6.6
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
The Secret Life of Bees (2008)
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Progressive
Viewer Rating
Rating: 6.6
Overview
Set in South Carolina in 1964, this is the tale of Lily Owens a 14 year-old girl who is haunted by the memory of her late mother. To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father, Lily flees with Rosaleen, her caregiver and only friend, to a South Carolina town that holds the secret to her mother's past.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Bias Dimensions
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Christianity: Positive
Overview
Set in South Carolina in 1964, this is the tale of Lily Owens a 14 year-old girl who is haunted by the memory of her late mother. To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father, Lily flees with Rosaleen, her caregiver and only friend, to a South Carolina town that holds the secret to her mother's past.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Progressive
Primary
The film is rated Left-Leaning due to its central critique of systemic racism in the Jim Crow South and its championing of female solidarity and chosen family as a means of healing and survival against societal prejudice.
This movie features a diverse cast, with its narrative deeply rooted in the racial dynamics of 1960s South Carolina. It explicitly addresses themes of racism and prejudice, portraying traditional white male characters negatively as antagonists, while centering on the strength and experiences of Black women.
Secondary
The film contrasts a rigid, fear-based Christian upbringing with a more compassionate, community-oriented spirituality that incorporates Christian symbols. The narrative ultimately affirms the latter's virtues of love and belonging.
The Secret Life of Bees does not feature any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or themes. The story centers on a young girl's journey of self-discovery and finding family amidst racial tensions in the American South, with no narrative elements related to queer identity.
The Secret Life of Bees does not feature any identifiable transsexual characters or themes. The narrative centers on a young girl's journey of self-discovery and finding family amidst racial tensions in the American South during the 1960s, with no elements pertaining to transgender identity.
The film is a drama focused on themes of family, racism, and self-discovery in the 1960s. It does not contain any scenes where a female character engages in or wins direct physical combat against one or more male opponents using skill, strength, or martial arts.
The film "The Secret Life of Bees" is an adaptation of the novel by Sue Monk Kidd. All major characters in the movie retain the same gender as established in the original source material.
The film is an adaptation of the novel "The Secret Life of Bees." All major characters in the film, including Lily Owens, Rosaleen Daise, and the Boatwright sisters, maintain the same racial identities as established in the original source material.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
7.2
7.5
Critic Ratings
6.0
5.7
More Like This
Progressive
7.2
Holes
(2003)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
6.8
Free Willy
(1993)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
7.2
The Prince of Egypt
(1998)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
6.7
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride
(1998)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
6.7
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
(2002)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
Center
7.8
The Jungle Book
(2016)
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
7.8
A Bug's Life
(1998)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
7.3
Antz
(1998)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Center
7.9
Tarzan
(1999)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Low
Progressive
8.0
Nimona
(2023)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Female Combat: Yes
Leans Progressive
7.3
Girls Trip
(2017)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
7.9
The Woman King
(2022)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
Female Combat: Yes
Leans Progressive
7.6
Love & Basketball
(2000)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
6.6
Respect
(2021)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
7.7
Hairspray
(2007)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
8.2
Moana
(2016)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
6.9
Hostiles
(2017)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
6.7
The Wild Thornberrys Movie
(2002)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
8.3
Toy Story 4
(2019)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Neutral
Female Combat: Yes
Center
7.0
Puss in Boots
(2011)
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
Female Combat: Yes