The Color Purple
1985 · Movie · PG-13 · 154 min · ★ 7.7 · 76% critics
Spanning forty years, this epic follows a woman in the American South as she endures devastating abuse, racism, and bigotry. Forced into an increasingly harsh life, she clings to hope and seeks companionship wherever she can, all while dreaming of being reunited with her sister in Africa.
Based on The Color Purple
Also known as The Colour Purple
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Details
- Years
- 1985
- Release date
- 1985-12-18
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
- Runtime
- 154 min
- Critic score
- 76/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.7/10 (1,979 votes)
- Box office
- $98,400,000
- Budget
- $15,000,000
About
You’ll likely feel deeply moved by this sweeping, emotional story of survival and women’s bonds; Not for you if intense abuse and racism themes feel too heavy, or if you want a lighter, more streamlined watch like Fried Green Tomatoes.
Pros: powerful perseverance; emotional performances; unforgettable moments | Cons: very intense subject matter; long and slow stretches; mixed direction/toning
Themes
- prison
- rape
- sibling relationship
- jazz
- southern usa
- africa
- empowerment
- adoption
- abusive father
- violent husband
- jazz singer or musician
- letter
- +17 more
Awards & recognition
- National Board of Review Award — Best Film
- National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
- Academy Award — Best Picture · 1986 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Original Song · 1986 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Original Score · 1986 · nominated
Show all 12 awards →
- Academy Award — Best Supporting Actress · 1986 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Actress · 1986 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Costume Design · 1986 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay · 1986 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Cinematography · 1986 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Production Design · 1986 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Makeup and Hairstyling · 1986 · nominated
Cast & crew
Danny Glover
as Albert
Whoopi Goldberg
as Celie
Margaret Avery
as Shug Avery
Oprah Winfrey
as Sofia
Willard E. Pugh
as Harpo
Akosua Busia
as Nettie
Desreta Jackson
as Young Celie
Adolph Caesar
as Old Mr.
Rae Dawn Chong
as Squeak
Dana Ivey
as Miss Millie
Directed by Steven Spielberg