The classic story follows Celie, a Black woman in the South in the early 1900s who is abused physically, emotionally and sexually by her father and then by her husband. Along with themes of gender violence and intergenerational trauma, Celie’s story is one of sisterhood, bravery and self-actualization.
Starring alongside Barrino under the direction of Blitz Bazawule are Taraji P. Henson, who plays Shug Avery; Halle Bailey, as young Nettie; Danielle Brooks, who plays Sofia; Colman Domingo as Mister; and Corey Hawkins who plays Harpo.
As young Nettie, Bailey works alongside Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, who portrays young Celie, in reimagining the sister relationship that has become etched in Black culture since the 1985 film’s release. Bailey said she drew on her relationship with her own sister, singer Chloe Bailey, to perform the role.
“I really honestly was playing off of how my sister Chloe is for me and what kind of guide she’s been for me my whole life,” Bailey said of her sister. “Because Nettie is such a symbol of hope and perseverance and joy, and just that reminder that love and positivity need to be shown through us even in the darkest moments. I feel like I had a really great, I guess, guide from my sister Chloe,” she said. “And then [to be] able to play it with the beautiful Phylicia, who helped me so much, it was a really beautiful experience.”
This bond between young Nettie and Celie serves as the foundation of sisterhood that stretches throughout the story.
The 1985 adaptation of “The Color Purple,” directed by Steven Spielberg, was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, though it won none. Its release was steeped in controversy, with boycotts over its depiction of Black men and criticisms of having Spielberg handle the film instead of a Black filmmaker.
Some of that controversy has resurfaced again after the release of the first trailer of Bazawule’s movie, largely on social media and YouTube, with internet users echoing sentiments…
Read the full article here
