From NetFlix:

In 1960s Jackson, Miss., aspiring writer Eugenia Phelan crosses taboo racial lines by conversing with Aibileen Clark about her life as a housekeeper, and their ensuing friendship upsets the fragile dynamic between the haves and the have-nots. When other long-silent black servants begin opening up to Eugenia, the disapproving conservative Southern town soon gets swept up in the turbulence of changing times.

After viewing this film for about 15 minutes I was glued to my seat while cringing and steaming the entire time at the Southern culture of that civil rights era in the Jim Crow south. At first I almost decided to stop watching because surely those self-centered, empty-headed, racist Southern belles were only some caricature invented by Hollywood. Even so, just watching their superb performances was enough to set my blood boiling. That probably means the actresses were doing their job well.

Despite the tension throughout the film, I will spoil you only by saying that if you persevere you will finally feel happy.

Somehow I would like to know if Mississippi has changed (without having to visit Jackson). Mississippi is often cited these days as the worst state in the union. Here are just a few statistics from the US census bureau:

• Black population 37.0% (12.6% US)
• High school graduates (over 25) 79.6% (85.0% US)
• Bachelor’s degree (over 25) 19.5% (27.9% US)
• Median household income $37,881 ($51,914 US)
• Persons below poverty line 21.2% (13.8% US)

Baltimore has always been split between northern and southern sympathizers. In my childhood in Baltimore I had many racist friends and close relatives. Hence I need to avoid feeling smug about those “ignorant” southerners.

Kathy says the book, which I have not yet read, was wonderful. As far as this film is concerned:

DO NOT MISS THIS FILM !!!