This version absolutely took my breath away.
Lauren and I saw it together and we were equally blown away.
90% of the film is really heavy, emotional, disturbing and depressing, but mostly because of the oppression, violence, and civil/human rights violations.
Just really hard to endure.
But it's so creatively designed and delivered that you just sort of hang in there, by tooth and toenail, until the bright, buoyant, rapturous ending around the ancient Grandmother Oak tree.
With its giant moss-laden limbs encircling the trunk, that final scene captures an emotional reunion of sisters Celie and Nettie, both of whom were so abused throughout Act I, their lifelong separation dominating Acts II-III.
That enormous, beautiful tree serves as a really powerful symbol of resilience and endurance, but also the hope one can only dream might blossom more fully in future generations than it did in our own.
Great pic, great message.
When you watch it and feel daunted, just hang in there. The emotional payoff at the end is well worth the emotional burden that precedes!
