1985 Steven Spielberg directed film.
Now at that time Spielberg had only directed (hugely successful) films in the main about fish with sharp teeth, aliens and 1930s archaeologists!
The Color Purple was perhaps his first serious feature about a black community in the early twentieth century.
The film was notable not only for Spielbergs change in film directorial path but the screen debut of Whoopi Goldberg, the acting (yes acting) presence of Oprah Winfrey and other great performances from the likes of Danny Glover who I had only associated with the Lethal Weapon franchise.
The film is based on the novel by Alice Walker about a poor black community in particular the character of Celie (Oscar nominated Whoopi Goldberg).
Celie is a shy woman bullied by her mean husband Albert (Danny Glover) and long since split from her beloved sister and children (who were forcibly taken from her at birth).
Spielbergs first foray into more serious cinema is a success and would pave the way for the likes of Empire Of The Sun and Schindler's List perhaps his career zenith thus far which for such a successful director is no mean feat!
The film was also notable for being nominated for 11 Academy Awards and winning none! A record matched I believe.
Even so a good film none the less and one who's 150 minutes or so running time seems to fly.
Now at that time Spielberg had only directed (hugely successful) films in the main about fish with sharp teeth, aliens and 1930s archaeologists!
The Color Purple was perhaps his first serious feature about a black community in the early twentieth century.
The film was notable not only for Spielbergs change in film directorial path but the screen debut of Whoopi Goldberg, the acting (yes acting) presence of Oprah Winfrey and other great performances from the likes of Danny Glover who I had only associated with the Lethal Weapon franchise.
The film is based on the novel by Alice Walker about a poor black community in particular the character of Celie (Oscar nominated Whoopi Goldberg).
Celie is a shy woman bullied by her mean husband Albert (Danny Glover) and long since split from her beloved sister and children (who were forcibly taken from her at birth).
Spielbergs first foray into more serious cinema is a success and would pave the way for the likes of Empire Of The Sun and Schindler's List perhaps his career zenith thus far which for such a successful director is no mean feat!
The film was also notable for being nominated for 11 Academy Awards and winning none! A record matched I believe.
Even so a good film none the less and one who's 150 minutes or so running time seems to fly.