Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Dakota Fanning | ... | Lily Owens | |
Queen Latifah | ... | August Boatwright | |
Jennifer Hudson | ... | Rosaleen Daise | |
Alicia Keys | ... | June Boatwright | |
Sophie Okonedo | ... | May Boatwright | |
Paul Bettany | ... | T. Ray Owens | |
Hilarie Burton | ... | Deborah Owens | |
Tristan Mack Wilds | ... | Zach Taylor (as Tristan Wilds) | |
Nate Parker | ... | Neil | |
Shondrella Avery | ... | Greta | |
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Renee Ford Clark | ... | Doll (as Renée Clark) |
Sharon Conley | ... | Violet (as Sharon Morris) | |
Nicky Buggs | ... | Cressie | |
Jasmine Burke | ... | Sugar Girl | |
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Emma Sage Bowman | ... | Young Lily |
Set in South Carolina in 1964, this is the tale of Lily Owens, a 14 year-old girl who is haunted by the memory of her late mother. To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father T-Ray, Lily flees with Rosaleen, her caregiver and friend, to a South Carolina town that holds the secret to her mother's past. Taken in by the intelligent and independent Boatwright sisters, Lily finds solace in their mesmerizing world of beekeeping. Written by Fox Searchlight Pictures
I surprisingly enjoyed the movie more than I thought and would give it a solid 7. It was well scripted, the filming was fantastic, and the acting was good - it was a very pleasant movie. I read the book, so I knew what the plot was about, so no surprises there (although I wish it included one detail that was in the book about the shooting). There was nothing truly spectacular or exciting to give it an 8 (but nothing truly spectacular happens in the book either, so the movie couldn't really change that), but nothing terrible/poor script/poor acting, which you usually find a bit of in a 6 or 6.5 stars. I saw it in the theater and it was the perfect "girls night out" movie. Also good for mother/daughter. Otherwise, wouldn't pay $10 to see it. It would be a great rental - see once and return.