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The Color Purpleis a game-changer. A 1985 film directed by Steven Spielberg and which chronicles the hardship and tenacity that black women faced in the United States in the early twentieth century will pull at your heartstrings.
This movie is loaded with talent, featuring Whoopi Goldberg in her breakout role, Oprah Winfrey in her first cinematic role, along with Danny Glover and Margaret Avery.
This film, based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, tackles tough issues like racism, sexism, abuse, and resilience. But it’s not all heavy—it’s about finding hope and joy even in tough times. Plus, with Quincy Jones handling the soundtrack, you can bet the music is fire!
If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re missing out on a masterpiece that’s emotional, inspiring, and unforgettable. Let us break down why this movie deserves your attention.
The Color Purpleis an award-winning classic that speaks volumes
The Color Purpleis an award magnet. Itscored 11 Oscarnominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Whoopi Goldberg), and Best Supporting Actress (Oprah Winfreyand Margaret Avery). Sadly, it didn’t win any, but it’s still one of the most recognized films of its time.
The story follows Celie Harris, a young Black girl growing up in the South. Her life is anything but easy—she faces abuse, incest, and racism. But through it all, Celie shows incredible strength. Watching Celie fight for her happiness feels like a victory for every woman who’s been told she’s not enough.
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There’s also Sophia, played by Winfrey, whose story hits just as hard. Sophia’s resilience, even after brutal incarceration, feels like a mic-drop moment.
And the2023 version? Fantasia Barrino as Celie andDanielle Brooksas Sophia took things to another level. Brooks’ performance earned her nominations for an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an NAACP Image Award.
The Color Purplehelps heal emotional wounds
Movies can do more than entertain—they can heal. Therapy through film, or “cinematherapy,” is a real thing. Watching movies likeThe Color Purplecan help process trauma and inspire hope.
Take this scene: Celie, heartbroken after losing her children, asks Shug Avery,“If God loves me, why He take my babies?”Shug’s reply?“Sounds like man did that. Not God.”It’s deep, it’s real, and it hits home. As writer Marissa Evans said in theLos Angeles Times:
In order to appreciate Celie’s path to freedom, you have to bear witness and sit with the uncomfortable and complex truths about the harm she endured whether reading it or watching it.
It’s tough to watch at times, but it’s a story that needs to be told. And let’s not forget the real-world parallels. According toWord In Black, Black women make up 44% of the female prison population but only 13% of U.S. women. Yeah, this movie shows that too, through Sophia’s story.
The music inThe Color Purpleis pure magic
Let’s talk about the music becauseThe Color Purpledoesn’t just sound good—it feels good. This was the first Spielberg film whereJohn Williamsdidn’t compose the score. Instead,Quincy Jonesstepped in, and wow, did he deliver.
With blues, jazz, and gospel weaving through the film, every scene feels alive. You’ll feel Celie’s heartbreak, Sophia’s strength, and Shug’s sass—all through the music.
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And then there’sMiss Celie’s Blues (Sister)—a showstopper. Sung by Shug Avery (dubbed by Táta Vega), this song became iconic. You’ll catch yourself humming it long after the credits roll.
The music is a character in its own right. It pulls you into the story and makes every moment hit harder. Even if you’re not a fan of period dramas, the music alone is worth your time. You can’t help but be moved—sobbing and celebrating by the end!
Here‘s whyThe Color Purplestill matters
The Color Purple isn’t just a product of its time—it’s timeless. The issues it tackles, from racism to gender inequality, are still relevant today, even after 40 years. And the message? Even in the face of unimaginable hardship, there’s hope, strength, and beauty.
Steven Spielbergstepped out of his comfort zone with this film, moving away from blockbusters likeJawsandE.T.to tell a deeply human story. It was a risk, but it paid off.
The Color Purple(1985) is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu!
Shreya Jha
Articles Published :1042
Meet Shreya, FandomWire’s go-to Pop-Culture Writer. She holds a master’s degree in Journalism and a pop culture obsession that rivals even the most die-hard ‘Star Wars’ and Marvel fans.Her articles have been published in Animated Times, Creator Mail, and The Luxxe Mag. When Shreya’s not busy dishing out hot takes, she is lost in the world of rom-coms.
