The Secret Life of Bees

About The Secret Life of Bees

"The Secret Life of Bees" is a coming-of-age drama, set in 1964 South Carolina, about a 14-year-old girl named Lily who runs away with her caregiver, Rosaleen, to a town in South Carolina where she uncovers the secrets to her mother's past. It's based on the novel of the same name by Sue Monk Kidd and was released in 2008.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who collaborated with the original author Sue Monk Kidd in developing the story for the film. The film was produced by Will Smith and his wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith, along with James Lassiter and Joe Pichirallo.

Actors

• Dakota Fanning as Lily Owens: Fanning delivers a sensitive and heart-wrenching portrayal of a young girl grappling with the loss of her mother and her own journey to self-discovery.
• Queen Latifah as August Boatwright: Latifah immerses herself into the role of the wise and nurturing beekeeper who assists Lily in understanding the truth about her mother's past.
• Jennifer Hudson as Rosaleen Daise: Hudson expertly portrays the resilient and protective caregiver of Lily.
• Alicia Keys as June Boatwright: Keys brings a depth of character in her portrayal of the musically talented yet emotionally guarded June.
• Sophie Okonedo as May Boatwright: Okonedo brilliantly portrays the sensitive and fragile May who emotionally reacts to the pain of others.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film's title comes from the beekeeping practice August teaches Lily, which serves as a metaphor for the delicate balance needed to navigate through life's challenges and experiences.
• Actress Dakota Fanning, who plays Lily, really was stung by bees during the filming process. However, it helped her overcome her fear of bees in real life.
• The character of August Boatwright was so popular in the book that Sue Monk Kidd received letters from fans asking for her homemade honey.

Awards

"The Secret Life of Bees" was nominated for numerous awards. The cast won the Hollywood Film Award for Ensemble of the Year, and Sophie Okonedo was nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress.

Quotes

• August Boatwright: "Most people don't have any idea about all the complicated life going on inside a hive. Bees have a secret life we don't know anything about."
• Lily Owens: "People who think dying is the worst thing don't know a thing about life."
• June Boatwright: "The world is full of people who think their sin is the worst. But the worst sin anyone can commit is to take away another person's hope."

Music / Soundtrack

• "Honey" - Performed by Erykah Badu
• "He's Alright" - Performed by Keb' Mo'
• "The Gift" - Performed by Mark Isham