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From Amazon.co.uk
There are male viewers who will enjoy The Help, but Mississippi native Tate Taylor aims his adaptation squarely at the female readers who made Kathryn Stockett's novel a bestseller. If the multi-character narrative revolves around race relations in the Kennedy-era South, the perspective belongs to the women. Veteran maid Aibileen (Doubt's Viola Davis in an Oscar-worthy performance) provides the heartfelt narration that brackets the story. A widow devastated by the death of her son, she takes pride in the 17 children she has helped to raise, but she's hardly fulfilled. That changes when Skeeter (Easy A's Emma Stone) returns home after college. Unlike her peers, Skeeter wants to work, so she gets a job as a newspaper columnist. But she really longs to write about Jackson's domestics, so she meets with Aibileen in secret--after much cajoling and the promise of anonymity. When Aibileen's smart-mouthed friend Minny (breakout star Octavia Spencer) breaches her uptight employer's protocol, Hilly (Bryce Dallas Howard) gives her the boot, and she ends up in the employ of local outcast Celia (Jessica Chastain, hilarious and heartbreaking), who can't catch a break due to her dirt-poor origins. After the murder of Medgar Evers, even more maids, Minny among them, bring their stories to Skeeter, leading to a book that scandalizes the town--in a good way. Not since Steel Magnolias has Hollywood produced a Southern woman's picture more likely to produce buckets of tears (and almost as many laughs). --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Product Description
The #1 New York Times bestseller by Kathryn Stockett comes to vivid life through the powerful performances of a phenomenal ensemble cast. Led by Emma Stone, Academy Award®-nominated Viola Davis (Best Supporting Actress, Doubt, 2008), Octavia Spencer and Bryce Dallas Howard, The Help is an inspirational, courageous and empowering story about very different, extraordinary women in the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project — one that breaks society’s rules and puts them all at risk. Filled with poignancy, humor and hope — and complete with compelling, never-before-seen bonus features — The Help is a timeless, universal and triumphant story about the ability to create change.
Special Features:
Special Features:
- Deleted Scenes with introduction by director Tate Taylor
- A Senator's Son
- Keep on Walkin’
- “The Living Proof” Music Video
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
78 of 82 people found the following review helpful
By MadameAddams
Format:DVD
When I was invited to a preview screening of The Help earlier in the year, I was unsure of what to expect. This may be easier to understand when one takes into consideration that Walt Disney Studios are responsible for the distribution of a film that is targeted at the older woman, the single hardest demographic to coax into cinema screens presently. Having read the book, (read review here) I knew the director had a lot to prove. As a fan I was wary yet excited at the evolution of this great book and the reception it's had worldwide. It is an unfortunate truth that Hollywood rarely makes the most of the projects it gets it's hands on, in terms of quality at least thus, the concern for an international bestseller making its way into the lap of Disney is an obvious worry.
However, I was pleasantly surprised. The film is a well-constructed piece that remains loyal to Stockett's text and demonstrates the fear, discrimination and seething hatred that seems to have been so apparent during the 1960's of KKK riddled Jackson, Mississippi in a clear and poignant way. In contrast to other reviewers critiques, I did not find the film overly sentimental or sappy by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, Tate Taylor is to be credited for the realism he has managed to instill in the direction and in the screenplay, which he adopted from Stockett's text. For me, there were several outstanding performances, especially Octavia Spencer as outspoken Minny Jackson, the maid who rises above her many unfortunate choices in employer.
See full review here: [...]
However, I was pleasantly surprised. The film is a well-constructed piece that remains loyal to Stockett's text and demonstrates the fear, discrimination and seething hatred that seems to have been so apparent during the 1960's of KKK riddled Jackson, Mississippi in a clear and poignant way. In contrast to other reviewers critiques, I did not find the film overly sentimental or sappy by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, Tate Taylor is to be credited for the realism he has managed to instill in the direction and in the screenplay, which he adopted from Stockett's text. For me, there were several outstanding performances, especially Octavia Spencer as outspoken Minny Jackson, the maid who rises above her many unfortunate choices in employer.
See full review here: [...]
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought my wife the book The Help when it came out and she really enjoyed it. She then went to see it in the cinema and loved the film adaptation so buying this as a mothers day present couldn't fail! Set in a time of severe division and racial prejudice it can make the viewer uncomfortable by exposing the bigotry that black Americans suffered. The undertone of the film reminded me of Mississippi Burning [DVD] [1989] although without nearly as much hatred and violence as the story itself has very little to do with racist killings just touching on them briefly. Do not take this comparison the wrong way, this is a film that you can watch and feel uplifted by and has one of the funniest lines (regarding a pie) that I have heard in a long time. If you have an ounce of compassion this film will make you laugh, make you cry and ultimately it will make you happy that you watched it.
