The film obviously deals primarily with the issue of racial bigotry - specifically in the southern United States. It gives you a great feel for the way things were in that part of the world, from the 40's through to the present day. The film follows the relationship (it would be too simplistic merely to call it friendship) between a widowed Jewish lady, Daisy Werthan, and her black chauffeur Hoke. Miss Daisy is adamant she neither wants nor needs the driver, provided by her exasperated son to ensure she doesn't have any more car accidents. However, over the next quarter century her frostiness thaws (albeit sporadically) and an understanding develops between this unlikely pair.
Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman well deserve the accolades they have received for their roles in this film. These talented actors have to share the limelight though - with a truly magnificent classic car ensemble. If you think modern cars are boring, it is worth viewing this film merely for the pleasure of seeing Miss Daisy's succession of cars - beautiful classic models from the late 1940's to the early 1970's - a time when cars truly deserved the title 'automobile'.
With great character development and spot-on performances by the cast, Driving Miss Daisy is an example of "old" Hollywood, taking time to tell a story about people you can care about, and without polemics that require choosing sides. That it was a box office smash and Best Picture of the year only goes to show that the public mood in the late 1980's was accepting of a quiet and low-key presentation, as long as it was a good story well told.
Overall rating: 8 out of 10.
Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman well deserve the accolades they have received for their roles in this film. These talented actors have to share the limelight though - with a truly magnificent classic car ensemble. If you think modern cars are boring, it is worth viewing this film merely for the pleasure of seeing Miss Daisy's succession of cars - beautiful classic models from the late 1940's to the early 1970's - a time when cars truly deserved the title 'automobile'.
With great character development and spot-on performances by the cast, Driving Miss Daisy is an example of "old" Hollywood, taking time to tell a story about people you can care about, and without polemics that require choosing sides. That it was a box office smash and Best Picture of the year only goes to show that the public mood in the late 1980's was accepting of a quiet and low-key presentation, as long as it was a good story well told.
Overall rating: 8 out of 10.