“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.”

This memorable line from 2011’s “The Help” has gone viral and for all the right reasons.

Set in Mississippi during the 1960s and the Civil Rights movement, the film is about an aspiring writer determined to publicize the feelings and experiences of African-American maids, a notion threatening societal norms.

The very talented actresses, Emma Stone as the writer Skeeter; Viola Davis as the maid Aibileen; and Octavia Spencer as the maid Minny, play the roles of three extraordinary women willing to take steps forward for humanity, despite the expected risks.

Moreover, their improbable alliance instills in all of them the courage to surpass the boundaries that have always defined them and the realization that sometimes those lines are made to be crossed, even if it means bringing others head-on with the changing times.

The finished written project alters the lives of everyone in town forever.

This touching storyline, based off of the 2009 bestselling novel by Kathryn Stockett, was nominated for and won numerous awards, awards I feel are more than deserved.

While watching the film, I laughed, cried and learned.

And, its PG-13 rating makes for an enjoyable, inspirational and educational experience for almost anyone.

Many critics found it controversial, but what in life isn’t? Life itself is controversial.

In my opinion, “The Help” meets and exceeds all the qualities of being recommend-worthy.

It’s two and a half hours and a few dollars definitely well spent.

Rating: A

—Nadia J. Enchassi

Online Writer

To contact Nadia J. Enchassi, email onlinewriter@occc.edu.