7.8/10
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219 user 78 critic

The Color Purple (1985)

PG-13 | | Drama | 7 February 1986 (USA)
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0:31 | Trailer

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A black Southern woman struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her father and others over four decades.

Director:

Steven Spielberg

Writers:

Menno Meyjes (screenplay), Alice Walker (novel)
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Popularity
2,308 ( 234)
Nominated for 11 Oscars. Another 14 wins & 12 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Danny Glover ... Albert
Whoopi Goldberg ... Celie Johnson
Margaret Avery ... Shug Avery
Oprah Winfrey ... Sofia
Willard E. Pugh ... Harpo Johnson (as Willard Pugh)
Akosua Busia ... Nettie Harris
Desreta Jackson ... Young Celie Harris
Adolph Caesar ... Old Mister Johnson
Rae Dawn Chong ... Squeak
Dana Ivey ... Miss Millie
Leonard Jackson ... Pa Harris
Bennet Guillory ... Grady
John Patton Jr. John Patton Jr. ... Preacher
Carl Anderson ... Reverend Samuel
Susan Beaubian ... Corrine
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Storyline

This film follows the life of Celie, a young black girl growing up in the early 1900's. The first time we see Celie, she is 14 - and pregnant - by her father. We stay with her for the next 30 years of her tough life... Written by Colin Tinto <cst@imdb.com>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

It's about life. It's about love. It's about us. See more »

Genres:

Drama

Certificate:

PG-13 | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 February 1986 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Moon Song See more »

Filming Locations:

Mentryville, California, USA See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,710,333, 22 December 1985, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$98,467,863

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$146,292,009
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Alice Walker may have had doubts about Steven Spielberg directing, but was at least partially convinced when she saw E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982). After seeing the film, she felt that E.T. was treated like "a person of color". See more »

Goofs

The shaving cream on Mister's face changes between shots as Celie is sharpening the razor and Shug is seen running to the house. See more »

Quotes

Squeak: Harpo! Who dis woman?
Harpo: Now come now, you know who this is.
Squeak: She best'a leave you alone.
Sophia: Fine with me.
Harpo: [to Sophia] You ain't got to go nowhere. Dis here my juke-joint.
Squeak: [to Harpo] You said dis here our juke-joint!
Harpo: Listen woman, can't a man dance with his wife if he wants to?
Squeak: Not if she a heifer!
[to Sophia]
Squeak: And not if he my man! You just a big ol heifer. Ha Ha Ha.
[...]
See more »

Connections

Featured in The 58th Annual Academy Awards (1986) See more »

Soundtracks

Don't Make Me No Never Mind (Slow Drag)
Written by Quincy Jones, James Ingram and Roy Gaines
See more »

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User Reviews

A Truly Magestic Piece of Filmmaking
13 October 1998 | by JB-8See all my reviews

I honestly believe that I became a Spielberg fan after seeing "The Color Purple." The acting is exquisite, the cinematography flawless and the powerfully gut-wrenching story is sure to make anyone forget they're watching a film. It's a shame that it was robbed at the 1986 Academy Awards. This film is highly underrated. Whoopi, for instance, is so convincing as Celie. You feel as if you've lived her life with her. Danny Glover, Oprah, Margaret Avery - all incredible. If you have not seen this film, you must. It's one of Spielberg's most poignant dramas. I'd say that his only "better" films are "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan" ... as far as dramas go.


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