 | 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 Secret Life of Bees
- Review Date: October 7, 2008
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
1960s-set family drama tackles weighty issues.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this emotional, 1960s-set drama includes multiple scenes of a man reacting violently toward his wife and daughter. The child witnesses her father's assault on her mother (resulting in off-camera gunshots and death); as a young teen, the same child is the victim of heartless physical and mental punishment. The unexpected discovery of a beloved character's dead body is intense and may be disturbing to some young viewers. African-American characters suffer at the hands of prejudiced white Southerners in many scenes. Racial hatred is illustrated by ugly name-calling (including use of the "N" word) and two beatings. But in spite of all of the above, the filmmakers don't exploit or maximize the action. They show only as much as necessary to provide the desired impact.
What's the story?
Running from a cruel and ignorant father -- as well as the uncertainty and guilt surrounding the death of her mother years earlier -- 14-year-old Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) rescues Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson), a nanny who's become a fugitive, and sets out on a journey to find a place for herself in the world, as well as answers to questions about her mother's love. It's South Carolina in 1964: The president has just signed landmark Civil Rights legislation, and racial tensions are running high. Guided by some of Lily's mother's mementos, Lily and Rosaleen find their way to the home of the Boatwrights, a family of African-American women who run a thriving honey farm. Matriarch August Boatwright (Queen Latifah), takes the runaways in and, along with an assorted group of family and friends, provides them with a home, a heart, and answers.
Is it any good?
Director/writer Gina Prince-Bythewood is nothing if not earnest in her attempt to bring Sue Monk Kidd's heartwarming novel to the screen. The visuals in THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES pay tribute to the beauty of the South, its warm "honey" tones and thick, sweet air. The music is particularly wonderful and enriches the film's emotional core.
But it's not a fully successful dramatization because the movie's heroes are almost all saintly and perfect, speaking in timeless homilies and maxims. The villains, on the other hand, are unrelentingly bad. Only Lily has the nuance of character that makes a movie more a work of art than a lesson to be learned.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's messages. More than 40 years have passed since the events in the film took place. How have racial politics changed? How haven't they? Families can also discuss what Lily was looking for when she left home. Why did she take Rosaleen with her? How did Lily's innocent acceptance of her African-American friends get them in trouble? Do the filmmakers show that Lily's father learned a lesson? Parents and teens who've read the book the movie is based on can compare and contrast the two. Which do you like better? Why?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Very emotional...
One of my favorite movies! It's extremely emotional & intense, but realistic which is refreshing. Dakota Fanning is excellent. I love Alicia Keys! I think the storyline is too powerful for young ones, the violence bothered me somewhat & the journey to find more about her mother was very sad & depressing. The whole concept of race/racism was a lot to breathe in but that's why this film is so great. Even older adults will cry, so make sure you have extra kleenex around! I rate this 5/5 stars.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I really liked this movie and it delivered a powerful message at the end. Good acting too
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great Acting
This is a great movie, it teaches valuable lessons, and it shows what happened in those days. I cried so much at this movie, but it was great acting :)
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
February 10, 2010
AGE
Iffy for kids, better for young adults.
I am a kid ten years old, and maybe you think I shouldn't have seen it. But I read the book and saw the movie and I think they were both copacetic for kids 12+. There is a lot of violence, especially to African Americans, but not too graphic. There is cussing, words really NO ONE should use, but definitely not young adults or children. Lily, the main character, kisses a black boy once, and June and her boyfriend kiss a lot, but nothing more then that. Lily is treated badly, and she has to sit on grits, so her knees have a little blood on them but not a lot. On the whole, I recommend this movie for 12+ and maybe if a parent is with them, 10 is the youngest. You choose. Great movie, great book (by Sue Monk Kidd)!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
The Secret Life of Bees is a movie thta will make you cry and laugh.It shows how you have to stick together and never turn away from family.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
It was a very touching movie that left me teary-eyed
This movie takes place in the time of unequal rights for colored people. It is about a girl named Lily who runs away from her neglecting father to find out the truth about her dead mother. She travels with her house-keeper, a black woman named Rosalina, and finds a link between a family of black woman and what she is looking for. They take her in and care for her and Rosalina. This is a very touching movie that I recommend for all people 11 and up. A must see. Hope my review helps you!
-i love dogs
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
This site doesn't have the book. Only the movie.
I'm reading the BOOK right now. WHY DOESN'T THIS SITE HAVE THE BOOK?! ONLY THE MOVIE! That's sad. The book has language, sex, and suicide. But the characters are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in. The BOOK is really good.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
The secret like of this review.
Well I loved this movie. I thought it was al little sad because someone does kill them selves. There is just a gentle kissing and there is some abuse. Also this is when there was segregation in it so that isn't a positive message.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Wonderful, Heartfelt, Touching Story - Does the Book Some Justice
Amazing movie. Some racial issues, including a character being falsely accused and beaten. The most intense scene of the movie is when one of the characters commits suicide. You see her body and the reaction of all the characters. It's very sad and has an effect for pretty much the remainder of the movie. I highly recommend you give it a chance.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | Fox Searchlight |
| Director: | Gina Prince-Bythewood |
| Cast: | Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 110 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 16, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | February 3, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | thematic material and some violence. |
Review It
Video review
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
