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Before talking about the film Diary of a Mad Black
Woman, a few things have to be said about the writer, main actor
(three roles) and director Tyler Perry.
For the past ten years Tyler Perry has produced
a series of plays, some of which are now out on DVD, with outstanding
stories and music. He is a Christian and he puts a definite Christian
message in all of his work. While aimed largely at African American
audiences, it is an effort that relates to all races and ages.
Tyler’s popularity was such that FOX offered him
a weekly show at a salary that would have tempted even a Bill Cosby.
However, when he was told that his series could not mention Jesus
Christ his reply was "If you don’t have room for Jesus Christ, then
you don’t have room for Tyler Perry."
So far only his one play, Diary of a Mad Black
Woman, ha! s made it to theatrical film and critics have not been
kind. Traditional critics that is. The film is now out in DVD and
the cover may turn off people who are not familiar with Tyler’s work
or with the main character who he plays, Madea. Madea is an outrageous
grandmother who is very vocal about her feelings and not afraid to
express them. In the plays it is usually her daughter who represents
the balance for Madea. She was missed here though she does appear
as a choir leader.
Unfortunately in the making of the movie many of
the regular cast members were left out and despite the film having
an excellent cast, there is far less music than in the stage plays.
The following has been taken from several Christian
reviewers (unnamed) on the net.
"The Diary of a Mad Black Woman is the story
of Helen (Kimberly Elise) whose world falls apart when her husband
of 18 years replaces her with anoth! er woman. Helen has been the
faithful and devoted wife of Charles (Steve Harris), supporting and
encouraging him on his rise to becoming one of the most successful
lawyers in the city. Helen turns to her grandmother, Madea (played
broadly by Tyler Perry). Through the support of her family, including
her cousin, Brian (also Tyler Perry) and her mother (the wonderful
Cicely Tyson), and through a relationship with a friend of the family,
Orlando (Shemar Moore), Helen learns to forgive and find real love.
Diary conveys a wonderful, powerful message about forgiveness,
redemption, and restoration.‘There
is also a moderate level of violence in the movie, including many
instances of abuse and several threats made with a gun. A major character
is shot in the movie, although no blood is shown. The violence is
not very graphic, but somewhat intense."
"There is no sex or nudity, although sex is discussed,
but not in a vulgar way. There is drug use — both Joe (also played
by Tyler) and Deborah, Brian's estranged wife. Joe is shown smoking
marijuana, and Deborah is obviously strung out for much of the movie.
The character of Madea is played by a man, Tyler Perry (who is also
the screenwriter.)"
"Diary delivers an admirable message about
forgiveness. Helen is understandably angry and bitter over what has
happened to her and has a difficult time at first following Ephesians
4:31,32 - ‘Let all bitterness, wrath,
anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God in Christ forgave you’. In fact, Helen's rage takes her
down a very dark (a! nd somehow unbelievable) path for a while. It
takes the words of her devout, praying mother (and where would we
all be without those?) to help her see that holding on to her rage
is separating her from her own joy and hurting her relationship with
God."
"Overall, I did enjoy Diary of a Mad, Black Woman
I think the PG-13 rating is appropriate, although I would highly recommend
discussing the the movie with teenagers afterward. I would especially
discuss the abuse, infidelity, and drug use in the film. I would also
talk about how to forgive those that wrong you, and how unforgiveness
can poison one's relationship with God. Overall, this film has a terrific
message."
The most moving part in the film is something you do not see in Hollywood productions. Toward the end, two of the main characters, people who have sinned greatly against their families, stand up in church to repent and give their lives ! to Jesus Christ. Fred R .Eichelman, Ed .D.
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