Return to 1999 Spring Index
Film review by Juleigh Martin and Loz
Sethe - played by Oprah Winfrey
Paul D - played by Danny Glover
Beloved is the story of Sethe's (Oprah Winfrey) dramatic escape with her family, from slavery in the place they know as Sweet Home. After a dramatic journey, during which she gives birth, she moves in with her mother in law. They have 28 wonderful days of freedom; then, on the 29th day the white men come back. In order to save her children from the life she knew before, she slays them all, apart from the youngest. The eldest daughter is the spirit living in the house.
The first fifteen minutes or so, are very promising, with the atmosphere charged to fill you with fear. Then, the whole plot seems to go out the window, along with the spirit of her daughter, and nothing else makes sense. There are too many flash backs and although they are supposed to be there to help you understand her feelings, they only confuse the viewer more.
Two hours and fifty-two minutes later, I found myself wondering, What was that all about? as I tried to ease my aching back out of the cinema's chair.
Personally, I would give this film 4/10.
page created: 1999-04-04