Classics: A Review of The Help By Lauren Ennis

It is often said that the pen is mightier than the sword. In the 2011 hit drama The Help, a group of Mississippi women learn just how powerful the pen can be when they take up their pens in the fight for civil rights. At once an indictment of the prejudices that tear us apart and a celebration of the bonds that unite us, The Help lends viewers an apt view into American history while relaying vital lessons that continue to resonate today. With its empowering script, inspiring characters, and engaging performances, it is little wonder that this film has become a crowd pleasing audience favorite.

The story begins in 1960's Jackson, Mississippi in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement. Recent college graduate Eugenia 'Skeeter' Phelan (Emma Stone) experiences culture shock upon returning home as she struggles to reconcile the modern ideas regarding racial and gender equality that she learned in school with the oppression that continues to dominate much of the American south. She eventually finds work writing a housekeeping column for a local paper, but longs to write something meaningful. In order to lend authenticity to her column she enlists the aid of local housekeeper, Aibileen (Viola Davis), and as the two get to know one another Skeeter realizes that the 'big story' she's been looking for has been right in front of her all along. She then sets out on an assignment of a very different sort; compiling a collection of the personal stories of the unique women whom those around her dismiss as 'the help'. Through this project, each of the women ultimately finds their voice as they use the power of storytelling to speak out against the injustice surrounding them.

While The Help is firmly set in 1960's Mississippi, its messages concerning the power of self-expression and community transcend both time and place. Throughout the film, characters from all walks of life struggle to find their own voice in a culture dominated by discrimination and conformity. Most obviously, the city's African American population are prohibited from exercising even their most basic of civil rights and are marginalized as second-class citizens. This discrimination is aptly shown in the depiction of long suffering Aibileen who poignantly states that "no one ever asked what it's like to be me". The film also highlights the consequences faced by those who spoke out against segregation in its depiction of Minnie, who is fired and blacklisted after defying her racist employer. Minnie's story also emphasizes the gender inequality that dominated the era as she struggles to escape her abusive marriage. Even such seemingly privileged characters as Skeeter and wealthy housewife Celia struggle against class and social barriers that leave them ostracized by their own community. While many films have depicted injustices past and present The Help stands out for its emphasis upon the ways in which its characters find and embrace their respective voices in order to rise above the various prejudices surrounding them. By focusing upon the characters' triumphs over bigotry and hatred the film presents a message of help and aptly reminds viewers that every effort, no matter how seemingly small, does make a difference. the film's depiction of its diverse heroines serves as an equally poignant reminder of the bonds that bring people together and the power that even the most seemingly powerless hold when they unite in a common cause. Even in the midst of portraying historical events The Help offers powerful messages that remain every bit as relevant, resonant, and helpful today as they would have been during the Civil Rights Movement.

The film transports viewers into the heart of the Civil Rights movement era south thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Bryce Dallas Howard is wonderfully wicked as local mean girl turned society maven Hilly. Jessica Chastain conveys an infectious charm and aching vulnerability worth of Marilyn Monroe as wrongfully maligned town bombshell Celia. Viola Davis personified dignity and resilience in her portrayal of persevering Aibileen. Octavia Spencer is at once inspiring and uproarious as Aibileen's best friend, straight-talking Minnie. Emma Stone makes for a heroine that viewers can relate to as well as root for as she portrays Skeeter's journey of self-discovery with depth, intelligence, and sincere emotion.

At the film's conclusion Aibileen notes, "God says that we have to love our enemies. It's hard, but we can start by telling the truth'. At its heart, The Help is a story about the truth; both facing it and sharing it with others. Through its intelligent script and engaging performances the film reminds viewers of some of the most difficult truths in our nation's past while also sharing how those truths continue to apply to us today. For a film that will have you laughing, crying, and maybe even reaching for your own pen, ring for The Help.