I like movies as much as the next person. My husband and I go in spells to the movies. We might see lots of movies in a row, then for whatever reason, we don't go again for months and months. Most movies open on a weekend. For some reason "The Help" opened on a Wednesday. It didn't matter, I was determined to be there. It was worth every second!
I admit I was a bit nervous about seeing it. I wondered how this slice of time, place and lifestyle might be portrayed. There is no denying that many wrongs occurred and that even today the dark side of our humanity can take over in the ways that we treat each other as human beings. In ways that most would not be proud of. I also know that not everyone acted in hateful ways. No denying though, things needed to change. And this book/movie addresses changes that needed to happen. In humorous, uncomfortable, thought provoking, heart wrenching and yet heart warming ways.
I am from the Deep South and my mother had help when I was a very young child. Right smack in the midst of the time portrayed in the movie. When I think about it, that is kind of amazing really, because she was a single mother. My nanny's name was Ethel. I loved Ethel. She was my "Constantine," though she was much, much younger. She was the same age as my mother. I don't know why she stopped being my nanny, she stayed for a short time after my mother remarried. I was in the first grade when she left. I missed her very much. She was my soft place to go. I thought of her often while watching the movie last night.
I loved the movie. If you haven't been to the movies in a while, this one is definitely worth seeing. I am not sure which character is my favorite. I loved them all. Go see "The Help", you will laugh and cry.
I also grew up during this time. We had help, too. Because my mother worked. When most mothers stayed home. We had Bessie when we were very little, then Ruth (who we didn't like very much. She kept the neatest house by making us stay outside.) and then Sarah who stayed the longest. She was a great cook and taught us to dance.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, there was much wrong with all that. But there are some good memories, too. My mother always said she split her paycheck with the maid. Literally. But she needed that little bit extra for us to get by.
I have read the book but not seen the movie yet. Wondered as I read the book how is "reads" to people who didn't live it.
Hi Martha, I read the book and loved it, so I was at the Theater with a friend for the first viewing. The movie was a perfect portrayal of the book (i thought).
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a great movie for many reasons. Well worth the time, money and thoughts you may have after seeing it.
ReplyDeleteLoved it... thought they did a great job. I have read the reviews which tend to focus on the inexperience the director had for the most part. I was glad they portrayed my home state in a decent light. Times were different then...
ReplyDeleteSaw the movie this morning...I laughed and cried...completed the book yesterday...laughed and cried then too. Both were so good!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful book and wonderful movie. I loved the setting...looks just like my hometown. Love the food... the fried chicken looked like my Granny's. She is the one who taught me to cook & sew.
ReplyDeleteLaughs & tears throughout this movie.