The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023 - Issue 33

bitefilms he 1985 American epic coming-of-age period drama directed by Steven Spielberg gets a musical film reboot. Blitz Bazawule directs the new bold take on the beloved classic, produced by Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, Quincy Jones, who scored the original and Oprah Winfrey, who ini- tially played Sofia. The film invites you to experience three Southern women’s extraordinary and unbreakable bond, with one struggling to find her identity after suffering abuse from her father and others over four decades. Bazawule’s version, based on the stage production, injects immeasurable soul, sisterhood, strength, belief and truth into the film. Whilst physical and verbal abuse can be demean- ing and destructive, a renewed sense of being can rise out of the pain, anguish and anger. Speaking your truth and having support from another gives you the strength and determination to stand up to your abuser and declare ‘enough is enough’. It is more liberating when you escape from an abusive environment. Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks play Celie and Sofia, reprising their roles from the stage musical productions. Phyli- cia Pearl Mpasip is young Celie, with Taraji P Henson as Shug Avery, Colman Domingo as Albert ‘Mister’ Johnson, Corey Hawkins as Harpo Johnson, H.E.R as Squeak/Mary Agnes, Halle Bailey as young Nettie, Ciara as older Nettie and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Mama. Other cast members include Louis Gossett Jr, David Alan Grier, Tamela J Mann, Deon Cole, Stephen Hill, Elizabeth Marvel and Jon Batiste. The Colour Purple will be released in the US on Christmas Day, but the UK must wait until January 2024. Release Date: 26 January 2024 The Colour Purple