"It's about life. It's about love. It's about us."
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!
— Celie
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.
— Celie
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.
— Shug Avery
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.
— Sofia
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.
— Celie
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.