This adaptation of the Alice Walker novel was taken from the Broadway musical, even though this reworking omits numerous songs and adds some new ones. It revolves around Celie (Fantasia Barrino) who overcomes the abusive men in her life thru the strength of her relationships with other women. This film is full of powerhouse performances with voices to match. In addition to the musical flights of fantasy, director Blitz Bazawule has staged the numbers with glorious energy and inventive choreography. The gorgeous cinematography is richly realized. The characters are drawn in broad strokes, but they manage to find depth in their hardships and joy in their triumphs. Overall, this is a beautifully crafted and richly realized new version of Walker’s classic. 
(4.5 / 5)