69 of 74 people found the following review helpful
By Ingrid
Format:Blu-ray
Was at the cinema yesterday and had a great experience with this film. Loved it so much - lots of laughter as well as tears - very emotional and lovely and it was entertaining through all two and a half hours. People laughed out loud and you could hear sniffling in the emotional parts. The actors acted so well and the filming was wonderful and the music so underlined the era and the story from the original book was followed as expected, altogether making it a memorable evening with colleagues. I will definitively watch it at least one more time - to get all the details and enjoy the film all over.
38 of 41 people found the following review helpful
By Mr PJ Bryan
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
I watched this film whilst flying from the UK to the US last week [November 2011]. I found it completely absorbing, convincingly portrayed by the cast and moving to the point of tears. I watched; I listened; I saw; I heard; I laughed; I cried. A life-changing film. First class!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Mississippi Burning was criticised by some for portraying heroic white people saving poor defenceless black folks, as if the African-American community lacked the fight. History tells us otherwise, but The Help resurrects the notion that positive change only comes about because of a liberal white woman leading the black 'slaves' to freedom. But that's OK. I suspect the African-American community in the States is far too mature and self-confident to worry about such minor details, especially given the heart-warming underbelly throughout the film and fine performances from a terrific cast.
I simply adored this film. The acting was extraordinary and the entangled tragedy and humour from the original book is beautifully balanced. It's hard to single out any particular actress as all the performances were rock solid, but Viola Davies as Aibileen gives us a beautifully crafted understated role of Oscar winning proportions. Octavia Spencer playing Minnie is sublime and I am sure Bryce Dallas Howard had a lot fun playing the bitch from hell, Hilly Holbrook.
I watched the film with my nine year old daughter and she cried all the way through and I must admit I fought back the tears at the end. Sad as the story is I felt uplifted and alive as the closing credits came on and not many films can do that for you. A real treat.
I simply adored this film. The acting was extraordinary and the entangled tragedy and humour from the original book is beautifully balanced. It's hard to single out any particular actress as all the performances were rock solid, but Viola Davies as Aibileen gives us a beautifully crafted understated role of Oscar winning proportions. Octavia Spencer playing Minnie is sublime and I am sure Bryce Dallas Howard had a lot fun playing the bitch from hell, Hilly Holbrook.
I watched the film with my nine year old daughter and she cried all the way through and I must admit I fought back the tears at the end. Sad as the story is I felt uplifted and alive as the closing credits came on and not many films can do that for you. A real treat.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'd read the book and missed the film when it came to the cinema so I've been waiting for the DVD. It was very true to the book and didn't miss a detail. Superb acting, characters well portrayed. Very enjoyable. reviewed by Sherrie Lowe, author of Song of the Phoenix
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I really enjoyed the book so am always a bit sceptical that the film will do it justice. This movie did and really brought the characters to life. It is heart-warming and shows the strength and dignity of the help. It is one of the best adaptations I have seen and the only complaint I have is at the end I really wanted to know what happened next to the characters I had gotten so fond of.
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4.6 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Justice done.
One of the best films I've ever seen. Having loved the book I was unsure how I would like the film but it did not disappoint and followed the plot in detail.
Published 2 days ago by Marty Crisp
5.0 out of 5 stars
Funny and poignant.
An interesting film about a period and area I knew little about. The characters are well drawn and well acted and the film was entertaining.
Published 5 days ago by Gerard Brady
4.0 out of 5 stars
the Help dvd
thought provoking subject, was recommended to me by a friend who had read the book. Not something I would usuallly choose. an eye opener.
Published 6 days ago by Christine Oakenfull
5.0 out of 5 stars
FAB
Loved watching this dvd after reading book . dont miss out would recomend book and dvd . Read book first though is my advise .
Published 10 days ago by tracey
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Help
Really good film with a great cast and story. Heard a lot about it before hand but really lived up to the hype. Thought provoking, funny and sad in different places! Read more
Published 12 days ago by Savannah Copland
5.0 out of 5 stars
thought provoking
although I really enjoyed the book the DVD gave it a run for its money. it was very well acted however as with most DVD's it did not follow the book exactly and we a little bit... Read more
Published 12 days ago by mafmeijer
3.0 out of 5 stars
THE ACTING IS GOOD BUT FAILS TO IMPRESS
After my friend hounded me to watch this film i gave in and bought it, I am giving three stars for the promformances mostly from BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD, JESSICA CHASTAIN, VIOLA DAVIS... Read more
Published 15 days ago by kathleen
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Help DVD
After reading the book, it was great to watch the DVD and put faces to all the characters. The film is as good as the book, with excellent casting.
Published 15 days ago by Teresa
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant film
after reading the book, this film is a true version of the book and compelling watching. must see it again!
Published 19 days ago by Carol Hughes
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love the book love the film
The book was simply amazing to read and the film did not disappoint. Great cast and beautiful setting. A must see.
Published 19 days ago by K.Santini
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