“Blitz Bazawule’s musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ hits the big screen on Christmas Day, starring North Carolina native and Golden Globe nominee Fantasia Barrino. The 2023 musical film is adapted from Gary Griffin’s 2004 Broadway musical which was originally derived from Steven Spielberg’s novel adaptation. It offers viewers an incredibly moving and profound narrative.

Critics propose that the film is a companion piece to the 1985 original Spielberg movie; it not only echoes its essence but also introduces noteworthy variations. One significant adjustment is the clear portrayal of Shug and Celie’s romance – a detail that was ambiguous in the previous versions.

Fantasia Barrino, who did not initially want to play Celie again, was undoubtedly the heart of the film. Her performance in the musical film, hailed as an AMC Artisan Film, is a testament to her impressive stage prowess and acting flexibility.

The transformation of ‘The Color Purple’ into a grand musical film highlights the evolving landscape of film adaptations. This trend can be traced back to earlier period; for instance, ‘The Flying Ace,’ a 1926 film directed by Richard E. Norman, well-known as a race film, showcased similar transition.”.