The Secret Life of Bees

I'm certainly not the filmmaker's idea of the target audience, but when it comes down to it, I surprisingly enjoyed this movie. Despite all my initial reservations, there was something about the film's poetics that resonated with me. Even on a second viewing after years, I found it strangely appealing, and I didn't experience a single dull moment, despite the laid-back pace. It left me satisfied. / Lesson learned: You can't break a wall with a glass of honey. (07/10/2022)

The petite, traditionally superbly acting Dakota Fanning, on the run from her abusive father, comes together with the ambitious, almost stubborn Jennifer Hudson (on the run from a violent and tendentious society) in the town of Tiburon in an attempt to learn more about her past. Together they form a disparate (if only because of the setting and time period in which the film is set) duo that gradually becomes quite intertwined with the fates of the three relatively peaceful beekeepers they find refuge with. Overall, the film is very emotive, which is certainly helped by the character of May, who is conceived in exactly this way. Perhaps because the film is based on strong emotions, I wasn't entirely impressed by Lily's confession during her conversation with August, which came across as rather spasmodic and could have been handled much better. But otherwise, I dare say that the film largely rests on Dakota and her completely natural and excellent acting. A likeable film that is definitely worth watching. (07/17/2011)