The Secret Life of Bees (2008)
| Theatrical Performance | ||
| Domestic Box Office | $37,780,486 | Details |
| International Box Office | $2,213,861 | |
| Worldwide Box Office | $39,994,347 | |
| Domestic Physical Disc Sales | ||
| DVD Sales (estimated) | $18,688,066 | |
| Total | $18,688,066 | |
| OpusData ID: 14980100 More info... | ||
| Further financial details... | ||
Metrics
| Opening Weekend: | $10,527,799 (27.9% of total gross) |
| Legs: | 3.59 (domestic box office/biggest weekend) |
| Domestic Share: | 94.5% (domestic box office/worldwide) |
| Production Budget: | $11,000,000 (worldwide box office is 3.6 times production budget) |
| Theater counts: | 1,591 opening theaters/1,630 max. theaters, 6.5 weeks average run per theater |
| Infl. Adj. Dom. BO | $62,914,252 |
Movie Details
| Domestic Releases: | October 17th, 2008 (Wide) by Fox Searchlight |
| Video Release: | February 3rd, 2009 by Fox Home Entertainment |
| MPA Rating: | PG-13 for thematic material and some violence |
| Running Time: | 110 minutes |
| Cast, crew, or production detail: | F-Rated, F-Rated, Triple |
| Geographical setting: | South Carolina |
| Plot point: | Bigotry, Child Abuse, Child Neglect, Coming of Age, Death of a Spouse or Fiancée / Fiancé, Dysfunctional Family, Revenge, Suicide, Widow/Widower, Young Child Dealing with the Death of a Parent |
| Subgenre: | Life Drama |
| Time period setting: | 1960s |
| Source: | Based on Fiction Book/Short Story |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Production Method: | Live Action |
| Creative Type: | Historical Fiction |
| Production/Financing Companies: | Overbrook Entertainment, Donners’ Company |
| Production Countries: | United States |
| Languages: | English |
Weekend Box Office Performance
| Date | Rank | Gross | % Change | Theaters | Per Theater | Total Gross | Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 17, 2008 | 3 | $10,527,799 | 1,591 | $6,617 | $10,527,799 | 1 | |
| Oct 24, 2008 | 6 | $6,051,630 | -43% | 1,630 | $3,713 | $19,324,821 | 2 |
| Oct 31, 2008 | 7 | $4,010,668 | -34% | 1,611 | $2,490 | $25,297,621 | 3 |
| Nov 7, 2008 | 9 | $3,089,467 | -23% | 1,481 | $2,086 | $29,902,363 | 4 |
| Nov 14, 2008 | 8 | $2,338,279 | -24% | 1,449 | $1,614 | $33,627,359 | 5 |
| Nov 21, 2008 | 10 | $1,264,991 | -46% | 1,095 | $1,155 | $35,638,795 | 6 |
| Nov 28, 2008 | 14 | $561,671 | -56% | 490 | $1,146 | $36,652,652 | 7 |
| Dec 5, 2008 | 21 | $217,469 | -61% | 432 | $503 | $36,994,417 | 8 |
| Dec 12, 2008 | 27 | $114,061 | -48% | 271 | $421 | $37,208,667 | 9 |
| Dec 19, 2008 | 39 | $49,479 | -57% | 141 | $351 | $37,320,137 | 10 |
| Dec 26, 2008 | 45 | $49,862 | +1% | 77 | $648 | $37,407,770 | 11 |
