Overview: An aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960s decides to write a book detailing the african american maids point of view on the white families they work for and their hardships they go through on a day to day basis.

DVD Verdict: 'The Help' is excellent! This is how the story goes: At the dawn of the civil rights movement, three Mississippi women are about to take one extraordinary step. Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss and her mother won't be happy till she finds a husband.

Aibileen, a wise African-American maid and caretaker suffers after the loss of her own child. And Minny, Aibileen's sassy best friend, struggles to find and hold a job. Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk.

The cast led by Emma Stone (as Skeeter), Viola Davis (as Aibileen) & Octavia Spencer (as Minny) is excellent. The screenplay (based on Kathryn Stockett's novel) and directing by Tate Taylor (who also executive produced) is excellent.

The music by Thomas Newman is excellent. The cinematography by Stephen Goldblatt is excellent. The film editing by Hughes Winborne is excellent. The casting by Kerry Barden & Paul Schnee is excellent. The production design by Mark Ricker is excellent. The art direction by Curt Beech is excellent. The set decoration by Rena DeAngelo is excellent. The costume design by Sharen Davis is excellent.

This is an excellent film that is well-made and well-shot. This is a heartwarming and beautifully gut-wrenching film that hits your heart and mind to its very core. The performances by Emma Stone, Viola Davis & Octavia Spencer are terrific and Oscar-worthy. Another performances by Jessica Chastain (as Celia Foote) & Bryce Dallas Howard (as Hilly Holbrook) are great, as well. This is one of the best films of the year and was also one of the best films of last summer. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

The Making of "The Help" From Friendship To Film - (23:29)
In Their Own Words: A Tribute To The Maids Of Mississippi - (11:51)
Deleted Scenes - Five deleted scenes with introductions by Director Tate Taylor
"The Living Proof" music video by Mary J. Blige - (5:08)

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