THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES

Year: 2008
USA: Fox Searchlight
UK: Twentieth Century Fox
Cast: Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo, Paul Bettany, Hilarie Burton, Tristan Wilds, Nate Parker, Shondrella Avery, Renee Clark, Sharon Morris, Nicky Buggs, Jasmine Burke, Emma Sage Bowman, Emily Alyn Lind, Addy Miller
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Country: USA
USA & UK: 110 mins
USA Rated: PG-13 for thematic material and some violence
UK Certificate: 12A contains moderate violence and emotionally intense scenes
USA Release Date: 17 October 2008
UK Release Date:: 5 December 2008

Synopsis

A touching story about the need for love, family and redemption, THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES explores our undeniable desire for a sense of belonging and the often daunting journeys that we must navigate to achieve it.

Set in South Carolina during the turbulent Civil Rights era, the home of the intelligent and independent honey-making Boatwright sisters (Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and Sophie Okonedo) is suddenly thrust into upheaval with the arrival of 14 year-old teen, Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) and her caretaker Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson).

Lily, a lonely teenager haunted by the guilt of her role in the accidental shooting death of her mother, escapes the peach farm owned by her embittered and widowed father (Paul Bettany), who shows her neither kindness nor compassion. In contrast Lily is now surrounded by the unexpected comforts, grace and deep rooted spirituality she discovers in the Boatwright home.

Lily forms a maternal bond with each of these women whose unique and special gifts help reconcile the loss of her mother. Lily ultimately comes to the realization that sometimes you must leave home in order to find it.