| Jan 2, 2009 | 45 | $62,044 | +24% | 84 | $739 | $37,525,311 | 12 |
| Jan 9, 2009 | 42 | $48,546 | -22% | 76 | $639 | $37,600,538 | 13 |
| Jan 16, 2009 | 49 | $35,294 | -27% | 58 | $609 | $37,656,903 | 14 |
| Jan 23, 2009 | 54 | $19,282 | -45% | 39 | $494 | $37,704,599 | 15 |
| Jan 30, 2009 | 58 | $10,175 | -47% | 18 | $565 | $37,723,101 | 16 |
| Feb 6, 2009 | 63 | $8,721 | -14% | 13 | $671 | $37,736,842 | 17 |
| Feb 13, 2009 | 66 | $10,531 | +21% | 15 | $702 | $37,756,747 | 18 |
| Feb 20, 2009 | 76 | $2,919 | -72% | 6 | $487 | $37,766,350 | 19 |
Daily Box Office Performance
| Date | Rank | Gross | %YD | %LW | Theaters | Per Theater | Total Gross | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 17, 2008 | 3 | $3,563,157 | 1,591 | $2,240 | $3,563,157 | 1 | ||
| Oct 18, 2008 | 3 | $4,391,964 | +23% | 1,591 | $2,761 | $7,955,121 | 2 | |
| Oct 19, 2008 | 4 | $2,572,678 | -41% | 1,591 | $1,617 | $10,527,799 | 3 | |
| Oct 20, 2008 | 3 | $696,072 | -73% | 1,591 | $438 | $11,223,871 | 4 | |
| Oct 21, 2008 | 3 | $746,994 | +7% | 1,591 | $470 | $11,970,865 | 5 | |
| Oct 22, 2008 | 3 | $667,519 | -11% | 1,591 | $420 | $12,638,384 | 6 | |
| Oct 23, 2008 | 2 | $634,807 | -5% | 1,591 | $399 | $13,273,191 | 7 | |
| Oct 24, 2008 | 6 | $1,785,661 | +181% | -50% | 1,630 | $1,095 | $15,058,852 | 8 |
| Oct 25, 2008 | 5 | $2,669,281 | +49% | -39% | 1,630 | $1,638 | $17,728,133 | 9 |
| Oct 26, 2008 | 5 | $1,596,688 | -40% | -38% | 1,630 | $980 | $19,324,821 | 10 |
| Oct 27, 2008 | 5 | $460,155 | -71% | -34% | 1,630 | $282 | $19,784,976 | 11 |
| Oct 28, 2008 | 5 | $531,108 | +15% | -29% | 1,630 | $326 | $20,316,084 | 12 |
| Oct 29, 2008 | 4 | $492,258 | -7% | -26% | 1,630 | $302 | $20,808,342 | 13 |
| Oct 30, 2008 | 3 | $478,611 | -3% | -25% | 1,630 | $294 | $21,286,953 | 14 |
| Oct 31, 2008 | 6 | $842,628 | +76% | -53% | 1,630 | $517 | $22,129,581 | 15 |
| Nov 1, 2008 | 7 | $1,970,278 | +134% | -26% | 1,630 | $1,209 | $24,099,859 | 16 |
| Nov 2, 2008 | 6 | $1,197,762 | -39% | -25% | 1,630 | $735 | $25,297,621 | 17 |
| Nov 3, 2008 | 6 | $363,154 | -70% | -21% | 1,630 | $223 | $25,660,775 | 18 |
| Nov 4, 2008 | 6 | $414,511 | +14% | -22% | 1,630 | $254 | $26,075,286 | 19 |
| Nov 5, 2008 | 5 | $355,020 | -14% | -28% | 1,630 | $218 | $26,430,306 | 20 |
| Nov 6, 2008 | 5 | $382,590 | +8% | -20% | 1,630 | $235 | $26,812,896 | 21 |
| Nov 7, 2008 | 9 | $878,446 | +130% | +4% | 1,481 | $593 | $27,691,342 | 22 |
| Nov 8, 2008 | 9 | $1,401,886 | +60% | -29% | 1,481 | $947 | $29,093,228 | 23 |
| Nov 9, 2008 | 8 | $809,135 | -42% | -32% | 1,481 | $546 | $29,902,363 | 24 |
| Nov 10, 2008 | 8 | $334,439 | -59% | -8% | 1,481 | $226 | $30,236,802 | 25 |
