Bridge and Scotch

Period films are not for everyone. Books made into movies are not always appreciated by everyone. But The Help is one of the exceptions where it's all the above and it's a win, a definite must see.

The Help (2011) takes place in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1950's during the starting of the civil rights movement. Jackson is a world that is stuck in the plantation ideal where mothers play bridge and fathers drink scotch at supper clubs.

And the children? They are raised from babes to adulthood by black maids. The children often form stronger bonds with their maids than their own mothers, and The Help tunes in on that.

Skeeter, played by a ravishing Emma Stone, is a fresh out of college wanna be journalist who stumbles upon a story that needs to be told. She was raised by a maid, Constantine, and understands both points of view of the high flouted white people and the plight of the maids.

Before we have only seen Emma Stone as Easy A, a slutty high schooler with higher potential, and as a sassy young woman in the rom/com Crazy Stupid Love lying next to Ryan Goseling. But now we see her in a whole new light. As a strong confident quirky woman who does what she believes in. And don't worry. We still get to hear her quirky awkward laugh.

This film has many levels. Like Shrek says "Onions have layers" and so does the film. On the surface level The Help is a heartwarming dramatic comedy that shows the human condition and relationships.

On a lower, below the surface level, it is social commentary on the civil rights movement on the time. That the issues about black maids raising white children is really about how black people were treated in society during that particular time period.

And yet another lower level is the true issue. This period piece is direct social commentary on the issues of today. Do we still treat certain minorities similar to how the black maids were treated? Do some white people still live on cloud nine, ignoring their children, attending galas to raise money for aids in Africa while Mexican "nannies" tend to their children?

This film hits home emotionally and it is also full of laughs. Emma Stone is enchanting, playing a woman coming of age and realizing her dreams. Aibileen is played nose to the nail by Viola Davis. Minny is played by Octavia Davis and is often the comedic relief. Bryce Dallas Howard plays a stunning "bitch" of a character and is really convincing as a conniving narrow minded control freak.

True, this film may be in a way a sophisticated chick flick, but I think it's message can hit home with anyone.

We need to follow the golden rule. Treat others as we want to be treated.