Driving Miss Daisy (A or 4/4 stars)
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, 'Driving Miss Daisy' (directed by Bruce Beresford) starts in 1948 & concludes in 1973; covering the 25 yr. relationship btwn. a wealthy, strong-willed, elderly Southern woman named Daisy Werthan (Jessica Tandy) & her warm Black chauffeur named Hoke (Morgan Freeman). Daisy, a 72 yr. old widow living in Atlanta, resides in her big house with only an African American housemaid named Idella (Esther Rolle). No longer able to drive, and much to her chagrin, Daisy's son, Boolie (a stellar Dan Aykroyd) hires 60 yr. old Hoke to take her around; to such places as her synagogue, & the Piggly Wiggly for groceries {great scene!}. Both of them are outsiders (she's Jewish, he's a black man in the South).
Hoke cannot get his head around the fact that 'Miss Daisy' is unable to change anything in her life; no less, get a grasp on the social changes that are striking the South at this time. Nor can Miss Daisy understand why Hoke & his 'people' are so resentful -- ignorance. But over time, Hoke slowly wins her over with his good graces. An ex-school teacher, Daisy teaches Hoke how to read. Their relationship begins to transcend differences. She starts to change some of her ingrained ways. She even gives a listen to a Martin Luther King speech. And it is only when 85 yr. old Hoke is finally retired & 97 yr. old Miss Daisy is confined to a nursing home that the 2 realize that they've both been each other's best friends & kindred spirits through the long years.
This film defines Daisy & her ever-changing point of views as Hoke (& to a lesser extent, her friends & family) alter her feelings on home life, religion, prejudice, fears, concerns, & happiness. There is great care given to the race relations in the story; intricate & subtle - as they should be. But 'Driving Miss Daisy' is ultimately a touching tale of a highly unlikely friendship. And it is exquisitely acted by the sharp, charismatic Lead duo.
Jessica Tandy - married to Hume Cronyn, & a movie regular since 1932 - knocks it out of the park as the quiet curmudgeon who finally lets down her guard in this warm-hearted, moving portrayal. She's a hard woman to change, but she does. There is so much compassion & humanity in her performance. And the same can be said of Morgan Freeman; who completely embodies that kindly old Southern black gentleman of over 50 yrs. ago. You feel like you know (or have known characters like Hoke & Daisy in your own lifetime). Their interaction, lessons, rough times, & good times are just a joy to witness.
To me, 'Driving Miss Daisy' is a Classic. It may not be for all audiences. Some folks might feel that it lacks bite, or aims to tell some sort of well-meaning message about morals. But I feel that it wholly thrives; both as a gentle comedy & a serious drama. The movie looks great (cinematography, period production design, costumes, aging make-up). The direction & writing are assured. And it's well-paced, as well; taking it's time to explore the characters & tell a fully fleshed-out story that spans 25 yrs. I could go on & on. Please check out 'Driving Miss Daisy'. I think you'll find yourself as rewarded as I was.
Hoke cannot get his head around the fact that 'Miss Daisy' is unable to change anything in her life; no less, get a grasp on the social changes that are striking the South at this time. Nor can Miss Daisy understand why Hoke & his 'people' are so resentful -- ignorance. But over time, Hoke slowly wins her over with his good graces. An ex-school teacher, Daisy teaches Hoke how to read. Their relationship begins to transcend differences. She starts to change some of her ingrained ways. She even gives a listen to a Martin Luther King speech. And it is only when 85 yr. old Hoke is finally retired & 97 yr. old Miss Daisy is confined to a nursing home that the 2 realize that they've both been each other's best friends & kindred spirits through the long years.
This film defines Daisy & her ever-changing point of views as Hoke (& to a lesser extent, her friends & family) alter her feelings on home life, religion, prejudice, fears, concerns, & happiness. There is great care given to the race relations in the story; intricate & subtle - as they should be. But 'Driving Miss Daisy' is ultimately a touching tale of a highly unlikely friendship. And it is exquisitely acted by the sharp, charismatic Lead duo.
Jessica Tandy - married to Hume Cronyn, & a movie regular since 1932 - knocks it out of the park as the quiet curmudgeon who finally lets down her guard in this warm-hearted, moving portrayal. She's a hard woman to change, but she does. There is so much compassion & humanity in her performance. And the same can be said of Morgan Freeman; who completely embodies that kindly old Southern black gentleman of over 50 yrs. ago. You feel like you know (or have known characters like Hoke & Daisy in your own lifetime). Their interaction, lessons, rough times, & good times are just a joy to witness.
To me, 'Driving Miss Daisy' is a Classic. It may not be for all audiences. Some folks might feel that it lacks bite, or aims to tell some sort of well-meaning message about morals. But I feel that it wholly thrives; both as a gentle comedy & a serious drama. The movie looks great (cinematography, period production design, costumes, aging make-up). The direction & writing are assured. And it's well-paced, as well; taking it's time to explore the characters & tell a fully fleshed-out story that spans 25 yrs. I could go on & on. Please check out 'Driving Miss Daisy'. I think you'll find yourself as rewarded as I was.