Fragments (2008)

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”We trust in where things belong. Everything has a place. And believing in that makes us innocent. And through the days under the same sky, we hope, dream, and laugh.”
It was just an ordinary day in dinner. And then a shooter entered, shot several people dead, wounded others, and took his own life. Somehow the words “You are lucky – some kind of lucky” is of little solice to the survivors, those who witnessed the carnage.

The after effects, post traumatic stress, guilt, despair, loneliness, and faith take hold of the witnesses in different ways until each finds their own epiphany in the aftermath.

The masterful cast includes Forest Whitaker, Kate Beckinsale, Guy Pearce, Dakota Fanning, Jeanne Tripplethorn, Jennifer Hudson, Embeth Davidtz, Troy Garity, Josh Hutcherson, Jackie Earle Haley, Robin Weigert, Tim Guinee, James Legros.

Directed by Rowan Woods.

Run time: 1 hour, 36 minutes

Rated R for violent content, sexuality and language.

My personal rating: B

The Secret Life of Bees (2008)

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The Meaning of Family
When Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) was fiour years old, she accidentally shot her mother to death trying to help her fend off a brutal attack by her father T-Ray (Paul Bettany). For 10 years, T-Ray harbors resentment toward Lily for the loss of his wife.

It is 1964 and the president has just enacted the Civil Rights Bill. Lily goes with her beloved housekeeper Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) to town so Rosaleen can register to vote. On the way, Rosaleen is empowered to talk back to bigot who harasses her and Lily.

With Rosaleen in danger of prosecution on trumped up charges and Lily sick of the abuse her father doles out, the two escape and find their way to a small North Carolina town and are taken in by the Boatwright sisters -- the self-confident, strong beekeeper August (Queen Latifah), the stern June (Alicia Keys), and the emotionally fragile May (Sophie Okonedo).

Being in the household of sisters and learning the at of beekeeping, young Lily finally learns the truths about her mother and finds out what family really means.

Also appearing are Nate Parker as June's persistent but rebuffed boyfriend and Tristan Wilds as best young friends.

Adapted from a beloved novel by Sue Monk Kidd. Screenplay and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.

Run time: 1 hour, 50 minutes

Rated PG-13 for thematic material and some violence.

My personal rating: B