Based on the best-selling novel by Sue Monk Kidd, The Secret Life of Bees is a beautiful picture written and directed by Gina Prince-Blythewood. Just as with her widely acclaimed film ‘Love and Basketball’ Prince-Blythewood hit a ten and hats off to her perfect cast!

Dakota Fanning is a superb little screen gem! Honestly, is there any role this little girl can’t play well? Fanning is a seasoned professional and at age 15, she’s just getting started! The combination of Jennifer Hudson and Dakota Fanning alone makes for a priceless movie ticket, however, this film has more!

The always mesmerizing Queen Latifah shines as Miss August and Sophie Okonedo, who I first noticed in the 2006 ‘Tsunami: The Aftermath’ film, does an exceptional job portraying the aching May Boatwright.

Now spice it up with Alicia Keys and you got real flavah! Not to forget the wonderful Paul Bettany, whom, no matter how hard you try, you can’t hate. Bettany’s work has depth and his characters are always clear. No matter how haunted, dark or troubled the character, one can’t help but feel Bettany and understand him. Be he T. Ray or Silas, Paul Bettany is a champion of hearts. I like him more than cat nip!

Reminiscent of Shakespeare’s tactics, where even nature plays a role, the Secret Life of Bees is a beautifully written screenplay about young Lily Owens and the four women, who help her to her own two feet. The subscript is the eloquent comparison of human relations to life, work and circumstance to those of their nonhuman companions, the bees. I could not help but hold immense respect for all the characters, their well delivered lines and a truly memorable story. If there is one thing that I wonder about, it’s what month Lily Owens would become.

The genuinely strong characters of this intriguing 1964 South Carolina plotline, invite the viewer to the edge of the civil right’s movement; separate movie theatre entrances and all…

With the current elections at hand, no democrat can deny we have come far as a nation and I must stress, that if you feel you are still carrying some old 1964 dust on your shoulders, please, close your eyes and vote with your heart.

Cast:

Dakota Fanning … Lily Owens
Queen Latifah … August Boatwright
Jennifer Hudson … Rosaleen Daise
Alicia Keys … June Boatwrigh
Sophie Okonedo … May Boatwright
Paul Bettany … T. Ray Owens
Hilarie Burton … Deborah Owens
Tristan Wilds … Zach Taylor
Nate Parker … Neil
Shondrella Avery … Greta
Renée Clark … Doll
Sharon Morris … Violet
Nicky Buggs … Cressie
Jasmine Burke … Sugar Girl

I give it: Four Chinny Bini paws!