Tyler Perry's 'For Colored Girls' based on a play by Ntozake Shange. The movie hit theaters Nov. 5 (courtesy photo)
In his new movie, “For Colored Girls,” Tyler Perry shapes a heartfelt story woven with dynamic characters.
Based on the 1975 play filled with divine poetry, “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf,” by Ntozake Shange, comes a reenactment directed by Tyler Perry, and he evolves it into a surprisingly powerful and emotional film.
The film is a powerful replica of the trials and tribulations of women, but particularly tells the story of African American women and their everyday struggles.
Perry brings out the essence of women facing abandonment, rape, death, betrayal and abortion. He mirrors the strength women carry, a strength many women minimize until they are forced to go up against the struggles and challenges in their lives.
In both the play and film, each actress is defined by a color as it relates to the infamous poetry from Shange.
Lady Red’s character, played by Janet Jackson, deals with the betrayal of a cheating husband. Lady Brown’s (Kimberly Elise) deals with domestic violence and not being able to find the strength to leave.
Other phenomenal actresses included Loretta Devine, Thandie Newton, Anika Noni Rose, Kerry Washington, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad and Whoopi Goldberg, each woman representing a set of emotions unique to her character.
There wasn’t any need for soft ballads that perfectly fit the moment because there was beautiful poetry that perfectly stitched the lives of these women in narration.
There were soap opera moments that seemed to be a different route for Perry. One would know if a fan of previous films. During one moment in particular, the camera zoomed onto the character’s face and the person or scene in the background was blurred; similar to those soap opera moments when a character is believed to be speaking in depth or engulfed in a depressing moment.
By the end of the movie, all of the women come together for what Shange called “a laying on of hands,” which demonstrates the power of womanhood and the beauty of women coming together and mending wounded souls.
While Perry may be known for his often oddball comedy films this film shows a more mature side to the writer and director.
“For Colored Girls” is currently playing in theatres.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Anisah Ali at Anisah.ali@colorado.edu.
1 comment
OK…I’ve seen the movie and wasn’t sure how to put my opinion into words. Well, you summed it up and now I know that I wasn’t wrong in thinking that it was out of Tyler Perry’s character to produce a movie like this. The acting was outstanding, however It was different and for Tyler Perry, I think I prefer the style that he has protrayed in previous movies.