It's For "Colored" Girls, Ok?

I have one disclaimer before I begin on Tyler Perry's adaption of the chereopoem.For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf was written in 1974 by Ntozake Shange, NOT Tyler Perry (he also credits the author before and after the film). So if you haven't read the book, go read it before you watch the movie. It's only 80 pages long.Ok. Now lets begin. Firstly, I'd like to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the film. I've read the book (which in my opinion is a tough read). I've seen the play performed with actresses Robin Givens and Nicole Ari Parker. It was amazing! So when I heard that Tyler Perry was going to direct a film version of it, I was ecstatic.Even more so after I saw the preview and the CAST! Normally I would be a little bit skeptical with so many great actors/actresses in one film but TP DID that!!! How can you go wrong with accomplished leading ladies of the arts  Phylicia Rashaad, Loretta Devine, and Whoopi Goldberg? Accompanied by powerhouses Janet Jackson, Kimberly Elise, Thandie Newton, Anika Noni Rose, Kerry Washington,  and Macy Gray. And I love the fact that not only does TP shine the light on our talent but also on talent we may not readily recognize. How many of you thought Tessa Thompson was Angela Simmons?! Just me? Ok.Tyler Perry stayed true to the writing. I respect TP's craft because he didn't sugar coat Ntozake Shange's work. He creatively interwove the poems in the different characters speeches beautifully. If you didn't read the book beforehand, you were probably watching the movie wondering why they were talking weird.If you didn't notice, whether it was in their jewelry, make up or clothing, each woman displayed the color of their character throughout the movie.  In the book, there are seven women: Lady in yellow, blue, brown, green, orange, red and purple. Although TP added characters (again, he had to beef it up for film) and didn't match the poems with the same lady in the book, I still understood where he was going. Why? Because when each character in the film recited a poem, I instantly knew what would come next...because I read the book and saw the play.

Understand that FCG is a play, written by a woman, directed, filmed and interpreted by a man.

I think Tyler Perry adapted certain things to relate to the 21st century and also to be long enough for a film. But this material is not new. The issues he touched on have been going on forever. Women go through the same things over and over and over again. I think many people who don't like Tyler Perry or his films anyway went in already hating the movie. And at any opportunity to trash talk against him was a great opportunity. BacklashAnother movie about why Black men aren't sh*t. Not exactly. Again, as I stated before, TP did not write this. I don't know if TP is gay (and I don't care either) but he damn sure knows how to relay how we as women feel. TP shed light on controversial issues that our community likes to dust under the rug and hope no one lifts it up.Another movie for women to hate Black men. Not true! I don't think men TRULY understand what we go through as women. We.Go.Through.A.Lot. You hate us, we love you. You leave us, we never will. You hurt us, we'll forgive you. We've been doing it for AGES. Countless times. I don't think a woman can help having this caring nature. It is ebbed in us as women. Some men choose to abuse this knowledge. Granted, not all women are created the same but the majority are. At the end of the day, we want someone to love us unconditionally. No lies. No deception. I can't speak for all women but it takes a lot to break me down. At some point, that woman is going to say "I've had enough". And NO, not all men are like this so if it's not you, don't fret my pet. Some women do not know how to appreciate a good brother, this is true. I appreciate you and I'll continue to love and lift you up. Seek those that do that.THIS MOVIE IS NOT ABOUT YOU, MAN. Not once while watching this film did I think "aw hell, all men are dogs and I'm staying single for the rest of my life." Not at all. I believe this movie was for women. We are NOT united. I loved how TP either made all of the characters live in the same apartment building or someway, somehow, interwove their lives. This is how we should be. This wasn't about men. For once, we're not talking about you all. This was about a woman's movement that we need to start back up again. A sisterhood bond.I love my beautiful Black women but......this movie is exactly the reason why we've gotta change and get centered within ourselves before getting into thoughtless relationships. All in the name of "love".My two cents and a dime.

Ever since I realized there waz someone callt a colored girl an evil woman a bi*ch or a nag I been tryin not to be that & leave bitterness in somebody else's cup.