The Help (2011)

“The Help” is a critically acclaimed American drama film released in 2011, directed and written by Tate Taylor. The movie is an adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s 2009 novel of the same name. The film received widespread critical acclaim for its screenplay, performances, direction, and overall message.

The story is set in Jackson, Mississippi, in the 1960s and follows the life of Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan (Emma Stone), a recent college graduate who aspires to become a writer. Skeeter is interested in writing a book about the experiences of African American maids who work for white families. Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis), a maid who works for one of Skeeter’s friends, agrees to share her experiences with Skeeter, and soon other maids join in as well.

The movie portrays the complexities of racial segregation and the difficulties faced by African American maids who worked in white households. The film explores themes such as racial discrimination, social inequality, and the power of friendship and solidarity.

The film features an ensemble cast, including Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Jessica Chastain. Davis’s portrayal of Aibileen Clark was widely praised, earning her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress.

“The Help” grossed over $216 million worldwide, becoming a box office success. The film received several award nominations and won numerous accolades, including the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

Critics praised the movie for its sensitive portrayal of the civil rights era, and its realistic depiction of the social dynamics of the time. The film’s message of social justice and equality continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Overall, “The Help” is a thought-provoking and moving film that explores important themes related to race, class, and gender in America. It remains a landmark in the history of American cinema and a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation on civil rights and social justice.

Cast:

• Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark – A wise and caring African American maid who has spent her life working for white families.

• Emma Stone as Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan – A young aspiring writer who wants to tell the stories of the African American maids working in Jackson, Mississippi.

• Octavia Spencer as Minny Jackson – A bold and outspoken African American maid who has a reputation for being a troublemaker.

• Bryce Dallas Howard as Hilly Holbrook – A wealthy and racist socialite who is one of Skeeter’s childhood friends.

• Jessica Chastain as Celia Rae Foote – A kind-hearted but socially awkward woman who hires Minny as her maid.

• Allison Janney as Charlotte Phelan – Skeeter’s mother, who is part of the white social elite in Jackson.

• Sissy Spacek as Missus Walters – A senile and eccentric old woman who hires Minny as her maid.

• Ahna O’Reilly as Elizabeth Leefolt – A white woman who employs Aibileen as her maid.

• Anna Camp as Jolene French – A young woman who works for Hilly and is obsessed with finding a husband.

These talented actors brought their characters to life with emotional depth and authenticity, making “The Help” a memorable and powerful film.

Runtime:

“The Help” has a runtime of 146 minutes (2 hours and 26 minutes).

Ratings:

The movie has a 8.0/10 rating on IMDb and a 75% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Awards:

• “The Help” received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for numerous awards. The movie won one Academy Award, one BAFTA Award, one Golden Globe Award, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards. The following are some of the major awards won by the movie:

• Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Octavia Spencer)
• BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress (Octavia Spencer)
• Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress (Octavia Spencer)
• Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
• Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role (Octavia Spencer)
• Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role (Viola Davis)

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Interesting facts:

• Kathryn Stockett, the author of the novel on which the movie is based, was friends with director Tate Taylor, who also grew up in Jackson, Mississippi.
• Emma Stone, who plays Skeeter, was not the first choice for the role. The part was initially offered to Emma Roberts, but she turned it down due to scheduling conflicts.
• Octavia Spencer, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Minny Jackson, had previously worked with director Tate Taylor on another project, and he wrote the role specifically for her.
• Viola Davis, who plays Aibileen Clark, said in interviews that she drew upon her own experiences growing up poor in Rhode Island to portray the character’s struggles and resilience.
• The film was shot on location in Greenwood and Jackson, Mississippi, and many of the extras in the movie were local residents who lived through the civil rights era.
• The film’s soundtrack features a mix of original songs and classic tracks from the 1960s, including songs by Mary J. Blige, Ray Charles, and Johnny Cash.