"A small glimpse of what it was like to live in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana in the 1960’s."
It’s 1962 and certain changes are about to occur in Jackson, Mississippi. Set in the heart of Martin Luther Kings’s Civil Rights Movement, The Help gives audiences an insight to how black people were really treated in the Southern States of America as recent as 50 years ago.
The Help, written by Kathryn Stockett, was first published in 2009, and because of this book, readers worldwide have been able to have a small glimpse of what it was like to live in states such as Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana in the 1960’s.
Now showing on the big-screen, The Help has taken on an even bigger audience, and it has definitely done the book justice!
"Emma Stone could not have played Miss Skeeter any more superbly."
The main storyline is about two best friends, Aibileen (played by Viola Davis) and Minny (Octavia Spencer), who have worked as maids all their lives waiting on rich white ladies’ children. Aibileen has raised 17 white babies, whilst Minny is the best cook in town. But when Hilly Holbrook (Bryce Dallas-Howard), head of the Junior League and the Children’s Benefit, starts suggesting that white families should build ‘coloured bathrooms’ outside their houses for ‘the help,’ her best friend and aspiring journalist, Eugenia ‘Skeeter’ Phelan (played superbly by Golden Globe Winner, Emma Stone, ) starts uncovering the real truths about the white ladies of Jackson, Mississippi.
Readers of the book will certainly agree that Miss Stone (Easy A, and Crazy Stupid Love,) could not have played the determined and independent Miss Skeeter any more superbly; it is as though she was born for the role. And Bryce Dallas-Howard (Eclipse, Hereafter,) excelled at the tough job of playing the very opinionated and controlling Miss Hilly.
"The Help proves that you really can make a difference if you are not afraid to stand up for what you believe in."
The Help brings to light the controversial issue of how black people were treated by white families, 50 years ago and before, in a way in which the reader can relate to the three main characters. The film demonstrates how bad the racial prejudice actually was at the time (even more than the book does), which makes it a poignant and heart-rending movie. For anyone who is interested in American and slave history, the film brings new perspectives and viewpoints that have not been heard before.
The Help is a truly delightful movie which proves that you really can make a difference if you are not afraid to stand up for what you believe in. It is a must-see for those who have read the book and for fans of Gone with the Wind.
Tara Behan - I am a conscientious and dedicated freelance journalist and creative writer. I have recently finished studying for a journalism degree ...
