The Secret Life of Bees

Set in 1964, Dakota Fanning stars as Lily Owens –a 14-year old girl haunted by her mother’s disappearance years ago. Without any real memories of mommy, or the tragedy that took her away, Lily treasures a photo of the woman, while persevering in her unhappy home with an abusive father, T Ray (Paul Bettany). On her birthday, enough is enough, so Lily escapes with her nanny, Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson), to the city listed on the back of that special photograph – Tiburon, South Carolina.

Will Lily find what she is looking for?

Will T Ray discover where she has run off to?

The Secret Life of Bees is a movie that knows exactly what it wants to be and mines that territory until you start to cry, whether you want to or not. Writer/director Gina Prince-Bythewood (based on the novel by Sue Monk Kidd) creates a movie that has so many well developed stories, characters and themes, you can’t imagine how any one of them could have been left behind.

On one hand, The Secret Life of Bees is a story about that one magical summer that changes everything and makes you believe anything can happen. Then, it’s a story about a mystical, special corner of the world that is so isolated the characters seem to be on some deserted island or another planet all by themselves. And, each character has a story you need to see to completion because you are so compelled by it and not seeing the end would drive you crazy.

In addition to all of that, The Secret Life of Bees has a fantastic cast. Fanning shows she is ready to be the next Jodie Foster as she moves from cute kiddie star to compelling young actress. While strong all throughout the movie, she has one amazing moment full of so much emotion that you know she is the real deal and will never think she will lose it as the cute little kid looks and mannerisms fade away to reveal puberty.

Jennifer Hudson proves she is not a one trick pony by carrying a role that requires no singing, but some of the best acting you will see from anyone this year. She makes Rosaleen into a powerful, lovable woman who earns the audience’s sympathy and support as she faces injustice and pain.

Unlike The Express which overly focused on the racism Ernie Davis faced, The Secret Life of Bees has the right dose. It’s an important part of the story, woven into each character’s experiences, but it is not their only experience.

The Secret Life of Bees is rated PG-13 for thematic material and some violence.