Beloved (1998)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film: 172 Minutes

Rated: R

Genre: Drama, History, Horror

Director: Jonathan Demme

Starring: Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, Yada Beener, Thandie Newton, Kimberly Elise, Beah Richards, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Albert Hall, Anthony Chisholm

IMDB Rank: 6.0/10

Part 1 Time: 94 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  78 Minutes

Where does the first part end? From outside, Paul D (Danny Glover) looks through a window shocked and guilt ridden, Beloved (Thandie Newton) dances on the front porch.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “There are flowers in the dark” Beloved states as she dances.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Paul D wanna ride with us? Langhorne (Anthony Chisholm) asks Paul D as they leave from the hog pens.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, at this point in the film we understand Beloved to be a reincarnation of either a good or bad spirit. But we are left with many unanswered questions, such as what Beloved intentions are with Sethe (Oprah Winfrey) and family, how will the Paul D and Beloved’s encounter impact future events, and who is Beloved and what is its purpose?

Which part is better? The first part of the film we are introduced to the main protagonists of the film Sethe, Denver (Kimberly Elise), and Paul D. We learn of Sethe’s past and the trauma that took place on the ‘Sweet Home’ plantation. We are introduced to Beloved a reincarnated poltergeist who has shown up at Sethe’s home. It is unclear at this time what Beloved purpose is? In part two, we are given the answers to many of questions presented in part one. As a whole the film should be watched as one, but due to part two shedding light on the purpose and origin of Beloved, part two is given a slight edge over part one.

Academy Awards: Best Costume Design (Nominated)