The Help is a movie that would transport a person to those years when women started getting out of their shells and understanding their true worth. Although not a feminist film, it shows the way society used to think.

THE MOVIE The Help is about the differences between the African-American and the southern American high society people. Adapted from the bestselling novel of the same name, The Help actually delves deep into human relations. The film is set against the backdrop of the time when everything was changing about women and they were finally coming out of their shells. It was the time of Civil rights movement, women thinking beyond marriage, smoking cigarettes, having a career, etc.

On the other hand, the African-American groups were still subjected to inhuman conditions and even though they were not called slaves they were treated so. The story revolves around five characters, representing different parts of society. Skeeter is a girl, fresh out of college and aspires to become a writer but her family and childhood friend are appalled by the idea. She secretly writes about the lives of people around her and in a way lives her dream.

Aibileen is the third generation housemaid and has taken care of as many as 17 children. After so many years of service she finally finds her voice in Skeeter and in her small way defies society when she divulges stories from her life. Aibileen is dignified, quite and yet touches the hearts of people with her tale. Minny also represents the African-American community of those times. She is a no-nonsense woman, who doesn’t take anything from anyone. Mainly known for her splendid cooking she knows her mind and protests against anything wrong.

Hilly represents that part of society which has money and power. She believes that status is a matter of money and has nothing to do with manners and etiquettes. The fifth character is Celia, a simple, straight forward girl who tries to fit in. She is one of those people who are shunned by the society for no fault of their own.

All the five women together bring out a tale that is so simple yet touching. There are clichéd moments and clichéd lines, but yet an interesting movie that can be enjoyed on a quiet afternoon.