"The Help".....I liked this film a lot! I think it is an important film in many ways---the most important thing about it being that many people don't know about that time in our country, 1960's, Jackson, Miss. Many young people are not familiar with the incredible racism that existed in that period---not just in Jackson, Miss., but all over the South and in the North, as well. It is a great History lesson and a reminder of the bravery of many people of color during those dark days of The Civil Rights Movement---plus, it addresses the very important relationships of black maids and the white children they helped to raise and to whom they gave so much love........The film is based on the book, 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett. The screenplay was written by Ms. Stockett and Tate Taylor, who also Directed the film.....
The performances are stellar---Viola Davis, once again, brings such a reality and truth and so much humanity to the screen in the role of 'Aibileen'----there is never a false moment in any performance of hers---(I just watched another film that she is in, "Trust" and again, you are not watching "acting"---you are watching someone "be"----) and in "The Help", once again, hers is an Award winning performance. It is moving and thoughtful in every way----the character of Aibileen "lives", through her.....Everyone in it is wonderful----Octavia Spencer, who plays 'Minny' and who has already won a number of Best Supporting Actress Awards is terrific.....!
Above....Octavia Spencer with Jessica Chastain, playing 'Celia Foote'....A superlative performance by a really wonderful young actress......
Emma Stone and Allison Janney, (above) who play mother and daughter, are both superb---Emma Stone plays 'Skeeter', the writer who convinces Aibileen to tell what it is like to be a black maid living in Jackson, Miss and to work for a white family, with all the prejudices and humiliations that went along with that.....
They're collaboration results in a book that is published, exposing the truth. They are joined by quite a few other maids, telling they're stories, as well. This film is about the courage it took to do this at that time in the early 1960's in Jackson, Miss. If you haven't seen this film.....Do!
I wrote this post, finishing it just before the Academy Award Nominations were revealed Tuesday A.M., but...it's no surprise to me or to anyone who has seen this very beautiful film that numerous nominations were handed to "The Help". In the Acting category: Best Actress, Viola Davis. Best Supporting Actress: Both Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer were Nominated. And, last but not least, the film itself was nominated for Best Picture. And....incidentally, Viola Davis, (Best Actress) Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer (Best Supporting Actress) are up for the SAG Awards, as is the cast for 'Outstanding Performance By A Cast Of A Motion Picture'....You can watch this 'live' show, this coming Sunday, January 29th on TNT and TBS.....These are the Awards I vote on...... More To Come........
- had this to say:
You've convinced me Naomi - I must see this film. I loved the book. I read it because Randall said the EMBLOS rated it highly.
It indicates the importance of art - films, books, paintings etc that chronicle man's inhumanity to man. I could never forget the news reels of American black women being mown down with hoses by police in the sixties and as a young girl seeing newsreels of Belsen. These horrors shouldn't be forgotten or swept under the carpet.- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 1:27:00 AM PST
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I couldn't wait to come over here to see what you have to say about the nominations. I still haven't seen the Help but it is on my absolute to do list, especially after reading your review.
Obviously the rest of the Academy agrees with you.- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 4:09:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
As Pat mentioned, I read the book on the advice of the EMBLOS. We then saw the movie when it came out. I liked both, but the book delved into the characters a lot more. I've been waiting to write a review, but I've not had the time.
Cheers.- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 5:48:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
What a great review!!!! It's in my Netflix queue!!!!
- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 8:07:00 AM PST
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I LOVED this movie when I saw it. It's important, it's informative, and it puts a human face on a very dehumanizing period in our country's history. I thought all the performances were stellar and I hope they get a great many awards for this film. Oh, and I saw Jessica Chastain in "The Debt" after I saw her in "The Help" even though "The Debt" came out first, I believe. I didn't recognize her in "The Debt" at first and was shocked at her transformation between those two roles. "The Debt" is also a very good movie.
- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 8:47:00 AM PST
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The Help is such a wonderful film. I also got to see The Descendants that you recommended-I loved it! Wow what a powerful film.
- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 11:53:00 AM PST
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Thanks for the review of this film, not one I'd normally choose but it sounds interesting. I think I'd like the Skeeter character and what she brings to the film.
All your recommendations have been wonderful so I add this one to my list.
Much love and hugs to you, my dear friend. xo- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 4:05:00 PM PST
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I loved the book more than the movie, but I guess most people say that about the book/movie relationship. Growing up in North Carolina in the 60's I did witness some leftover unspoken Jim Crowe stuff. It wasn't pretty, that's for sure. One of my blogger friends just did a cynical post about why anyone would care about the Oscars and other award shows and I explained that some people really love it. I am one of those people. I just heard about the Thomas Ince book today (Thomas Ince: Hollywood's Independent Pioneer) and have to have it. Looking forward to the Oscars!
- Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 2:39:00 AM PST
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i am not surprised this movie made the Oscar cut.!! this and the Artist are both nice changes to be recognized ...of course I look forward to the Oscars
- Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 3:07:00 AM PST
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I loved, loved, LOVED this movie. My 14-year-old daughter, who saw the movie with me a few months back, enjoyed it very much too. (I chose not to read the book after seeing the film as I didn't want to compare the two because I liked the film so much.) The story line was wonderful, the acting divine. I go around the house all the time saying in a Southern accent: "You is kind. You is smart. You is important."
- Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 6:33:00 AM PST
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I loved this movie too and the preformances were wonderful. I am glad, though, that I read the book first. I thought the book was better, but a difficult task to put such a large cast from print to screen. I hope it wins many awards.
- Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 12:25:00 PM PST
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yes, a must see/must read - the help - as the product of a white family who maintained domestic help, i am, sadly, all too familiar with the class/racial distinctions that ran rampant during this era - and in some cases, even more sadly, that remain today - my first memories of the true meaning of injustice came as a result of that very thing - as always your reviews are so thorough and interesting - thanks very much!
- Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 2:00:00 PM PST
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When we were going to Paris I bought this book at the airport for my husband. I don’t think he read it, so now I’ll have to find it and read it. I wanted to see the movie but it left our area. Maybe now it will be back and if so, I’d go and see it.
- Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 4:04:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
As a child of the fities and sixties who grew up in a small town in Ga., I saw every bit of this and just hated it! We had our made for 31 years and I loved her dearly!! We gave her a diamond ring when she retired. Their house burned down abd my father and the man her husband worked for built them a brand new house! But, I also saw them wait until we were done before she could eat. They made her ride in the back seat when they picked her up. Very demeaning! When I turned sixteen and picked her I made her sit in the front seat with me! This book tells like it was!
- Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 7:50:00 PM PST
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it is certainly getting plenty of accolades. I have not seen it yet, but intend to rent it. I meant to ask you, have you been watching Downton Abbey on Masterpiece Theatre?
- Friday, January 27, 2012 at 8:41:00 AM PST
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I have been wanting to see this one and meant to while it was being shown here in town. Someone said they went and at the end everyone clapped! When that happens you know everyone felt as you did, that it was a wonderful movie! It's on my list!
- Friday, January 27, 2012 at 8:14:00 PM PST
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It was interesting to see the difference in art between the written word and film. Each had high points- and they weren't the same.
Viola Davis was (always is) superlative with her power of understatment. Her performances let the character- the plot- rise like the sun beyond the landscape. Imperceptably- but surely.- Friday, January 27, 2012 at 11:18:00 PM PST
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There was some controversy over the book it was based on (by the woman who believes it was her stories that were used but with no credit to her; but I have heard nothing but praise for the film and book.
They do mostly think Meryl Streep will get the Oscar this time or maybe Glenn Close but from what I have read many feel it should go to Viola Davis. I liked Jessica Chastain a lot in Tree of Life and see her as a very versatile actress probably with a long career ahead of her.- Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 9:10:00 AM PST
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Mum says she struggled with the dialog of the book, but I think we'd both enjoy the film.
I hope you're well :)- Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 1:41:00 PM PST
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I read the book first and I loved it. The first few chapters, written in the dialect and person of the character recounting it, were a bit challenging, just to get the rhythm, but the story was so compelling, you worked through that and boom -- you were into an amazing story, beautifully written. I was frankly concerned about what I would see on the screen, because almost every movie adaptation I find is lacking compared to the book.
This one, I adored. And yes, there were things they left out, but they left out the right things -- they were fun backstories or good to know, but you didn't have to know about them to have the movie resonate. And those performances... I'm on the fence between Davis who was so spot on and Meryl who always is. If either win, I'll be happy.- Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 6:16:00 AM PST
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This is on my list to see though having read the book, I'm in less a hurry to see it. I'm focused on some of the others that I'm unfamiliar with and trying to see what I can while the films are still in theaters. Loving all your reviews! I'd been hesitant to see The Descedents but you convinced me and I loved it!
- Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 2:45:00 PM PST
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I've not seen this one advertised over here in the UK. Maybe it will be a later release.
- Monday, January 30, 2012 at 12:12:00 AM PST
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What a great review Naomi! I always love so have your opinion about movies. I would love also to see The Descendants that you recommended. I must to see those both films... but I must to wait them in DVD...
I hope you're well, my dear Naomi!- Monday, January 30, 2012 at 4:54:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I haven't seen the film yet, but I loved the book. Loved the character development and the story.
- Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 12:53:00 PM PST
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It's great reading your "take" on things. Because of your glowing critique this will be a must see!
I haven't had the opportunity to get out and see many movies lately but hope I can catch up somewhat...
The movie sounds wonderful.- Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 4:14:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I loved the book and I saw the movie twice. I think it should be required reading and viewing!!
- Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 5:16:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I really enjoyed "The Help"!
- Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 12:45:00 PM PST
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