Driving Miss Daisy Reviews

More than meets the eye

This is a film about a lot of things - old age, relationships, assimilation and change. Some will say its too saccherine, or not a realistic look at the civil rights struggle, but they miss the point. Miss Daisy is part of a smaller minority within a majority; while not mistreated the way Hoke would be, she's still an outsider. It takes her until the end of the movie (and, since she's in her 90's, her life) to realize that she and Hoke are perhaps more similar than they thought.

I recall that Dan Aykroyd did the role of Booley for union scale pay, he was so anxious to play a serious role; it paid off handsomely, as Dan was nominated for an academy award. Tandy is wonderful, and I don't think it's humanly possible for Morgan Freeman to turn in a bad performance. Some have criticized Freeman for being such a subservient character, but they also miss the point of what it was to be an older black servant in the 1950's. A fine effort and a great family movie.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Quietly poignant...

A very quiet sort of movie that has probably dated a little in the 18 years since it was made. Unfortunately despite the always superb Morgan Freeman and Jessica tandy, I found the normally similarly excellent Dan Akroyd to be an annoyance in this, his accent was just so skew wift it became a burden. Not to degrade the film though, a steady rather than exciting study of advancing years full of thought and emotion. Definately worth a rent for a quiet night in.

Congealing sentiment

Afraid I found it patronising. Rather hoped Dan Ackroyd would turn out to be a villain. A time when black servants knew their place but had a sense of Inner Dignity. Hardly challenging to stereotypes. Watch Malcolm X instead.

A pull on your emotions

This film will pull on your emotions. Whether its the emotions effected by racism or the emotions of the a warm relationship that develops. This film is thought provoking. It shows perseverance wins the day and breaks down the racist barriers that existed in the 1930s, a great portrayal of the time. (racism shouldn't be there in the first place but it will melt your heart the way the film portrays their developing friendship).

Congealing sentiment

Afraid I found it patronising. Rather hoped Dan Ackroyd would turn out to be a villain. A time when black servants knew their place but had a sense of Inner Dignity. Hardly challenging to stereotypes. Watch Malcolm X instead.

Classic

I do love this movie, it moves slow, but enjoyable

Customer Review

This film is adapted from a stage play. It's subject matter is not very promising - the friendship between an elderly Jewish matriarch and her black chauffeur in Georgia between the late 50s and early 70s.

The action is very subtle and low-key, but the story holds your attention and presents a superb panorama of life in a specific time and place. One criticism I do have is that there are not subtitles, which makes it difficult to catch every word - especially with their authentic American accents. The soundtrack is very 1980s but captures the mood perfectly. A tender and beautiful film.

A lovely film

I thought this was wonderfully worked film about the struggle of minority groups in the fifties and the forming friendship between Hoke and Miss Daisy, If you find it boring you are mising the point

Driving Miss Daisy

What a great film! Really simple movie about a great friendship that developed from two very different backgrounds. A must watch.

gentle and sensitive

beautifully sensitive. done with gentle humour. Recommended!