Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

It's no wonder to anyone who has seen "Driving Miss Daisy" that it received four Oscars. The script is wonderful, the acting impeccable, and the story, sweet and touching.

Jessica Tandy stars as Miss Daisy Werthan, a widow who is determined to be as self-reliant as possible. She's getting up there in years, but refuses to admit that she needs any help. While preparing to go to town one morning, she mistakes the accelerator for the brake and drives her car backwards up and over a hedge, landing in the neighbor's yard. This inspires her son Booley (Dan Ackroyd) to take matters into his own hands and hire a driver for her.

Hoke Colburn (Morgan Freeman) is more than qualified for the position. A former driver for a judge, he knows cars, how to run them, and how to keep them in prime condition. Booley hires him on the spot and warns him that he's in for a rough ride. Hoke is a good-natured man without a mean bone in his body, and he figures he can give it a shot.

When Hoke first arrives at Miss Daisy's house, she lets him know that he's not welcome and she doesn't want him hanging around. She doesn't leave the house for six days, determined that she won't have him drive her anywhere. When she does finally venture out, it's on foot. Not to lose this battle, Hoke drives the car two miles an hour alongside her until she finally does get in, but only to keep herself from being a spectacle.

Little by little, we see Miss Daisy loosen up as Hoke patiently reaches out with friendship. She's still harsh with him, but her toleration is rising. The relationship takes a turn when Hoke confesses he can't read, and Miss Daisy, a former school teacher, takes it upon herself to see to it that he learns.

We follow the story for a couple of decades as all the characters get grayer. By the end of the movie, Miss Daisy tells Hoke that he's her best friend, and we get a sense that they have both grown since their awkward beginning.

This movie is full of great dialogue and one-liners. We see the need for human dignity - Hoke's need to be respected regardless of his color, and Miss Daisy's need for independence regardless of her age. Younger children probably wouldn't be interested in this PG film, but it's clean enough that viewers of any age can enjoy it together.

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Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I am a stay-at-home mom, author of eight published books, a freelance editor, and the mother of four incredible children. I enjoy scrapbooking, watching good movies, and taking naps.

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