Movie spotlight
Cecil Gaines was a sharecropper's son who grew up in the 1920s as a domestic servant for the white family who casually destroyed his. Eventually striking out on his own, Cecil becomes a hotel valet of such efficiency and discreteness in the 1950s that he becomes a butler in the White House itself. There, Cecil would serve numerous US Presidents over the decades as a passive witness of history with the American Civil Rights Movement gaining momentum even as his family has troubles of its own. As his wife, Gloria, struggles with alcoholism and his defiant eldest son, Louis, strives for a just world, Cecil must decide whether he should take action in his own way.
Cecil Gaines, a wise and stoic African-American butler, serves faithfully in the White House through eight presidential administrations. As the Civil Rights Movement gains momentum, Cecil finds himself increasingly drawn into the political and social changes unfolding around him, forcing him to confront his own past and his relationship with his activist son. The film explores the intersection of personal life and national history through the eyes of those who witnessed pivotal moments firsthand.
The Butler received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its acting, particularly Forest Whitaker's performance, and its emotional impact. While some critics found the narrative slightly conventional or too broad in its historical scope, the film was widely commended for its powerful portrayal of the Civil Rights era and its exploration of race relations in America through the unique lens of White House service.
Praised for its powerful performances, especially from Forest Whitaker, and its moving exploration of American history.
The film effectively conveys the emotional weight of the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of a White House butler.
While ambitious in scope, some found the narrative to be somewhat formulaic.
Google audience: Audience reviews frequently highlight the film's compelling story, strong acting, and its ability to evoke emotional responses. Viewers appreciated the historical context and the character development, finding it both educational and inspiring.
Nominated for multiple awards including a Golden Globe for Best Actor for Forest Whitaker and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Oprah Winfrey.
The film's original title was simply 'The Butler,' but it was changed to 'Lee Daniels' The Butler' after a lawsuit was filed by a documentary filmmaker who had previously released a film titled 'The Butler'.
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I was in a mood for a Robin Williams movie. I hadn't heard of this one and it was streaming free. While Williams had only a small role as Eisenhower this movie was amazimg: thought provoking and tear jerking. Probably not the best for a 5:3...
We begin with some brutality at the hands of a character (Alex Pettyfer) who believes that the negroes on their cotton plantation are, quite literally, worthless. He rapes a woman then murders her husband when he raises a very mild objectio...
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