In 1985 The Color Purple was released in theatres. Directed by Steven Spielberg, it was massive success with almost $100 millions dollars in the US alone and winning many Oscars including best picture and and best actress. This weekend we will be showing the New version of The Color Purple. (Jan 26 – 28, with showtimes Friday and Saturday at 8:00PM and on Sunday at 2:00PM) So, I ask the question… If you watched the original in 1985, why bother with the new version 38 years later?
This is what I’ve found to encourage you to give this movie a chance:
The new The Color Purple is starkly different in tone and uses instances of humor, allusions to the Broadway musical, a soulful and catchy soundtrack, and contemporary dance numbers to complement its storyline.
Bazawule’s variation from Spielberg’s original film proves to be tremendously triumphant for the musical. Not only is the 2023 adaptation of The Color Purple wildly unique, but the changes Bazawule makes from the 1985 version fashion it to be a much more positive rendition of Celie’s narrative. While both film adaptations have their strengths, Bazawule’s The Color Purple makes Alice Walker’s novel accessible to audiences in a brand-new way.
I have to admit, that in 1985 when the original came out, I never saw it. I was a 15 year old boy, who was more interested in girls and sports, than stories of African-American woman living in the southern US. In the years since 1985, I have just never gone back and taken the opportunity to view it. For one thing, you can rent the original on Amazon Prime or Apple TV, but it’s not streaming for free. Also, with the amount of new movies and TV shows I want to watch, it is rare that I go back to find old media to consume. (Although I do have a personal challenge to one day watch all the Oscar best picture winners.) So eventually I want to see it. I find that I am much more interested in history and stories that might make you feel uncomfortable, than I was in my youth.
This newest version of The Color Purple has also garnered rave reviews with a 95% positive score on RottenTomatoes.com.
I especially like this one review I read: I hate musicals but this gave me chills the entire movie! It was beautiful!
Rating: PG-13 (Sexual Content | Mature Thematic Content | Language|Violence)
Runtime: 2h 21m