What's it all About? The American Civil rights movement. Back in the day (well, actually only 50 years ago - WTF?!) black women worked as maids to raise the white children of selfish, vile white women who were too busy smoking, having sex and bitching to raise them themselves. These children who they loved and nurtured through childhood then grew up and most turned out exactly like their bourgeoisie parents failing to break the cycle. That is until Emma Stone comes along and decides to publish their stories and give a voice to 'the help'. A story of 'sticking it to the man' unravels as they bravely take on civil rights and push to make a change.
Best bits? If you don't get satisfaction out of the bit when one of the maids serves up a chocolate pie made with her own 'shit' to her evil, nazi, boss then you need to see an emotions doctor asap.
There was also the bit where they were really struggling to convince more maids to share their story and then after a night of racist attacks Skeeter turns up and they're all there in the kitchen ready to share their narratives. From that point on I was pretty much a blubbering wreck. I haven't cried that much since we lost Jack to the ice water in Titanic....come back! Jack! Come back!
Apparently the book is much harsher and doesn't rely on any injections of humour to break the mood. There was definitely a bit of that going on. It was kind of like every time they thought 'oh crap we're really going down the serious race road' they broke the tension with what were at times, a bit of a cheap laugh. I was ok with some of the funny scenes, and I think they added to the charm of some of the characters, but I can see how that would be annoying to the book loyalists.
Would you watch it again? Yes. I really did think it was a great piece of film. Interesting, uplifting but also an eyeopener. I also love Emma Stone, the girl is flavour of the month for me. She's cool, smart, funny and doesn't act like she's going to steal everyone's husband.
Rating (out of 100%): I'm giving it an Obama-tastic 90%. Right on sisters. Peace out.
I've also got to give a mention to costuming. I think with any vintage-esque film, costuming and styling makes it for me. Although the white women were vile creatures, by god they were rocking some awesome frocks. Sheesh, yes please!
Did it make you think thoughts? I seriously cannot believe how recently this was all happening. It's quite incredible how far we've come as a society so quickly, and somewhat frightening at what we used to be. I can't imagine what it felt like to be treated like that, it was really sad and also frustrating to watch it unfold. Their thinking back then was SO fucked - for example they ran a charity ball to raise money for Africa but refused to let any black staff use the toilets in the house. Give me strength.
Did it make you think thoughts? I seriously cannot believe how recently this was all happening. It's quite incredible how far we've come as a society so quickly, and somewhat frightening at what we used to be. I can't imagine what it felt like to be treated like that, it was really sad and also frustrating to watch it unfold. Their thinking back then was SO fucked - for example they ran a charity ball to raise money for Africa but refused to let any black staff use the toilets in the house. Give me strength.
Apparently the book is much harsher and doesn't rely on any injections of humour to break the mood. There was definitely a bit of that going on. It was kind of like every time they thought 'oh crap we're really going down the serious race road' they broke the tension with what were at times, a bit of a cheap laugh. I was ok with some of the funny scenes, and I think they added to the charm of some of the characters, but I can see how that would be annoying to the book loyalists.
Would you watch it again? Yes. I really did think it was a great piece of film. Interesting, uplifting but also an eyeopener. I also love Emma Stone, the girl is flavour of the month for me. She's cool, smart, funny and doesn't act like she's going to steal everyone's husband.
Rating (out of 100%): I'm giving it an Obama-tastic 90%. Right on sisters. Peace out.
