"It's about life. It's about love. It's about us."
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Margaret Avery, Oprah Winfrey, Willard E. Pugh
The Color Purple — Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
I'm poor, black, I may even be ugly, but dear God, I'm here! I'm here!
Context
Celie shouts this at Mister as she leaves him, driving away in a car to start her new life.
Meaning
The film's ultimate declaration of self-worth and existence. It is Celie asserting her right to take up space in the world.
Everything you done to me, already done to you.
Context
Celie delivers this line with two fingers pointed at Mister, cursing him as she departs the farm.
Meaning
A powerful curse that reflects the concept of karma. It signifies that Mister creates his own hell through his actions.
I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it.
Context
Shug and Celie are walking in a field of purple flowers, discussing the nature of God and happiness.
Meaning
Encapsulates the film's theological message: God is not a punisher, but a creator who wants us to enjoy the beauty of existence.
All my life I had to fight. I had to fight my daddy. I had to fight my uncles. I had to fight my brothers. A girl child ain't safe in a family of mens.
Context
Sofia explains to Celie why she physically fights back against Harpo's attempts to beat her.
Meaning
Highlights the ubiquity of male violence against women and the necessity of female resistance.
Until you do right by me, everything you think about is gonna crumble.
Context
Said by Celie to Mister during the dinner table confrontation scene.
Meaning
A prophetic warning that asserts Celie's spiritual power over her abuser. It marks the shift of power from him to her.
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