in the transfer from the page to the screen. The filmmakers never quite solve the problem of adapting such dense literary material, moving from high point to high point in an attempt to cover the full sweep of the novel. Internal thoughts are delivered as stilted voice-overs, a poor device filmmakers resort when they see no other way to work a character's personal psychology into a movie.
What 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?
Talk about film adaptations of novels. What makes these kinds of adaptations successful? What are the pitfalls? Do you think this was a successful adapation?
Talk about how times have changed since the era in which this story was set. Has anything remained the same?
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AGE
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.
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AGE
The Color Purple
Rating: OFF 13+ for violence and language or messages.
"this movie is rated TV-14 and on syndicated"
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AGE
One of Spielbergs best!
Words of caution: this movie is very intense, moreso than most R films I have seen. A 14-year-old girls stepfather sexually impregnates her, then takes the baby out of her arms, presumably to sell him, the same 14-year-old is forced to marry an older man, who physically and sexually abuses her, and several similar incidents occur. Unlike the reviewer, I think Spielberg handles the complex emotions extremely well. I can almost guarantee you will cry more than once while watching, sometimes out of sorrow, sometimes out of joy.
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AGE
Female empowerment + anti-racism= Great film.
The Color Purple is Whoopi's. She owns, makes and elevates it. Maybe a little over-sentimental, but it's undeniably powerful.
That being said, the movie does contain some material that is not appropriate for kids. Racism and sexism are the film's main troubles, and Celie beats them all. There's semi.explicit sexual content, some foul language, horrific violence against women, smoking and drinking.
But the ending is, by all means, extremely moving. If your kids are mature enough, you should consider watching it with them and discussing issues of race, violence and respect for women.
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AGE
A Great Film for a More Mature Audience
This was a great film that deals with many issues, most of them not appropriate for children. However, for the more mature, older teen, there are very positive messages, such as standing up for yourself, the power of family, redemption, etc.
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AGE
My favorite Spielberg film.
It's a pity it's often ignored, though.
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AGE
The Color Purple Is The best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Color Purple is so Beautiful! It's Just so F---ing Perfect. It's Really sad and I Recommend It for Really Mature Older Teens. Because immature Teens might giggle or make fun of the beating, Sexuality and other Mature Theme. I don't think that stuff is funny but like I said Immature people might think it's funny when It's not. I Give The Color Purple 5 Out Of 5 Stars It's Just Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I RATE The Color Purple AGE: 14+. The Color Purple is Just one of the best movies I've ever seen in many years. The Color Purple is Just The best!. I absolutely Recommend The Color Purple!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Kid, 12 years old
January 31, 2012
AGE
the color of purple
its a really good movie i watched it more than ten times my mom makes me turn my head on the inappropriate parts
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| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | Steven Spielberg |
| Cast: | Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 152 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 1, 1985 |
| DVD release date: | April 24, 1991 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | emotional intensity, violence and mature themes |
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