Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Release Date: 23 October 2008

There are certain themes I am wary of in films. Those of black identity usually lead to emotional exploitation, while themes of feminism are usually dealt with in a patronising way. And yet, as I sat and watched The Secret Life of Bees, goose bumps appeared that still haven’t left me an hour later as I write this review. I was at times tickled, at times genuinely moved to tears, and I came out of the cinema feeling wholly inspired. All of this was for one reason - Queen Latifah. Perhaps not the first name that comes to mind when considering female screen legends, but in those short moments on screen she has surely secured herself an Academy Award.