The film, based on the Ntozake Shange play "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf", follows nine women as they struggle with issues such as abortion, domestic violence and rape. All nine women's lives are intrinsically interwoven and the film details the struggles each character faces before the tapestry entwining the women in revealed. This is achieved very delicately and highlights the fact that as humans we are all connected even if on the surface it is not obvious what the superficial connection is.
The film is an emotional rollercoaster. Funny, poignant, gripping and heartbreaking. I found the ability for a storyline to suddenly change from funny to horrifying something quite brilliant. Sometimes the film does seem to struggle when the poetic prose is spoken as it can be hard to follow, but if you persist you will find the beauty in the words recited. I found the dialogue about rape particularly touching and gave an incredible insight into female views and societal attitudes which was both eyeopening and very moving.
The aspect I am most impressed with is Perry's ability to write women which is just extraordinary. As a woman I feel every character was completely relatable and ultra realistic. This is an incredible talent to come from a man. I truly believe Perry's work should receive more praise as what he has achieved is something quite unique.
Through this understanding of women Perry manages to capture exactly the right emotions. As the characters as so relatable you can not help but be drawn away with these emotions yourself. Although many of the stories detail much tragedy all of the character are incredibly strong, resilient women. By the end female viewers will leave the cinema feeling empowered with a true sense of sisterhood that is achieved simply through knowing that as women we have a bond.
The cast is incredibly strong. Kimberley Elise, who plays Crystal, gives an outstanding performance. The fact that she hasn't been given an Oscar nomination is something that stuns me. Loretta Devine was superb as always and gave the film great moments of lightness to cut through some of the tragedy. Not much has been said of Thandie Newton's performance but I thought she also stood out. She played a fractured woman excellently.
I am a huge fan of Whoopi Goldberg but I feel that the role didn't enable Whoopi to fulfil her whole potential. I have also seen many reviews criticising Janet Jackson's performance, mainly stating she was wooden. I read one review that interesting though as it stated that the woodenness actually perfectly suited the character as Jackson played a women so concerned with saving face and appearing strong that she almost made a mannequin of herself, devoid of human emotion. I feel this is most probably the case and although I always felt like I was wanting a bit more from Jackson she actually played a hard faced bitch well! And once she realises that she needs to change I felt Janet created the correct balance between someone wanting to become a better person but finding it hard to shed themselves to do so.
The term 'colored' in the film does not directly relate to race (although this is an all black cast) but instead describes the tainting or colouring of a persons character when something bad happens to them. Although some of the issues seemed to have a stronger connection to black culture all women, or people in fact, regardless of their ethnicity, heritage, background or race can relate to the topics highlighted in the film.
I also liked that this film gave a true insight into black culture. I think in society today that non-black people feel they can to a degree understand what it is to be black, as there is more representation of black characters in media and black role models in society. But what this film shows is that we are all well versed in the white representation of black culture. What 'For Colored Girls' does is give an accurate portrayal of what it is to be black and female in modern society. This was eyeopening and refreshing.
I felt truly privileged to be able to watch this film in an all black audience and see first hand just how the audience reacted to the film. This is what made me realise that the film accurately represents what it is to be black and female today. The women were vocal about empathising with the females in the film and laughed joyously when a character was gave attitude. The emotions portrayed on the screen were mimicked in the viewing as the audience related to the situations and reactions.
I also loved being in an environment with such community. Most people knew each other and if they didn't they were also certain to have a mutual friend to introduce you to new people. In London it is very rare for strangers to speak to each other so it was lovely to be able to converse with strangers. A discussion I have often with good friends is what does it mean to be British? And I often have trouble giving them an answer. I particularly find it hard when asked to define what it is to be white British. There is a real lack of culture in white British society and it was so refreshing to see community spirit is alive and well in other denominations of British culture.
I would like to say a big thank you to The New Black Film Club for a wonderful (and free!) screening. I will certainly be attending more events.
In conclusion this is a film that rarely comes along. Combining excellent scripting, outstanding acting, incredible characters and outstanding drama and emotions it is an experience that will stay with you long after you leave the cinema. This film certainly will connect more with women and as a woman I am so glad to have viewed something that left me feeling so empowered. 'For Colored Girls' gives so many truthful insight into what it is to be a woman and women's place in society that is it much more than just a film. Any film that can still get you thinking about the issues raised days after you have watched it is something quite remarkable. I highly recommend everyone to watch this film when they get the chance.
9.5/10
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