On its release in the USA earlier this year, this film attracted ever-growing audiences simply as word of mouth spread. The film follows five women scarred by traumatic events and deep personal pain through their journey to redemption, forgiveness and self-acceptance.

Set in South Carolina during the turbulent Civil Rights era, the home of the intelligent and independent honey-making Boatwright sisters (Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and Sophie Okonedo) is suddenly thrust into upheaval with the arrival of fourteen year-old Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) and her caretaker Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson).

“The Secret Life of Bees” goes on general release on 5th December and you can be one of the first to see it. Check out our cinema listings and book your ticket now!

Our resident film expert, Tony Aris, went to see the film and gives us his review of this touching tale.

Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Distributor: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Release Date: 5th December 2008
Cast: Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Dakota Fanning, Sophie Okonedo, Alicia Keys and Paul Bettany

Review by Antony Aris

The Secret Life of Bees is a beautiful and inspirational film based on the best-selling novel written by Sue Monk Kidd. It is directed by female director Gina Prince Bythewood who delicately handles the coming of age tale of a young girl in the Deep South who is trying to find the maternal love and guidance she has missed since her mother's untimely and tragic death.

The film features a fantastic cast of established actors such as Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo, Dakota Fanning and Best Actress Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson who help tell this wonderfully engaging and emotional story.

The Story

The film opens in 1960's America in the Deep South during the civil rights era and follows the story of Lily Owens played by Dakota Fanning. We soon discover that she has some belongings of her late mother including a ‘honey jar’ with a strange image of a black Virgin Mary and an address, which she believes is linked to her late mother.

After witnessing the racism of her era first hand with the cruel beating by racist thugs of her best friend and house maid Rosaleen (Hudson) she decides it is the time for them to run away together to this mysterious location in search of information about her mother. They soon discover the idyllic and tranquil home of the Boatwrights; a trio of successful black sisters who are the owners of the bee farm, which produces the honey from the jar and the strong symbols of sisterhood and womanhood that captivates and inspires the two young women. But just how long can this peace and tranquillity last?

This is by far a captivating and heart-warming film that at times is difficult to watch due to the intense performances and delicate subject matter. It balances well the idea of maternal love and female identity with the harshness of reality and the ugliness found in mankind.

The outstanding performances are Dakota Fanning's Lily and Sophie Okonedo's May Boatwright amongst a solid and excellent cast who make the journey so much more than waiting for the plot to unfold; it is the internal lives of the characters and their personal journeys that will have you transfixed. The film deals with some powerful themes such as the need for a mother's love, unconditional love, forgiveness and self-acceptance.

There is no doubt that the overarching themes of love and community will leave a lasting impression. Though clearly designed with a predominantly female audience in mind, this male reviewer was at times close to tears such was the impact of the performances and subject matter and if it wasn't a public screening would be reaching out for his Kleenex a plenty.

The Secret Life of Bees is a life-affirming film. On the surface it is well acted, well written and though it presents a more idealistic representation of 1960's Deep South USA than was the case, it sets the period and the issues of the time well. You will be moved and will feel the warmth of this movie – but don't keep this film a ‘secret’; go grab the girls and enjoy a great night out at the cinema which this reviewer certainly did.