The Color Purple (1985) - PG-13

Adapted from Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this 30-year saga is told through the eyes of the character Celie - whose adult character is played by Whoopi Goldberg. The film is set in Alabama in the early 20th Century and primarily follows the lives of Celie and her sister Nettie. For much of the film Celie finds herself in an abusive marriage with a character named Albert, played by a fiery Danny Glover. The story is depressing in many spots and uplifting in others. It offers a glimpse into the world of African Americans in the South nearly 100 years ago. Like all good movies set in a different time period, it addresses themes that resonate today.

Questions for reflections and/or discussion:

• During the first half of the 20th Century - the setting for the movie - African Americans were often treated as second-class citizens. How does the movie portray the way in which African American women were treated?
  
  
• Did you have a difficult time accepting Whoopi Goldberg in a serious role, since she's usually in comedies?
  
  
• Steven Spielberg directed the film. Steven Spielberg is white. Do you think that a film that focuses strongly on one race, ethnicity, or group of people needs to be directed by someone who is part of that race, ethnicity, or group?