The Secret Life Of Bees (2008)

Set in 1964, a 14 year old girl (Dakota Fanning) runs away from her abusive father (Paul Bettany) accompanied by a black housekeeper (Jennifer Hudson) recently assaulted by a group of white men when she attempted to register to vote. They find refuge in the home of three sisters (Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo) who own a bee farm that produces honey. Based on the novel by Sue Monk Kidd and directed by Gina Prince Blythewood. There are those who find this film on the maudlin side but I found it warm and sincere. Anytime you deal with the subject of love and the messiness of its aftermath as well as its healing power, you're bound to find those who want something less lachrymose and more multifaceted. Yes, it tends to be simplistic in its message and perhaps painted in broad strokes but that doesn't make it any the less powerful. The five central performances are diverse and powerful, each character with their own distinct identity and place in the world. With Tristan Wilds and Hilarie Burton.