Critic's Corner
Hudson, Latifah, Fanning, Keys, succeed in sweetening 'The Secret Life of Bees'
Brittany Shaw
Issue date: 10/30/08 Section: Culture
"The Secret Life of Bees" (not to be confused with the animated "Bee Movie") is an emotional rollercoaster of cinematic brilliance.
The movie, inspired by the book by Sue Monk Kidd, begins with the frantic arrival of Lily Owens, played by Dakota Fanning, and her friend Rosaleen, played by Jennifer Hudson, on the doorsteps of a bright pink farmhouse in 1964 South Carolina.
Lily, whose unantcipated arrival and baffling background, are at first mysterious, is seeking out a lady named August Boatwright, played by Queen Latifah. August, who feels an initially inexplicable closeness to Lily, allows the 14-year old runaway to be her assistant beekeeper.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Lily was also in search of a a safe haven from her cruel father, played by Paul Bettany.
August's sisters, the seemingly-bitter June, played by Alicia Keys, and the very complex May, played by Sophie Okonedo, also occupy the house.
June is a serious and skeptial powerhouse who repeatedly refuses to get married although she is clearly in love with her long-time boyfriend. Though she seems fearless, she is not what she seems.
May, on the other hand, is a character whom tragedy has transformed into someone who has difficulty enduring the burdens of life.
While the women's business is the making of honey, many of their experiences are bittersweet. As Lily gains insight about love and life, she begins to open up about her background, and not only discovers secrets about the lives of bees, but also uncovers the mysteries of her own life.
In a day of over-done films, "The Secret Life of Bees" is a relaxing retreat into another time. As warm and cheerful as its characters names, the movie is filled with moments that will leave you gushing with hope.
The movie, inspired by the book by Sue Monk Kidd, begins with the frantic arrival of Lily Owens, played by Dakota Fanning, and her friend Rosaleen, played by Jennifer Hudson, on the doorsteps of a bright pink farmhouse in 1964 South Carolina.
Lily, whose unantcipated arrival and baffling background, are at first mysterious, is seeking out a lady named August Boatwright, played by Queen Latifah. August, who feels an initially inexplicable closeness to Lily, allows the 14-year old runaway to be her assistant beekeeper.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Lily was also in search of a a safe haven from her cruel father, played by Paul Bettany.
August's sisters, the seemingly-bitter June, played by Alicia Keys, and the very complex May, played by Sophie Okonedo, also occupy the house.
June is a serious and skeptial powerhouse who repeatedly refuses to get married although she is clearly in love with her long-time boyfriend. Though she seems fearless, she is not what she seems.
May, on the other hand, is a character whom tragedy has transformed into someone who has difficulty enduring the burdens of life.
While the women's business is the making of honey, many of their experiences are bittersweet. As Lily gains insight about love and life, she begins to open up about her background, and not only discovers secrets about the lives of bees, but also uncovers the mysteries of her own life.
In a day of over-done films, "The Secret Life of Bees" is a relaxing retreat into another time. As warm and cheerful as its characters names, the movie is filled with moments that will leave you gushing with hope.
