The funny thing about life is that all of its lessons are never fully explained. Instead, a vast majority remain vague and open ended for self interpretation; and, with The Secret Life of Bees, I think this film profoundly explores that truth.
Based on the New York Times best seller, The Secret Life of Bees is not only masterful in what it represents but, from a sense of belonging, it [also] enriches the concept of “sense of self”. Naturally, we as human beings have this longing to belong and to be denied that is somewhat a slight against nature. To say we were dependent [as well] would be [somewhat] of a fair assessment but, then again, it is the actions of those around us that shape our lives. Therefore, in relation to The Secret Life of Bees, I think it’s fair to say that this film is the proverbial pulse for when it comes to human life. A pretty bold statement, I’m sure, but allow me to explain.
Based on the New York Times best seller, The Secret Life of Bees is not only masterful in what it represents but, from a sense of belonging, it [also] enriches the concept of “sense of self”. Naturally, we as human beings have this longing to belong and to be denied that is somewhat a slight against nature. To say we were dependent [as well] would be [somewhat] of a fair assessment but, then again, it is the actions of those around us that shape our lives. Therefore, in relation to The Secret Life of Bees, I think it’s fair to say that this film is the proverbial pulse for when it comes to human life. A pretty bold statement, I’m sure, but allow me to explain.
Set against a racially divided, 1964 South Carolina backdrop , The Secret Life of Bees is [essentially] about a young girl named Lilly (Dakota Fanning). Disenchanted with the life she leads with her father, Lilly seems more intent on finding where she belongs and sets out to do just that. Along with her black “stand-in” mother, Rosa (Jennifer Hudson); her and Rosa embark on a journey to find her home away from home and, along the way, life’s lessons begin to unravel. So much so that carrying a blurred memory of the night her mother was killed is enough to trigger an inconvenient truth for Lilly.
Now, being that I’m not one for spoilers, I won’t delve into what exactly that “truth” is; but I will say that The Secret Life of Bees is articulately masterful in it‘s approach. Not only is this story genuine, but it’s rich and sharp attention towards detail goes a long way and director Gina Prince-Bythewood is successfully poignant in capturing such raw, human emotion on screen. Not only is her take deeply satisfying, but it’s almost compelling to think that something this luscious could be translated from print to the big screen.
Whatever the case, The Secret Life of Bees is a must see and almost serves as a sign of hope. Regardless of who you are, we all feel desolate at one time or another and this film speaks to the universal longing to be loved.
Rating: 3 ½ inkblots out of 5
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