Yesterday I was at the dance studio, picking up the girls. One of their friends asked what we were going to do. I told her we were going to see the movie, "The Help" with my mom and our friend. She said, "Oh ya....seeing it as a mother daughter movie is the way is should be seen.". I said, "Oh - you've seen it?". She said , "No - that's just what my friend told me."
I laughed, because this girl is nine. I thought she had a moment of wisdom, but she was just quoting someone else. How cute.
Truth was, I was excited to see this with my mom. First of all, I know she read the book (or rather, the book read to her on my iPod). Second, I knew she was excited to see it so she would probably stay awake through it (don't make me recount Erin Brokovich). And third, this took place in an era my mom lived through. The movie takes place in the 60s.
I had heard about the book from many people. Unfortunately, I read in spurts, so magazine articles are more my speed. As much as I wanted to read the words, I didn't see it happening so I downloaded the book to my iPod to listen to. But my ADD didn't help me to absorb everything that was going on with all the characters. My mom did the best recount. This story was right up her alley. Lots of people, a few secrets, gossip, politics, you name it. No wonder she didn't talk to us for six hours on our trip to Bass Lake. She was so wound up in Miss Hilly's business, she couldn't be bothered with our mundane conversation.
As we went to see the movie, I was a little concerned about the girls. Some of these movies, that have to do with trouble ties can be graphic and scary. As I knew we were talking about servants in the south, I was aware that respect wasn't a priority for some folks. But I took the girls anyway, because we can't change the past, so if nothing else, this could be a history lesson.
First thing they noticed was that sixties hair. Big and stiff! I had to explain what would happen to hairspray if it got too close to a cigarette, but beyond that, we were fine.
The movie was laid out so well. The characters were rich and real. I could connect with, or truly hate every one of them. It was emotional, heartwarming, heart wrenching, and finger biting. I was transported back, and I was with Abilene.
It was such a tumultuous time. Not long ago, yet worlds away from where we are today. It takes courage to move forward sometimes. But this isn't about one person...it is about a race of people who were thought to be inferior, and were treated as such. Those who moved forward with their courage were shot....or even worse. Ignorance is a terrible thing.
I left the movie with emotions stirred up in my soul. Feel blessed....and a little disgusted...but touched.
There was a lot of courage in this movie. And soooo many lessons.
I know my kids didn't totally get it. But I can certainly reflect on the many characters with them and the choices they made.
They got a glimpse of history. At one scene in particular, I held my breath, and started crying. My kids totally didn't get it. I explained the best I could, but I can only do so much when getting absorbed in a movie. But at the same time, I wanted this to be informative for them, because I knew much of it was over their heads.
I definitely want to see it again. Alone. But it was really great asking mom what she thought. she loved it. It was like her gossip columns in 3D.
I asked her if she remembered those times, and she said she did. But as she came from Pennsylvania, it was not the same there. In Pennsylvania, the Irish (my Grandparents, straight off the old sod) were having their own issues getting work. Apparently America was a very unaccepting and unwelcoming place! The funny thing is....we all came from somewhere, right? Crazy people!!!
Today, I am still feeling a little stirred. I love when a movie is thought provoking. I am taken out of my own little bubble and transported to another time, feeling someone else's pain.....and joy.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely!
Bring your mother!
Happy Saturday
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