| Nov 11, 2008 | 8 | $538,293 | +61% | +30% | 1,481 | $363 | $30,775,095 | 26 |
| Nov 12, 2008 | 7 | $253,025 | -53% | -29% | 1,481 | $171 | $31,028,120 | 27 |
| Nov 13, 2008 | 6 | $260,960 | +3% | -32% | 1,481 | $176 | $31,289,080 | 28 |
| Nov 14, 2008 | 8 | $664,073 | +154% | -24% | 1,449 | $458 | $31,953,153 | 29 |
| Nov 15, 2008 | 8 | $1,078,373 | +62% | -23% | 1,449 | $744 | $33,031,526 | 30 |
| Nov 16, 2008 | 7 | $595,833 | -45% | -26% | 1,449 | $411 | $33,627,359 | 31 |
| Nov 17, 2008 | 7 | $170,467 | -71% | -49% | 1,449 | $118 | $33,797,826 | 32 |
| Nov 18, 2008 | 6 | $196,655 | +15% | -63% | 1,449 | $136 | $33,994,481 | 33 |
| Nov 19, 2008 | 6 | $193,048 | -2% | -24% | 1,449 | $133 | $34,187,529 | 34 |
| Nov 20, 2008 | 6 | $186,275 | -4% | -29% | 1,449 | $129 | $34,373,804 | 35 |
| Nov 21, 2008 | 10 | $354,064 | +90% | -47% | 1,095 | $323 | $34,727,868 | 36 |
| Nov 22, 2008 | 10 | $575,582 | +63% | -47% | 1,095 | $526 | $35,303,450 | 37 |
| Nov 23, 2008 | 10 | $335,345 | -42% | -44% | 1,095 | $306 | $35,638,795 | 38 |
| Nov 24, 2008 | 10 | $126,349 | -62% | -26% | 1,095 | $115 | $35,765,144 | 39 |
| Nov 25, 2008 | 10 | $161,022 | +27% | -18% | 1,095 | $147 | $35,926,166 | 40 |
| Nov 26, 2008 | 16 | $76,573 | -52% | -60% | 476 | $161 | $36,002,739 | 41 |
| Nov 27, 2008 | 15 | $88,242 | +15% | -53% | 476 | $185 | $36,090,981 | 42 |
| Nov 28, 2008 | 14 | $222,898 | +153% | -37% | 476 | $468 | $36,313,879 | 43 |
| Nov 29, 2008 | 14 | $226,319 | +2% | -61% | 476 | $475 | $36,540,198 | 44 |
| Nov 30, 2008 | 13 | $112,454 | -50% | -66% | 476 | $236 | $36,652,652 | 45 |
| Dec 1, 2008 | 15 | $29,381 | -74% | -77% | 476 | $62 | $36,682,033 | 46 |
| Dec 2, 2008 | 15 | $29,692 | +1% | -82% | 476 | $62 | $36,711,725 | 47 |
| Dec 3, 2008 | 14 | $33,934 | +14% | -56% | 476 | $71 | $36,745,659 | 48 |
| Dec 4, 2008 | - | $31,289 | -8% | -65% | 476 | $66 | $36,776,948 | 49 |
| Dec 5, 2008 | - | $60,591 | +94% | -73% | 432 | $140 | $36,837,539 | 50 |
| Dec 6, 2008 | 15 | $95,771 | +58% | -58% | 432 | $222 | $36,933,310 | 51 |
| Dec 7, 2008 | 15 | $61,107 | -36% | -46% | 432 | $141 | $36,994,417 | 52 |
| Dec 8, 2008 | - | $21,266 | -65% | -28% | 432 | $49 | $37,015,683 | 53 |
| Dec 9, 2008 | - | $24,686 | +16% | -17% | 432 | $57 | $37,040,369 | 54 |
| Dec 10, 2008 | - | $26,790 | +9% | -21% | 432 | $62 | $37,067,159 | 55 |
| Dec 11, 2008 | - | $27,447 | +2% | -12% | 432 | $64 | $37,094,606 | 56 |
| Dec 12, 2008 | - | $31,996 | +17% | -47% | 271 | $118 | $37,126,602 | 57 |
| Dec 13, 2008 | - | $50,225 | +57% | -48% | 271 | $185 | $37,176,827 | 58 |
| Dec 14, 2008 | - | $31,840 | -37% | -48% | 271 | $117 | $37,208,667 | 59 |
| Dec 15, 2008 | - | $15,121 | -53% | -29% | 271 | $56 | $37,223,788 | 60 |
