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The Secret Life Of Bees [DVD] [2008]

DVD ~ Queen Latifah

4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (23 customer reviews)

RRP:	�19.99
Price:	�4.98 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
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Product details

Actors: Queen Latifah, Hilarie Burton, Paul Bettany, Alicia Keys, Dakota Fanning
Directors: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Format: PAL
Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
Number of discs: 1
Classification: 12
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: 30 Mar 2009
Run Time: 105 minutes

Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (23 customer reviews)

ASIN: B001PBD0JG
Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 731 in DVD (See Bestsellers in DVD)
Popular in this category:
#19 in DVD > Drama > Comedy

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Reviews

Synopsis

Best-seller novel THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES more than just survives its transition to the screen. Thanks to its strong cast, this female-centric drama thrives. Dakota Fanning stars as Lily, a 14-year-old girl living with her abusive father (Paul Bettany) in South Carolina in 1964. Lily struggles with a burden of guilt after she accidentally killed her mother a decade before, and she longs for knowledge of the woman. When the family's caretaker Rosaleen (Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson) is arrested after standing up to a group of violent white men, Lily seizes the opportunity to run off with Rosaleen and search for clues to her mother's life. They arrive at the home of the Boatwrights, a trio of black sisters. Motherly August (Queen Latifah) cultivates the state's most coveted honey, June (Alicia Keys) focuses on her music and on rebuffing the advances of an ardent suitor (Nate Parker), and childlike May (Sophie Okonedo) struggles to stay happy in the turbulent time. But in a still-racist world where the Civil Rights Act has just been passed, the Boatwrights' home acts as a haven for Lily as she searches for information about her mother's past.

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Customer Reviews

23 Reviews

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

Average Customer Review

4.3 out of 5 stars (23 customer reviews)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love, love, love, 26 Jan 2009

By	Anna (London) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Dakota Fanning used to scare me. She and sister Elle reminded me of the Children of the Corn. But it has to be said she was a phenomenally talented child, and she is developing into a wonderful actress of an altogether grown uppier breed. The Secret Life of Bees sees her playing Lily Owens, a 14 year old girl living in South Carolina in the 1960s.

The first line of the film: "I killed my mother when I was 4 years old... that's what I knew about myself." That's the sadness that follows her throughout the film, and gradually she unravels the truth of what led to that tragedy. Her discovering what happened is the spine of the story, albeit a somewhat peripheral one.

Her abusive father is played by British actor Paul Bettany (in what is perhaps the performance of his career to date) and her nanny, Rosaleen, is played by Jennifer Hudson. When Rosaleen stands up to some racists in town and is badly beaten, she and Lily run for their lives.

They find themselves at the door of a candy-pink house where 3 sisters live: August, May and June Boatwright - played by Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo and Alicia Keys, respectively. August is a big lady with a big heart who pours all her love into her family and making honey. This is where the bees come in, and where the film really and truly begins.

The entire film is draped in honey: it's golden and easy. There are dragonflies and dappled leaves, budding love affairs and cold lemonade on the porch. All set to a backdrop of the buzz of bumblebees, and the civil rights movement, and the loss of loved ones.

In several places, it's not an easy film to watch. It's amazing that 3 of the stars (Latifah, Keyes and Hudson) started off as singers, as their performances are flawless, with real pathos and power. That being said, not one person lets it down. In fact, I can't think of a single thing wrong with the entire film. Its pacing is perfect; the plot stays close to the novel; it's beautiful to look at; the acting is exemplary; the music is lovely and the direction is magnificent.

It's a beautiful film that you'll want to watch again and again, and it is fully deserving of all 5 stars.

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26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Queen Bee of 2008 Movies, 1 Feb 2009

By	Matthew Wilson "M477H3WW!L50N" (Cumbria, UK) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Ok, so I read the novel in a few short days, and instantly had to watch it. If you are more than aware, most people think the book is far better than the film interpretation, but for me, I'd say the film was on par. It is a beautifully shot film, with some brilliant actresses, and Paul Bettany plays T.Ray just the way I'd imagined him to be. It is a very sad film, but it tells a very interesting story of loss and overcoming difficulties in growing up. Definitely watch it if you've considered it before, you will not be disappointed.

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great film of an even better book., 27 Aug 2009

By	squeeze box (London, England) - See all my reviews

This is a really well made film with a first rate cast. It is set against the backdrop of racial intolerance in the American deep south (and there is much more development of this strand in the book) but essentially it is the story of a group of women coming together, supporting each other through hard times and making the best of their lives. As a "relationship" film I guess it will be enjoyed more by women.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars a captivating film from beginning to end
A captivating film from beginning to end,always interesting to watch,with a good unpredictable storyline and
great acting. Read more

Published 22 days ago by dan the fan

5.0 out of 5 stars Watch this!
The Secret Life Of Bees [DVD] [2008]
Excellent cast, great movie, do read the book first. Tell your friends as it's a gem!

Published 1 month ago by Moonbeam

5.0 out of 5 stars Review for the Secret Life of Bees
All the actresses in this film were great, each played their part excellently. This film was worth the purchase.

Published 1 month ago by Sarah Fitzgerald

4.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous
I thought this film was great despite not reading the novel. I read previous reviews on Amazon and purchased this movie. Read more

Published 1 month ago by Rosemina

5.0 out of 5 stars The Secret Life of Bees
Excellent cast, fine acting and a wonderful story. no doubt this film was made for people who are familiar with the book but that is no deterrent an this was a labour of love... Read more

Published 1 month ago by Y. Roberts

5.0 out of 5 stars The Secret Life Of Bees
This film was a really good adaptation of the book I had read a few years ago. The acting was superb and both my husband and myself really enjoyed it and would recommend this... Read more

Published 1 month ago by Gypsy

4.0 out of 5 stars The Secret Life of Bees
I bought it on a recommendation from a fellow beekeeper - and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A nice story line gentle, not too disturbing and true to the times in the Southern States as... Read more

Published 2 months ago by Mr. A. J. Cooper

2.0 out of 5 stars A let down
Having been both moved and enchanted by the book the film was a let down, lacking the characterisation and atmosphere created by the writing of Sue Monk Kidd. Read more

Published 2 months ago by Annie Ellis

3.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful but ... too smooth
I may have liked the film much better had I not read Monk Kidd's book first - but then again, I may have never bought it, either. Read more

Published 2 months ago by A. Minasyan

1.0 out of 5 stars use sub-title option
Probably a good cast - Bettany continues to expand his ability. Possibly an amazing script - rather difficult to judge. The costumes looked pretty good. Read more

Published 2 months ago by Cho

› See all 23 customer reviews...

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