Film Guide

Set in South Carolina in 1964 amidst the hotbed of racial tension and equality, “The Secret Life of Bees” tells the story of a young girl who is trying desperately to find her own identity out of the ashes of a crumbling childhood. Lily (Dakota Fanning) with the aid of her friend and housekeeper Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) escapes from under her abusive father (Paul Bettany) and sets out to find out about the mother whom she hardly remembers and who died under a cloud of strange circumstances when she was just a small child. Following the only clues she has, a picture and a somewhat unconventional picture of Mother Mary, Lily and Rosaleen stumble their way to the house of the Boatwright sisters and the wonderful world of making honey. As the two fugitives bond with the Boatwright sisters the truth begins to unfold and as the saying goes in the end the truth will set you free.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this film, I purposely set out to avoid reading too much about it prior to seeing it so that the story had the possibility of unfolding in a fresh and enjoyable manner. Ironically for the first time in a while it did just that. “The Secret life of bees” is a well paced drama that shows how the truth when wrapped in love can indeed set you free, free to be whom you really are. For a lot of us, who we are, is often dictated to us from our circumstances, our surroundings and our history. However as we see in this film, so often it is only one side of the truth that shapes us and often it is not even truth but half truths that have been sold to us along the way.

This film is filled to the brim with scenes that will lift and shatter your emotions as the journey unfurls before you. From the happy moments as we see August Boatwright (Queen Latifah) share stories of love and joy with Lily, through to great moments of loss and heartache as a world in racial turmoil invades their lives, challenging their peaceful existence.

Now something else you should know about this film is that it is full to overflowing with Soul Sistas. When I say Soul Sister’s I mean wonderfully talented African American singers. Who despite the poles apart different characters are all as equally captivating on the big screen. From Latifa’s “August”, through to Alicia Keys’ “June” and right on through to another wonderful portrayal from American Idol Finalist and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson. Whoever did the casting for this film deserves and Oscar of their own for the wonderful ensemble that have pulled together.

I’ll be honest and say that my eyes did well up at times in this film, but judging by the sniffing, the rustling of tissues and the somewhat red eyes after the film, I was not alone. As with all good drama’s, “The Secret Life of Bees” has a true to life blend of great joy and immense loss.

A tiring journey of all the emotions that will leave you too tired to give the standing ovation that you know it deserves.

Reviewed by: Jon E Clist
Releases: 5th March 2009
Rating: TBC
Running time: 110 minutes
Genre: Drama
Starring: Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys & Paul Bettany
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood