Review: For Colored Girls (Film) -- Directed by Tyler Perry
For Colored Girls is the 2010 cinematic adaption of playrwright Ntozake Shange's "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow is Enuf". The film is directed by Tyler Perry and features stellar performances from actresses including Janet Jackson, Kerry Washington, Loretta Devine, Tessa Thompson, and more! The movie follows the journeys of each woman as they live their day-to-day lives in New York City. Each of the women encounter unique challenges within their communities, their relationships to men and each other, and within themselves. The movie itself does not shy away from serious topics such as violence, sexuality, teen pregnancy, mental illness, rape, etc.
Each of the women undergoes their own journey. Not only do we as an audience witness the events unfold, but we are given a glimpse of what is happening internally within the women. The moments where multiple members of the cast recite poetic monologues which are directly pulled from the work itself are memorable. The cameras also use a variety of shots to connect us with the cast. One of my favorite scenes features Joana Bradmoore (Janet Jackson) and husband Carl (Omari Hardwick) during an intense, raw dialogue between their characters.
The acting is superb and a lot of the characters bring something of value that highlights the experiences that many Black Americans living in America encounter. While I appreciate the insights they bring, part of me wonders about the plot development. Some of the characters' stories don't get the attention or development they deserve. I feel as though much of the nuance and depth gets lost. However, I do think it was a pretty huge feat to bring as many beautiful women and their stories to the forefront of a film. I would argue that this story deserves its own limited TV show (with the option to renew for multiple seasons depending on how well it is received by audiences).
While the stories themselves focus on the interpersonal struggles that each of the characters faces-- one can find elements of the systemic barriers that they all face. Setting the story in New York City is a strategic way to show how diverse the experiences are even for the women despite them living in the same metropolitan area. As someone who lives partly in New York City, I felt myself empathizing with the women and the perils they endure.
One of my favorite quotes from the film goes:
Through my tears
I found god in myself
and I loved her fiercely
While it would be dangerously inaccurate to say that only Black women suffer and endure the obstacles that many of these women faced in the film, I do believe it is critical to appreciate the unique insights that each journey brought. To address the systemic barriers and obstacles that face Black women...it would be wise for us to understand how Blackness plays a role. We need to dispel the myth that Black women are a monolith while also recognizing how such a label impacts and produces patterns that unite them as individuals.
Watching this film has also inspired me to revisit the play that this film was based on. It was something I got to read while I was in university. It is worth revisiting though to say the least.
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