The Secret Life of Bees [DVD]

This is a superb film from start to finish it captivates and tugs at heart strings through out. It is about a runaway teen {Lily} and her caregiver who flee Lily's cruel father and finding solace and protection in a family of women who's faith and strength carry them all through the 60's racial tensions of South Carolina USA. They also farm bees and produce honey for a living. There's an underlying story that would likely spoil the film if I mentioned but Lily's father catches up with her and the story concludes there. Some reviews say it's maudling but I found it to be a balanced sensitively directed film.

This is the first review I've ever written, but a few minutes ago I finished watching The Secret Life of Bees. The book by Sue Monk Kidd was brilliant, and gripping from start to finish and you knew exactly what was going to happen to those two young people at the end. The DVD was just as good, and the actors seemed to just step out of the book, they were so well matched to the parts. There were a couple of moments where one saw how very intolerant and bigoted some white people were in America, around the time when things were slowly changing for the black American, and it wasn't comfortable to be watching that in a white skin. I wouldn't put any labels on this film - it's a good, heart-warming and, sometimes, sad story - which you are bound to enjoy.

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.

Enjoyable film that kept me interested but not on the edge of my seat. There are strong performances, particularly from Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson and Sophie Okonedo. Fanning plays 14 year-old Lily, who runs away from home to escape the domestic violence she is exposed to. Hudson's character travels with her after an altercation with some racists. The story is set in 1964 and uses the civil rights movement as an incidental backdrop for Lily's story. I don't want to give too much away but I doubt you will be surprised by anything in the script. I liked it but I didn't love it.

Lovely film. Happy ending

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.

Great movie.

Really enjoyed this film - I had read the book, which was excellent - and then bought the film and unlike a similar book/film purchase I thought the film was true to the book, interesting, enjoyable and had a lovely "atmosphere" about it. Good performances from all actors/actresses - Dakota Fanning was excellent. It was a very interesting and enjoyable film.

I enjoy this movie I thought it was good

Nice movie and great cast

タイトルだけだとストーリーを想像出来なかったけど、正義感に溢れた良い映画でとても感動しました。

J'aime l'ambiance de ce film et son atmosphère un peu pesante et j'ai trouvé les acteurs très bons. Bref, un bon moment passé devant une histoire prenante.

I first saw this movie on television. I was so moved by the story, I purchased the DVD immediately afterwards. This is a quality film with a phenomenal cast and carefully crafted script. The story takes place in South Carolina in 1964. The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of a fourteen year old girl, Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning), whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. Based on the critically acclaimed novel by author Sue Monk Kidd, this movie is sure to please. Order with confidence!