Dakota Fanning,
Jennifer Hudson,
Queen Latifah,
Sophie Okonedo,
Alicia Keys
... see more 
Gina Prince-Bythewood's adaptation of Sue Monk Kidd's novel The Secret Life of Bees stars Dakota Fanning as Lily, a 14-year-old growing up in a small Southern town in 1964. She is haunted by memories ... read more
Directed by: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Release Date: October 17, 2008
DVD Release Date: February 3, 2009
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Stats: 4,178 reviews
Your Rating
Flixster Reviews (4,178)
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December 23, 2009Good movie, sad, but not totally depressing. The whole cast are excellent, particularly Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson and Queen Latifah. I am not sure I would have wanted to go to the movies and see this one, but as a DVD movie, no complaints.
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July 13, 2009Dakota Fanning becomes teenage in this drama movie and delivers a remarkable performance... and what feels like the first where her screaming skills aren't overused. She strikes me as a young Jodie Foster... one who has just transitioned from child actor to real actress. I can't ... read more
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May 5, 2009In the hands of a more talented writer/director, "The Secret Life of Bees" could've been another "The Color Purple"; instead, it's a cheesy, forgettable movie.
Watch solely to witness the awesomeness of Dakota Fanning's mature performance, as well as the great supporting turns... read more -
February 24, 2009So Far the very Best film in 2009 that I have seen. Can't pick the best actor in this one. Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo should of all gotten awards for there acting in this one. A 1000 other people will review this film, bottom line ... read more
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February 9, 2009Very different is my first thought. I've been wanting to see this for quite some time, finally rented it. Dakota Fanning was great in this. The scenery was very pretty. All the other ladies were great as well. It's just a sweet story.
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December 27, 2008This is an engrossing movie. During the early 1960's, Dakota Fanning lives a damaged life with her father. In rebellion to what has happened to her and to her nanny, they leave him and move in with a trio of sisters - beekeepers.
This is a very powerful movie - if you are not ... read more -
December 12, 2008Dakota Fanning impresses me more and more. Not a bad story, but I think the handling of race issues was a bit contrived in the film-about-race-with-a-white-protagonist way.
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December 1, 2008Guys that are looking for a movie that they the can watch with their girlfriends without being extremely bored should consider The Secret Life of Bees. It's fairly interesting and not too sappy.
My only real gripe was with the women's fascination with the carving of Mary. It ... read more -
November 8, 2008The Secret Life of Bees, is such a good film with a great cast and a powerful message. This film reminds people that Love and friendship are blind to everything including color.
Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Dakota Fanning, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo all make a strong ... read more
Critic Reviews
October 23, 2008
Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer
October 20, 2008
Jessica Reaves, Chicago Tribune
Sweat and good intentions, however, will take you only so far. And they take Bees right up to the threshold of entertaining%u2014but not one step further. Full Review
October 20, 2008
Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor
The honey runs thick in The Secret Life of Bees, and so does the treacle. Full Review
October 17, 2008
Dana Stevens, Slate
It's hard to roll your eyes when they're full of tears. Full Review
October 17, 2008
Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine
The film is full of sweet, subtle touches. Full Review
October 17, 2008
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
Through it all, Fanning more than keeps up with the big girls. Full Review
October 17, 2008
Claudia Puig, USA Today
Those who were moved by the book are likely to find this adaptation affecting and emotionally satisfying. Full Review
October 17, 2008
Susan Walker, Toronto Star
Quite a bit of honey is applied to make the awful truths palatable, but The Secret Life of Bees curtails the sappiness with performances -- especially Fanning's -- that are grounded in reality. Full Review
October 17, 2008
Ruthe Stein, San Francisco Chronicle
Prince-Bythewood makes you care about the characters and hope they live happily ever after. Full Review
October 17, 2008
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
Price-Bythewood has encouraged fairly broad performances from these formidable actresses for characters who aren't terribly well developed in her script. Full Review
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The Secret Life of Bees
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