The Secret Life of Bees

Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) runs away from home, accompanied by her friend Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) seeking answers about her mother's death. Lily and Rosaleen soon find refuge with the Boatwright sisters, August (Queen Latifah), May (Sophie Okonedo) and June (Alicia Keys). Rosaleen helps May in the kitchen while Lily becomes August's apprentice beekeeper.

My Commentary: This is a great movie with a stellar cast, but make sure to bring a couple of tissues just in case because not all of this movie is the heart-warming love-fest that the preview makes it out to be. The story is set in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement and the conflict violently intrudes upon the lives of the characters. Ultimately though, the ending still gives you that nice, warm, satisfied feeling without too much saccharin-sweetness.

Rating: ******* (7 out of 10)