The Color Purple
1985, Drama, 2h 32m
31 Reviews 100,000+ RatingsWhat to know
It might have been better served by a filmmaker with a deeper connection to the source material, but The Color Purple remains a worthy, well-acted adaptation of Alice Walker's classic novel. Read critic reviews
You might also like
Where to watch
Show all servicesRate And Review
-
What did you think of the movie? (optional)
You're almost there! Just confirm how you got your ticket.
You're almost there! Just confirm how you got your ticket.
What did you think of the movie? (optional)
How did you buy your ticket?
-
Fandango
-
AMCTheatres.com or AMC AppNew
-
Cinemark Coming Soon
We won’t be able to verify your ticket today, but it’s great to know for the future.
-
Regal Coming Soon
We won’t be able to verify your ticket today, but it’s great to know for the future.
-
Theater box office or somewhere else
The Color Purple Videos
The Color Purple Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Celie
Albert
Shug Avery
Sofia
Harpo
Old Mister
News & Interviews for The Color Purple
Critic Reviews for The Color Purple
All Critics (31) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (25) | Rotten (6)
-
Quote not available.
July 7, 2005 | Rating: 4/5 -
It is a great, warm, hard, unforgiving, triumphant movie, and there is not a scene that does not shine with the love of the people who made it.
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review… -
Unashamedly emotional, it either totally grabs you or leaves you cold.
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 4/5 -
Spielberg's first entry into cultural history is just as shocking as it is a beautiful story about self empowerment. [Full review in Spanish].
October 21, 2019 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
The movie filled me with disbelief and disappointment.
August 22, 2019 | Full Review… -
It's not the color purple we notice so much as the heavy hand of the filmmaker.
August 22, 2019 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Color Purple
-
Jan 12, 2021This is a rollercoaster - in terms of sweeping emotional impact, but also in terms of approach. Ultimately worth seeing as both a harrowing and tender look at many deep-rooted, everlasting ways that African-Americans - particularly women - were the glue in each other's lives, even if it leaves you longing for deeper dives at times. Though I have yet to read Walker's novel, I experienced some whiplash during the film, and while Spielberg's playful touch was at times tragically effective in establishing contrasts, I felt his influence more than the material demanded (Quincy Jones also assumes some responsibility with his score). I justly asked myself if this would've occurred to me if I didn't know who the director was and the answer was still yes. There are still several sequences throughout that cut like a knife. Yes, a grittier take could've fleshed out some more raw and vital emotions, free of manipulation, but I was still swept up in ‘Purple' on the power of the performances alone. Holy hell, Goldberg, Winfrey, Glover, and Avery are alllll undeniable.Marisol M Super Reviewer
-
Dec 09, 2011This was the first time Spielberg made a serious picture about serious issues of American History. Everything about this film is wonderful, production design, script acting, cast, direction; It just captures your heart! It was first film for Whoopi Goldberg whoose performace is direct stardom. Its a shame this got No Academy Awards, then again theres plenty of films that have that result, but this will always remain a classic!Luke E Super Reviewer
-
Dec 02, 2011The Color Purple is a beautiful and strong film that is driven by great performances and a incredible script. Whoopi Goldberg's first acting credit is phenomenal and watching her just puts a smile on our face, and the iconic dinner scene where she finally yells as Danny Glover is possibly the finest acting in her career to this day. Danny Glover is also great, he is cruel and really plays an evil role very well. The story has so many conflicts and yet we still see the film as beautiful, but with so many conflicts why do we see it as beautiful? It's because the main character is a beautiful woman on the inside and never loses hope, and her relationship with her sister is a truly beautiful character study. I see beauty in this film and the characters, and the actors fill the characters perfectly and make them their own. I loved the setting and the costumes, it really all had an innocent feel to it. The Color Purple is one of Steven Spielberg's most personal films as he shows cruelty and racism at its worst, and its just another reminder that Spielberg is one of cinema's greatest visionary's.Bradley W Super Reviewer
-
Aug 22, 2011The Color Purple is a very touching and lovingly-made film from Steven Spielberg that captures the life of Southern black women in the years 1909 through 1949 and is both poignant and emotionally moving as well as disturbing at times. The film follow Whoopi Goldberg's character Celie who is basically a servant and sex slave to her abusive (emotionally and physically) husband who separates her from her sister who was her rock. Over the course of the film we see Celie grow from a scared and timid girl to a strong and independent woman and one who is filled with passion and perseverance! The film is a little over 2 and a half hours but is filled with such great performances from Glover, Goldberg and Winfrey as well as the supporting cast that there is no wasted screen time and while it falters in a few moments, makes up for it with such loving care in the way it is filmed and enacted that you simply forgive it's faults.Chris B Super Reviewer
The Color Purple Quotes
| Sofia: | Sat in that jail, I sat in that jail till near about done rot to death. I know what it's like who wanna go somewhere and can't. I know what it's like who wanna sing... and have 'em beat outta ya. I wanna thank you, Miss Celie, for everything you've done for me. I remember that day in the store with Miss Millie - I'm feelin' real down, I'm feelin' mighty bad. And when I see you - I know that there is a God. I know that there is a God |
| Sofia: | Sat in that jail, I sat in that jail till near about done rot to death. I know what it's like who wanna go somewhere and can't. I know what it's like who wanna sing... and have 'em beat outta ya. I wanna thank you, Miss Celie, for everything you've done for me. I remember that day in the store with Miss Millie - I'm feelin' real down, I'm feelin' mighty bad. And when I see you - I know that there is a God. I know that there is a God. |
| Sofia: | All my life I had to fight. I had to fight my daddy. I had to fight my uncles. I had to fight my brothers. A girl child ain't safe in a family of men, but I ain't never thought I'd have to fight in my own house! I love Harpo, God knows I do. But I'll kill him dead before I let him beat me. |
| Sofia: | Sophia's home... Things are gonna change 'round here... |
| Sofia: | Sophia's home.Things are gonna change 'round here. |
| Celie: | The jail you plan for me who's the one you're gonna rot in. |
Verified