The Secret Life of Bees (2008)

The Secret Life of Bees Poster

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, Lily flees with Rosaleen, her caregiver and only friend, to a South Carolina town that holds the secret to her mother's past.

Overview
"The Secret Life of Bees" is a 2008 movie adjustment of Sue Monk Kidd's unique, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. Embed in the American South in 1964, the height of the civil rights motion, the film focuses around Lily Owens, a 14-year-old woman who is haunted by the memory of her late mother.

Run-throughs
The movie starts with Lily's daddy, T. Ray, penalizing her by making her kneel on grits. Soon, Lily's baby-sitter, Rosaleen, defends her, causing a difference with T. Ray. Later, Rosaleen is apprehended after a confrontation with racist townspeople. Lily, sensation prompted to take action, discovers authorities secrets and breaks Rosaleen out of the medical facility. This occasion results in Lily and Rosaleen escaping from their extreme environment.

Lily runs away from her house with Rosaleen, carrying with her just a photo of a black Mary, mom of Jesus, that when came from her deceased mother. The image directs them to a town in South Carolina and leads them to the house of the Boatwright siblings-- August, June, and May-- who are beekeepers selling honey.

The Boatwright Sisters and Beekeeping
The Boatwright sis are spirited, strong African-American women living an independent existence on a honey farm. They take Lily and Rosaleen into their dynamic home, and the signature honey produced on the farm is marketed under the name, "Black Madonna Honey". It is under their care that Lily learns more about beekeeping which likewise acts as a metaphor for life throughout the film.

The Revelation
While Lily exposes her past to August Boatwright, she learns about her mom's anguish in her violent marriage with T. Ray and learns that her mom left her behind with T. Ray. This understanding comes as a shock to Lily, however it brings understanding and helps her to handle her regret over her mom's unintentional death.

Conclusion
Ultimately, T. Ray locates Lily, however after a run-in, he leaves Lily to stick with the Boatwrights. Rosaleen formally becomes Lily's stand-in mom, and Lily lastly discovers a location where she feels at home. The movie ends with Lily stating that despite her mother's defects, she still enjoys her and forgives her, which suggests her coming to terms with her past and her readiness to move forward.

Styles
"The Secret Life of Bees" checks out styles of love, forgiveness, bigotry, and the concept of magnificent female power. It depicts the effective and affirming relationship formed in between a group of females. These relationships, in addition to the individual growth that Lily experiences, shed light on the essence of the human experience that goes beyond race or age and contributes to a sense of belonging and approval.

Summary
In summary, the film "The Secret Life of Bees" portrays a touching story of a girl's self-discovery journey amidst a racially tense era. With the backdrop of beekeeping, the movie explores the metaphorical parallel of a hive and a neighborhood. Ultimately, the film represents how shared sorrow, understanding, and female friendship can provide recovery and learning in the course of acknowledging one's past and looking ahead to develop a peaceful future.

Top Cast

  • Dakota Fanning (small)
    Dakota Fanning
    Lily Owens
  • Queen Latifah (small)
    Queen Latifah
    August Boatwright
  • Jennifer Hudson (small)
    Jennifer Hudson
    Rosaleen Daise
  • Alicia Keys (small)
    Alicia Keys
    June Boatwright
  • Sophie Okonedo (small)
    Sophie Okonedo
    May Boatwright
  • Paul Bettany (small)
    Paul Bettany
    T. Ray Owens
  • Hilarie Burton (small)
    Hilarie Burton
    Deborah Owens
  • Tristan Mack Wilds (small)
    Tristan Mack Wilds
    Zach Taylor
  • Nate Parker (small)
    Nate Parker
    Neil
  • Shondrella Avery (small)
    Shondrella Avery
    Greta
  • Renee Clark
    Doll