| Dec 16, 2008 | - | $15,781 | +4% | -36% | 271 | $58 | $37,239,569 | 61 |
| Dec 17, 2008 | - | $15,607 | -1% | -42% | 271 | $58 | $37,255,176 | 62 |
| Dec 18, 2008 | - | $15,482 | -1% | -44% | 271 | $57 | $37,270,658 | 63 |
| Dec 19, 2008 | - | $13,538 | -13% | -58% | 141 | $96 | $37,284,196 | 64 |
| Dec 20, 2008 | - | $21,183 | +56% | -58% | 141 | $150 | $37,305,379 | 65 |
| Dec 21, 2008 | - | $14,758 | -30% | -54% | 141 | $105 | $37,320,137 | 66 |
| Dec 22, 2008 | - | $11,127 | -25% | -26% | 141 | $79 | $37,331,264 | 67 |
| Dec 23, 2008 | - | $11,734 | +5% | -26% | 141 | $83 | $37,342,998 | 68 |
| Dec 24, 2008 | - | $8,784 | -25% | -44% | 141 | $62 | $37,351,782 | 69 |
| Dec 25, 2008 | - | $6,126 | -30% | -60% | 141 | $43 | $37,357,908 | 70 |
| Dec 26, 2008 | - | $15,255 | +149% | +13% | 141 | $108 | $37,373,163 | 71 |
| Dec 27, 2008 | - | $19,260 | +26% | -9% | 141 | $137 | $37,392,423 | 72 |
| Dec 28, 2008 | - | $15,347 | -20% | +4% | 141 | $109 | $37,407,770 | 73 |
| Dec 29, 2008 | - | $12,848 | -16% | +15% | 141 | $91 | $37,420,618 | 74 |
| Dec 30, 2008 | - | $13,700 | +7% | +17% | 141 | $97 | $37,434,318 | 75 |
| Dec 31, 2008 | - | $9,533 | -30% | +9% | 141 | $68 | $37,443,851 | 76 |
| Jan 1, 2009 | - | $19,416 | +104% | +217% | 141 | $138 | $37,463,267 | 77 |
| Jan 2, 2009 | - | $21,862 | +13% | +43% | 84 | $260 | $37,485,129 | 78 |
| Jan 3, 2009 | - | $26,283 | +20% | +36% | 84 | $313 | $37,511,412 | 79 |
| Jan 4, 2009 | - | $13,899 | -47% | -9% | 84 | $165 | $37,525,311 | 80 |
| Jan 5, 2009 | - | $6,654 | -52% | -48% | 84 | $79 | $37,531,965 | 81 |
| Jan 6, 2009 | - | $6,622 | n/c | -52% | 84 | $79 | $37,538,587 | 82 |
| Jan 7, 2009 | - | $6,549 | -1% | -31% | 84 | $78 | $37,545,136 | 83 |
| Jan 8, 2009 | - | $6,856 | +5% | -65% | 84 | $82 | $37,551,992 | 84 |
| Jan 9, 2009 | - | $13,110 | +91% | -40% | 76 | $173 | $37,565,102 | 85 |
| Jan 10, 2009 | - | $21,861 | +67% | -17% | 76 | $288 | $37,586,963 | 86 |
| Jan 11, 2009 | - | $13,575 | -38% | -2% | 76 | $179 | $37,600,538 | 87 |
| Jan 12, 2009 | - | $5,421 | -60% | -19% | 76 | $71 | $37,605,959 | 88 |
| Jan 13, 2009 | - | $6,343 | +17% | -4% | 76 | $83 | $37,612,302 | 89 |
| Jan 14, 2009 | - | $4,468 | -30% | -32% | 76 | $59 | $37,616,770 | 90 |
| Jan 15, 2009 | - | $4,839 | +8% | -29% | 76 | $64 | $37,621,609 | 91 |
| Jan 16, 2009 | - | $9,050 | +87% | -31% | 58 | $156 | $37,630,659 | 92 |
| Jan 17, 2009 | - | $15,820 | +75% | -28% | 58 | $273 | $37,646,479 | 93 |
| Jan 18, 2009 | - | $10,424 | -34% | -23% | 76 | $137 | $37,656,903 | 94 |
| Jan 19, 2009 | 44 | $8,109 | -22% | +50% | 76 | $107 | $37,665,012 | 95 |
