Big, brash, and brazenly sentimental, this 2023 film is an emotional musical extravaganza that not only honors Alice Walker's classic novel and Steven Spielberg's meticulous adaptation but translates the hit Broadway musical version into its own cinematic terms. Even though she played the role of Celie to great acclaim onstage, Fantasia Barrino becomes a revelation here as the story progresses, giving a raw performance wrapped around her considerable pipes. Phylicia Pearl Mpasi is superb as the younger Celie, and as Nettie, the charismatic Halle Bailey proves her "Little Mermaid" turn was no fluke. It's Celie's journey from desperate abandonment to successful entrepreneur that the movie chronicles in unblinking detail. Unintimidated by Spielberg's work, director Blitz Bazawule does an admirable job coordinating the various elements of the storyline even if the choreography sometimes feels more energetic than resonant. A trio of veterans provide powerful work here - a confidently sultry Taraji P. Henson with an unexpectedly powerful singing voice as Shug, Colman Domingo astonishing in his range as the venal Mister, and Danielle Brooks who steals all her scenes as the uncompromising Sophia. Although the musical numbers come from a variety of sources beyond the Broadway musical, the soundtrack is surprisingly seamless in its emotional impact, especially toward the climax with "What About Love?" and "I'm Here". Certainly long at 141 minutes, the movie manages to achieve its dramatic objectives. I was bawling by the end.