^^^PLOT^^^
It's 1962, Jackson Mississippi, it's the year that John F. Kennedy and Medgar Evers are assassinated and ratial tension in the deep south is running high. It's a place that believes chicken should be fried and that african americans should sit at the back of the bus...
Fresh out of college and ready to launch into her career as a, "serious writer" Skeeter Phelan (Emma Stone) jumps at the chance to write a cleaning column for the Jackson Journal. Knowing next to nothing about cleaning, Skeeter seeks out the help of Aibileen (Viola Davis) the colored servant of her easily manipulated friend, Elizabeth Leefolt(Ahna O'Reilly). In a moment of inspiration, Skeeter decides to take a huge leap of faith by attempting to interview Aibileen about what it's really like, working for white women in the South. Before long, more maids come forward to tell their stories, and in doing so, defy every law and social boundary. These women, black and white, decide to stand up for what is right, and in doing so, throw an entire Mississippi town into the changing times.
^^^MY OPINION^^^
I can't put into words just how much I love this film. I have watched it probably five or six times by now, and I still laugh when Minnie gives Hilly the pie, and I still cry when Aibileen leaves. In my book, that's the definition of a great movie. A great movie makes you feel things, good and bad. The Help, absolutely meets those standards. Go ahead and call me an emotional sap, but I honestly cannot help myself. Viola Davis is a force of nature. The way that she does her job, is just beautiful, and it will warm your heart. She turns Aibileen into a fully dimensional character, and in doing so lifts up some of the weaker performances. She keeps your attention on her and Minnie, even when the film begins to drift over to Skeeter and the segregationist housewives that she used to call friends. Minnie (Octavia Spencer) and Celia Foote (Jessica Chastain) make quite the comedic pair. Ms. Spencer's facial expressions and comedic timing is perfect. While Ms. Chastain is this bottle blonde who is chock full of energy and the eagerness to please her husband. These two have some sincerely touching moments where all you can see is two women, who are both drowning under the crushing waves of race and class. In my opinion, this movie is a perfect 10 out of 10. I recommend it highly.
^^^CONTENT^^^
Throughout the movie there is mild cussing, and some racial slurs. There is some drinking and smoking as well. At one point Celia Foote (Jessica Chastain) wears a very tight dress. There is also a scene where Celia Foote is having a miscarriage. As I mentioned before, this is the year that John F. Kennedy and Medgar Evers are shot and both happen during the movie, though nothing is shown.
^^^CREDITS^^^
This film stars:
Emma Stone as Eugenia 'Skeeter' Phelan
Octavia Spencer as Minnie Jackson
Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark
Jessica Chastain as Celia Foote
Bryce Dallas Howard as Hilly Holbrook
Allison Janney as Charlotte Phelan
Mike Vogel as Johnny Foote
Sissy Spacek as Missus Walters
Chris Lowell as Stuart Whiteworth
Ahna O'Reilly as Elizabeth Leefolt
Mary Steenburgen as Elain Stein
Directed by Tate Taylor
Rated PG13
Story by Kathryn Stockett
Great review! I might have to watch that movie!
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