The Help (film)

The Help

Directed by Tate Taylor

Written by Tate Taylor

Based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett

StarringEmma Stone, Viola Davis, and Octavia Spencer

Rated PG-13 for thematic material

Released in theaters August 10, 2011

My Rating: ★★★★★

This is another one that I had hoped to read the novel BEFORE watching.  Of course, time did not permit this, and I couldn't hold off watching the film any longer!

Set in Mississippi during the 1960s, just when the Civil Rights Movement approaches its peak, a young author, Skeeter (Emma Stone) returns from college to her hometown to work at a small newspaper.  Soon, she decides to undertake the monumental task of writing a novel portraying the points of view of the hired African-American maids that she and most of her high society friends were raised by. At a time when such an act was literally illegal, she sets a chain of events in motion that will change the lives around her forever.

Overall, it was a very entertaining and thought-provoking movie.  The writer and director did a fantastic job of taking us back to a different place and time and giving us a new, deeper perspective on something that was all too common at that time. I adore Emma Stone and I think she made a perfect Skeeter.

This film did exactly what I think it set out to do.  It inspired me. I cried; I laughed; I was sad, angry, and hopeful all at once.  It made me FEEL.  It made me think.  My husband and I had conversations about it.  My seven-year-old son asked a lot of significant questions. How many movies can really do this these days?  In my opinion, it truly was a success and something I feel enriched our lives.

If nothing else, my son learned a bit more about civil rights, and interestingly enough, miscarriages. J  I definitely recommend checking this one out!