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I'm always wary when books, especially books I enjoyed, are made into movies. No matter how hard the screenwriter, director, producers and actors try to get it right it's rare that they do. It's an even larger feat for books that provoke powerful responses from their readers - a book like Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees. I considered going to see it this weekend but chickened out. What if they messed it up? Nope, best to wait and see what the bloggers say I decided. Well, opening weekend is over and the bloggers have spoken.
For those of you who haven't read it, you need to know that The Secret Life of Bees does not have half-hearted fans. As Suz says, it is "the kind of story that sucks you in". It sticks with you. Sarah Beth, who writes at Beach Babies, said that she couldn't get the characters out of her head and she kept wondering how they were doing. And I really love how Bean's Path described her experience with the novel.
It is the kind of book that describes the heat of the day in such a way that my skin warms up. When she talks about honey I can feel the stickiness on my fingers and when she describes the flowers the air feels heavier and sweeter around me. How do you translate that to a movie?
How indeed? But rest assured, Hands to Soul said that while the finer details of the book are missing, we wouldn't be disappointed. And one half of Two Blondes Walk Into a Blog thought that Gina Prince-Bythewood did a great job with the adaptation.
I had read the book “The Secret Life of Bees” a few years back and really enjoyed it, thus I had my misgivings about seeing the movie, as I’ve found movie adaptations usually don’t live up to the book (see all Harry Potter movies for examples). But I am here to say Gina Prince-Bythewood did a masterful and moving job with this film. She should be applauded for the performances she brought forth from her cast.
BlogHer member deegospel read the novel at an important time in her life. She said the movie was "heart opening". Simply Nutmeg found the movie cathartic, if not quite what she'd call "entertaining".
I’m unsure if I feel comfortable recommending this movie as I’m unsure my experience of it was an act of being entertained.
Have you ever found yourself in a place of heightened emotion, when just below the surface of hellos and fines and keep on truckin’ you’re on the edge of collapsing on the floor in a puddle?
[...]
Within the first five minutes of the opening scene tears were streaming down my face. It was that kind of beautiful movie where almost every scene leaves you aching. The characters were so genuine, the acting so seamless and graceful, the conflicts so plausible.
I think I'm sold, but must remember to bring extra tissue. I think I'll need it.
Contributing Editor Sassymonkey blogs at Sassymonkey and Sassymonkey Reads.
