The Color Purple ★★★½ 1985 (PG-13) Celie is a poor black girl who fights for her self-esteem when she is separated from her sister and forced into a brutal marriage. Spanning 1909 to 1947 in a small Georgia town, the movie chronicles the joys, pains, and people in her life. Adaptation of Alice Walker's acclaimed book features strong lead from Goldberg (her screen debut), Glover, Avery, and talkshow host Winfrey (also her film debut). It's hard to see director Spielberg as the most suited for this one, but he acquits himself nicely, avoiding the facileness that sometimes flaws his pics. Brilliant photography by Allen Daviau and musical score by Jones (who co-produced) compliment this strong film. 154m/C VHS, DVD, Wide. Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, Margaret Avery, Adolph Caesar, Rae Dawn Chong, Willard Pugh, Akosua Busia;
Director:
Steven Spielberg;
Writer:
Menno Meyjes;
Writer:
Allen Daviau;
Cameo:
Chris Boardman, Quincy Jones. Directors Guild '85: Director (Spielberg); Golden Globes '86: Actress—Drama (Goldberg); Natl. Bd. of Review '85: Actress (Goldberg).
