Feel-good but don't forget the past

Rating: 9/10 (8 April 2017)

First and foremost, this is a feel-good movie. I love feel-good movies and this left me feeling good with emotional twinges of happiness verging on tears of joy. You'll feel better and uplifted after watching it, and possibly ashamed of certain aspects of America's past.
Because it's also a story of prejudice and segregation and the inhumanity - and, let's face it, downright stupid ignorance - of man to fellow man, and woman and African-American women in particular. And, yes, even though it takes place in the 1960s, it's about the inherent arrogance and stupidity of men so nothing changes there! Makes you wonder how much better so many areas of life and business would be if women had more input or control.
The three stars - Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe - are superb and Kevin Costner is excellent although his role is hardly demanding. Kirsten Dunst, one of my fave actresses, seems almost to be playing a bit-part, slightly under-acting, but convincing as someone who, perhaps, changes their mind.
The best lines go to Spencer and Dunst:
Dust: "Despite what you may think, I have nothing against y'all."
Spencer: "I know. I know you probably believe that."
Badoom!!!
Yes, the director also had a hand in the screenplay but not solely and it was based on a book so if there were any indulgent excesses they were generally reigned in.
Throw in some info about the space race and this is an all-round excellent movie, well worth watching for many reasons, and family-friendly, too!