| Jan 20, 2009 | - | $5,932 | -27% | -6% | 58 | $102 | $37,670,944 | 96 |
| Jan 21, 2009 | - | $7,109 | +20% | +59% | 58 | $123 | $37,678,053 | 97 |
| Jan 22, 2009 | - | $7,264 | +2% | +50% | 58 | $125 | $37,685,317 | 98 |
| Jan 23, 2009 | - | $5,506 | -24% | -39% | 39 | $141 | $37,690,823 | 99 |
| Jan 26, 2009 | - | $1,995 | -75% | 39 | $51 | $37,706,594 | 102 | |
| Jan 27, 2009 | - | $2,058 | +3% | -65% | 39 | $53 | $37,708,652 | 103 |
| Jan 28, 2009 | - | $1,823 | -11% | -74% | 39 | $47 | $37,710,475 | 104 |
| Jan 29, 2009 | - | $2,451 | +34% | -66% | 39 | $63 | $37,712,926 | 105 |
| Jan 30, 2009 | - | $3,015 | +23% | -45% | 18 | $168 | $37,715,941 | 106 |
| Jan 31, 2009 | - | $4,728 | +57% | 18 | $263 | $37,720,669 | 107 | |
| Feb 1, 2009 | - | $2,432 | -49% | 18 | $135 | $37,723,101 | 108 | |
| Feb 2, 2009 | - | $1,121 | -54% | -44% | 18 | $62 | $37,724,222 | 109 |
| Feb 3, 2009 | - | $1,418 | +26% | -31% | 18 | $79 | $37,725,640 | 110 |
| Feb 4, 2009 | - | $1,238 | -13% | -32% | 18 | $69 | $37,726,878 | 111 |
| Feb 5, 2009 | - | $1,243 | n/c | -49% | 18 | $69 | $37,728,121 | 112 |
| Feb 16, 2009 | 60 | $1,579 | 15 | $105 | $37,758,326 | 123 |
Weekly Box Office Performance
| Date | Rank | Gross | % Change | Theaters | Per Theater | Total Gross | Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 17, 2008 | 4 | $13,273,191 | 1,591 | $8,343 | $13,273,191 | 1 | |
| Oct 24, 2008 | 6 | $8,013,762 | -40% | 1,630 | $4,916 | $21,286,953 | 2 |
| Oct 31, 2008 | 7 | $5,525,943 | -31% | 1,611 | $3,430 | $26,812,896 | 3 |
| Nov 7, 2008 | 8 | $4,476,184 | -19% | 1,481 | $3,022 | $31,289,080 | 4 |
| Nov 14, 2008 | 7 | $3,084,724 | -31% | 1,449 | $2,129 | $34,373,804 | 5 |
| Nov 21, 2008 | 13 | $1,717,177 | -44% | 1,095 | $1,568 | $36,090,981 | 6 |
| Nov 28, 2008 | 16 | $685,967 | -60% | 490 | $1,400 | $36,776,948 | 7 |
| Dec 5, 2008 | 19 | $317,658 | -54% | 432 | $735 | $37,094,606 | 8 |
| Dec 12, 2008 | 27 | $176,052 | -45% | 271 | $650 | $37,270,658 | 9 |
| Dec 19, 2008 | 45 | $87,250 | -50% | 141 | $619 | $37,357,908 | 10 |
| Dec 26, 2008 | 44 | $105,359 | +21% | 77 | $1,368 | $37,463,267 | 11 |
| Jan 2, 2009 | 42 | $88,725 | -16% | 84 | $1,056 | $37,551,992 | 12 |
| Jan 9, 2009 | 44 | $69,617 | -22% | 76 | $916 | $37,621,609 | 13 |
| Jan 16, 2009 | 46 | $63,708 | -8% | 58 | $1,098 | $37,685,317 | 14 |
| Jan 23, 2009 | 54 | $27,609 | -57% | 39 | $708 | $37,712,926 | 15 |
| Jan 30, 2009 | 60 | $15,195 | -45% | 18 | $844 | $37,728,121 | 16 |
| Feb 6, 2009 | 60 | $18,095 | +19% | 13 | $1,392 | $37,746,216 | 17 |
| Feb 13, 2009 | 65 | $17,215 | -5% | 15 | $1,148 | $37,763,431 | 18 |
| Feb 20, 2009 | 73 | $6,731 | -61% | 6 | $1,122 | $37,770,162 | 19 |
Lead Ensemble Member
