The Help

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2:25

The Help

PG-13

2011

2h 26m

History

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

75%

Tomatometer

231 Reviews

89%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

In the 1960s Mississippi, Southern society girl Skeeter returns from college with dreams of being a writer. She turns her small town on its ear by choosing to interview the Black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent white families. Only Aibileen, the housekeeper of Skeeter's best friend, will talk at first. But as the pair continue the collaboration, more women decide to come forward, and as it turns out, they have quite a lot to say.

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Critics Consensus

Though it fails to fully engage with its racial themes, The Help rises on the strength of its cast -- particularly Viola Davis, whose performance is powerful enough to carry the film on its own.

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Shubhra Gupta

The Indian Express

03/29/2019

4/5

Yes it has drawn some criticism for not being authentic enough in depicting the painful disparity, but in putting rarely heard voices on screen and telling it in a story as regonisable as this, The Help deserves only praise.

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Anna Smith

metro.co.uk

08/24/2018

4/5

The Help is a somewhat light-hearted take on the relations between black maids and their bosses in 1960s Mississippi, giving a simplified yet well-intended story of Kathryn Stockettâ€™s novel for the big screen.

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Roxane Gay

New York Daily News

05/24/2018

At one point, Minny rhapsodizes about fried chicken and the solace of its preparation... I was convinced the movie was satirical.

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

10/17/2024

4/5

The Help balances the three lead voices wonderfully and molds a book-within-a-book plot that delivers as many tears as it does laughs.

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Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

10/10/2023

3.5/4

As a piece of entertainment, it works. As a historical document, its contents are too sanitized in an effort to avoid inflaming old tensions and that mutes its impact.

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Nadia Dalimonte

Next Best Picture

04/06/2023

7/10

While the narrative includes Black characters’ perspectives, the writing holds them at a distance, not providing more in-depth character development overall.

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Pauline W

@Paulwall May 24

Brilliant movie very well acted and directed. To the naysayers who say it doesn't depict the reality of black lives at the time, this is a movie not reality and the movie does its job of conveying a message while making it an easy watch and accessible to everyone. A must see.

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Chris B

@Papa13070 May 18

The Help is one of those movies that hits you right in the heart. Set in 1960s Mississippi, it tells the story of brave women pushing back against racial injustice, and it's full of moments that'll make you laugh, cry, and maybe even cheer. The standout performances are what really make this movie shine. Viola Davis as Aibileen is just incredible-her quiet strength and dignity steal every scene she's in. Octavia Spencer brings humor and heart as Minny, and Emma Stone's character, Skeeter, is a great example of how one person can use their privilege to make a difference. Bryce Dallas Howard as the nasty, manipulative Hilly Holbrook is so convincing you'll love to hate her. The movie balances heavy themes like racism and inequality with lighter moments, which keeps it from feeling overwhelming. That said, it's still a powerful story that shines a spotlight on voices that often go unheard.

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David D.

@FrostyXP Apr 22

Very good movie, I enjoyed the story, the humor and heart of the movie! I recommend this movie!

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Les N

@Vegas628 Apr 21

When you get past the Americanisms, it is a good movie.

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Mihad K.

@Mihad Apr 2

What a great movie. It’s a powerful blend of humor and heartbreaking history. Bryce really nailed her part; she played the villain so effectively that I couldn't stand her! Octavia is incredible as always—she brings such a strong, fearless energy to her character. And emma omg... just perfect

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Faisal J

@RT66279346 Mar 21

It’s very well done. Strong characters and some great performances. Absolutely loved it

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Tate Taylor

Director

Viola Davis

Aibileen

Emma Stone

Skeeter

Bryce Dallas Howard

Hilly

Octavia Spencer

Minny

Jessica Chastain

Celia Foote

Stepmom

45%

75%

Stepmom

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The Help: Trailer 1

2:25

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Synopsis

In the 1960s Mississippi, Southern society girl Skeeter returns from college with dreams of being a writer. She turns her small town on its ear by choosing to interview the Black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent white families. Only Aibileen, the housekeeper of Skeeter's best friend, will talk at first. But as the pair continue the collaboration, more women decide to come forward, and as it turns out, they have quite a lot to say.

Director: Tate Taylor
Producer: Brunson Green, Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan
Screenwriter: Tate Taylor
Distributor: Walt Disney
Production Co: 1492 Pictures, Harbinger Pictures
Rating: PG-13 (Thematic Material)
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 10, 2011, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $169.7M
Runtime: 2h 26m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital