OK for kids 13+
1960s-set family drama tackles weighty issues.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this emotional, 1960s-set drama includes multiple scenes of a man reacting violently toward his wife and daughter. The child witnesses her father's assault on her mother (resulting in off-camera gunshots and death); as a young teen, the same child is the victim of heartless physical and mental punishment. The unexpected discovery of a beloved character's dead body is intense and may be disturbing to some young viewers. African-American characters suffer at the hands of prejudiced white Southerners in many scenes. Racial hatred is illustrated by ugly name-calling (including use of the "N" word) and two beatings. But in spite of all of the above, the filmmakers don't exploit or maximize the action. They show only as much as necessary to provide the desired impact.
- Families can talk about the movie's messages. More than 40 years have passed since the events in the film took place. How have racial politics changed? How haven't they? Families can also discuss what Lily was looking for when she left home. Why did she take Rosaleen with her? How did Lily's innocent acceptance of her African-American friends get them in trouble? Do the filmmakers show that Lily's father learned a lesson? Parents and teens who've read the book the movie is based on can compare and contrast the two. Which do you like better? Why?
The good stuff
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Messages: The ugly nature of racial prejudice is depicted several times. Some white residents of "The South" in 1964 are shown to be inhumane and brutal, their actions based on ignorance and irrational fear. A violent, cruel husband/father ultimately pays the price for his behavior.
What to watch for
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Violence: An abusive husband assaults his wife (repeated in flashback), forcefully slaps a teen, and is menacing and threatening in many scenes. Gunshots are fired, resulting in an off-camera death. Racial intimidation results in severe physical beatings of two African-American characters. A dead body is revealed in an intensely emotional scene.
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Sex: Gentle kissing and embracing between two adults on several occasions; teens share one innocent kiss.
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Language: Fairly minimal mild cursing: "goddammit," "damn it to hell," "bitch," "bust his ass." Multiple uses of racial epithets, including the "N" word, used to humiliate and threaten African-American characters.
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Consumerism: Wonder Bread, Coca-Cola.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: A father drinks beer in one scene, whiskey in another.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Bravo!!! by Grandma Kathy
This was about the best movie I've seen this year. We need more heartwarming movies like this. People don't want to go to the movies to be depressed. This movie lifts us up and gives us hope for a brighter tomorrow. The acting was perfect, Academy Award quality for sure! This is a must see for people of all ages!
4
Great movie, but lacking... by katjm
I loved this book so was excited to see that the movie was being made with this cast. They did a great job turning the book into a movie. The acting was good. I cried and cheered. Dakota Fanning was truly phenomenal.
The only thing holding me back from giving this a "Must Go" was Queen Latifa. I LOVE her, normally. But the character she plays, Miss August, is a strong woman who has been through a lot - is very loving, but has a hurt in her too. Latifa played the part with a constant smile. Even the most important lines in the film, regarding the secret life of bees, was nearly thrown away, the way she played it - it just didn't come through right. I don't know how else to say it other than there was a depth to Miss August in the book that was completely missing in this movie, and that depth would have made this an outstanding, all-around Oscar winning movie that I'd buy and watch over and over again. Without that depth in her performance, it was just a good movie
5
Bees and their secret life. by JDB728
I went to this expecting a good movie. I ended up being greatly impressed.
This is an amazing movie. It's a very emotional movie with great acting to match.
Strong performances by Fanning, Latifa, Hudson, and company help to tell this terrific heartfelt story set when the Civil Rights Act went into effect. This is probably the best movie I've seen about what can come from mixing different races & cultures since Crash. This was however a completely different movie.
I would say to anyone looking for a good child friendly family movie(even though parental guidance is a great idea for the mild violence and innuendo), this is a great choice.
Thanks for reading.
5
Very true to the book by liaden
Whenever I see a movie made from a book, I always cringe a little, wondering what they are going to change that I won't like, what they will leave out that I think was absolutely crucial to the story. The good news is, they did an absolutely fabulous job with this one! Every bit of the book was there, every happy moment and every painful one as well. My best advice to anyone coming to see this is BRING KLEENEX. I had to send my husband out to the lobby for napkins and everyone around us was crying, some openly sobbing. It was that kind of movie. Marvelous job by all the actors. Just a really fantastic movie.
5
Perfect movie for people of all ages... by starx95
I took my 11 yr old daughter & her friend to see this. Neither are girlie types ~ they were both transfixed by the story. I hadn't read the book, so I didn't know what to expect. We all laughed and cried, and I was quite surprised that they loved it as much as they did... I loved it too... the acting was superb. Sophie Okonedo was so amazing as an emotionally damaged woman, I will be shocked if she doesn't get an Oscar nod for best supporting actress. Having lived around many different types of mental illness, I know what I'm talking about...
I was surprised that I had the only kids in the theater! It's a perfect way to help youth to understand, in a rather milder version of reality, the history of prejudice in some parts of our country. It is a good way to have serious conversations with your children about the ugliness of prejudice and the importance of love. Don't waste the opportunity, take your kids and talk to them about it. You'll be glad you did.
5
The Secret Life of Bees by Vivianryan1
This was an amazing movie compounded by the fact that almost 50 of us went to see it at the same time and date. My friend Sally, is Sue Monk Kidds Cousin and she gathered us al together for a "BEE SOIREE,"afterward, and it was almost as amazing as the movie. The Bee-tinis were incredible. I read the book and loved it. It was sweet and heart wrenching at the same time. I grew up in that time frame and could relate quite well to the issues at hand. Bravo MS Kidd and Bravo and thanks to our Sweet Sally. Truly,VRD
5
I loved it! by Movie_Go'er
Our book club read this book and went to see the movie. I think reading the book helped to connect the dots, but the movie is solid in its own right. The acting was believable and allowed you to put yourself in the time frame, How timely to have a movie with a sub-plot regarding the civil rights movement to allow African Americans to vote. It just reminded me how far we have come to actually have an African American running for president. This is a heartwarming movie about a young girl finding her voice, sisterly love, strength, and hope. My hat is off to the author, the actors, and the director! Go see this movie and take a friend!
5
Secret Life of Bees by dreatrvls
I LOVED this movie!! I read the book a while ago...when it first came out I think...and usually movies have a hard time living up to the book...but this movie is definitely an exception. With a cast like that though...how could you go wrong really??
5
Beyond Expectations by dikelmm
An extremely nuanced movie weaving a tale of a white girls's sturuggles with the truth of her acceptance in her family with the history of African-Americans' changing acceptance in 1964 America. Brilliant all around. Dakota Fanning is outstanding.
5
Glad I Didn't Listen to the Critic by FanAndie
Watching "At the Movies" airing on NBC last Sunday night, I heard one movie critic say that this movie basically had no relevence and was not worth seeing. That guy sure got it wrong, and thankfully I did not pay attention to his review. I don't know if this movie really deserves my highest rating. If there were a space between Must Go and Go, I'd put it there because I have been to movies slightly more interesting than this one. However, as a depiction of the true meaning of family and learning to accept life's lessons with grace and grow from them, this movie succeeds wonderfully. And furthermore, the cast was excellent!