The Secret Life of Bees
2008 · Movie · PG-13 · 114 min · ★ 7.5 · 59% critics
In 1964 South Carolina, a troubled 14-year-old runs away from an unhappy home with her caregiver, hoping to uncover the truth about her late mother. Their search leads them to a small town and a welcoming household that offers work, community, and a chance to heal amid the era’s tensions.
Based on The Secret Life of Bees
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2 hours to watch.
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Details
- Years
- 2008
- Release date
- 2008-09-17
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
- Runtime
- 114 min
- Critic score
- 59/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.5/10 (577 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a sentimental, coming-of-age drama about found family, healing, and growing up amid real social tensions; Not for you if you need fast action or constant excitement like The Pursuit of Happyness.
Pros: heartfelt coming-of-age themes; warm, comforting moments; strong sense of family | Cons: uneven pacing; feels rushed at times; some scenes feel awkward
Themes
- melancholy
- woman director
- shocking
- hopeful
Cast & crew
Dakota Fanning
as Lily Owens
Queen Latifah
as August Boatwright
Jennifer Hudson
as Rosaleen Daise
Alicia Keys
as June Boatwright
Sophie Okonedo
as May Boatwright
Paul Bettany
as T. Ray Owens
Hilarie Burton Morgan
as Deborah Owens
Tristan Mack Wilds
as Zach Taylor
Nate Parker
as Neil
- SA
Shondrella Avery
as Greta
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood