The movie The Help takes place in early 1960's Jackson, Mississippi. The film focuses on two main characters, Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark and Octavia Spencer as Minny Jackson who are African American maids that work for white families. The maids are paid 95 cents per hour but had the responsibilities to cook, clean and take care of the children. Aibileen, Minny and the rest of the African American community faced extreme obstacles of racism and segregation but couldn't stand up for themselves until one day, future journalist, Skeeter Phelan, played by Emma Stone, wanted write about the truth behind the cruelty African American maids face when working for these white families.
The purpose of Skeeter's novel is to expose the truth about the way maids were treated and to empower the African American community. Skeeter's character plays a major role throughout the film. Her bold decision to go under the law to get all the awful stories about white families all the maids worked for gave the African American community a chance to share their voice during this time of silence. Not only does this expose the racial injustice within their community, it brings the gender inequality to light as well.
Director Tate Taylor's creative direction gave this film the magic needed to create the realism added to this film. Director Taylor pulled the strings feeling like you're trapped in the film itself. Viewers felt like they were in the shoes of each character and felt each emotion the actors portrayed, deeply. By the end of the movie your heart ached so bad you couldn't help but cry. This film also uses humor to grab the attention of the audience and keeps them engaged the full way through. I sitting on the edge of my seat, laughing and crying the whole time.
The Help is like a fresh breath of air after a ten mile run. This film gives you a raw new view on our country's history. Yes, the films tendency to take you on a rollercoaster of emotions is somewhat exhausting but it is well worth the journey.
The films hand picked actors and actresses put on the perfect performance and most went on to win a few awards. The film peppers a few cruel characters in but keeps the limelight focused the heroines of the story. Most characters fall into the stereotypes during that time in the 1960's, but a few stand out from the rest. Skeeter phelan (Emma Stone), Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) and Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer). They are pronounced heros in this film as they are in combat with the patterns of society and racial inequality at that time.
The Help is a very well known movie and has been awarded for its excellence. You might of heard of major awards like, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture at the Academy Awards and Golden Globes. The Help won this awards from both ceremonies in 2012. This film was also nominated for multiple other awards, totaling up to 81 wins and 117 nominations.
Others may know this story from the book, The Help, written by Kathryn Stockett and released in February 2009. The novel was a hit and sold over three million copies. The book received the Goodreads Choice Awards Best Fiction.
This five star film brings their audience on an emotional journey with side effects of heart warming laughter and love for the characters and storyline. If you make the choice of watching this spectacular film, be prepared to feel a wide range of emotions with the first one being love. The wild humor and heart felt message will make it one film enjoyed by all.