| Queen Latifah | August Boatwright | |
| Dakota Fanning | Lily Owens | |
| Jennifer Hudson | Rosaleen Daise | |
| Alicia Keys | June Boatwright | |
| Sophie Okonedo | May Boatwright |
Supporting
| Nate Parker | Neil | |
| Paul Bettany | T. Ray Owens | |
| Tristan Wilds | Zach Taylor | |
| Hilarie Burton | Deborah Owens | |
| Shondrella Avery | Greta | |
| Renee Clark | Doll | |
| Sharon Morris | Violet | |
| Nicky Buggs | Cressie | |
| Jasmine Burke | Sugar Girl | |
| Emma Sage Bowman | Lily 4 Years Old | |
| Emily Alyn Lind | Young Lily | |
| Addy Miller | Young Lily | |
| Taylor Kowalski | Teenager | |
| Bob Hungerford | Frank Pose | |
| Richard Todd Sullivan | Mechanic | |
| Chris Moore | Posey's Buddy | |
| Bill Oberst, Jr. | Sheriff Gaston | |
| Cullen Dean Moss | Young White Policeman | |
| Walt Elder | Driver | |
| Dan Beene | Mr. Kirven | |
| Joe Chrest | Mr. Forrest | |
| Robin Mullins | Miss Lacy | |
| Tom Conder | White Man | |
| Jay Pearson | White Man | |
| Dan Cox | Sheriff Brooks | |
| Quentin Kerr | Police Officer |
Production and Technical Credits
| Gina Prince-Bythewood | Director | |
| Gina Prince-Bythewood | Screenwriter | |
| Lauren Shuler Donner | Producer | |
| James Lassiter | Producer | |
| Joe Pichirallo | Producer | |
| Jada Pinkett Smith | Executive Producer | |
| Rogier Stoffers | Cinematographer | |
| Warren Alan Young | Production Designer | |
| Terilyn A. Shropshire | Editor | |
| Ed Cathell III | Unit Production Manager | |
| Preston Holmes | Unit Production Manager | |
| Sandra Hernandez | Costume Designer | |
| Mark Isham | Music by | |
| Linda Cohen | Music Supervisor | |
| Ed Cathell III | Co-Producer | |
| Ewan Leslie | Co-Producer | |
| Aldric Porter | Assistant Director | |
| William G. Davis | Art Director | |
| Alan Hook | Art Director | |
| James Edward Ferrell Jr. | Set Decorator | |
| Leigh Leverett | Costume Supervisor | |
| Kenneth Marsten | Associate Editor | |
| Carl Rudisill | Sound Mixer | |
| Marc Fishman | Re-recording Mixer | |
| Tony Lamberti | Re-recording Mixer | |
| Matthew Iadarola | Re-recording Mixer | |
| Jay Nierenberg | Supervising Sound Editor | |
| Todd Niesen | Sound Editor | |
| Angelo Palazzo | Sound Editor | |
| Jerremy Balko | Sound Editor | |
| Jay Nierenberg | Sound Designer | |
| Curtis Roush | Supervising Music Editor | |
| Tym Shutchai Buacharen | Makeup (Department Head/Key) | |
| Camille Friend | Hairstylist (Department Head) | |
| Sue Monk Kidd | Based on the novel by | |
| Aisha Coley | Casting | |
| Lisa Mae | Casting | |
| Marc Fincannon | Casting | |
| Kim Coleman | Additional Casting | |
| Dean Mumford | Stunt Coordinator |
Cast and crew with above-the-line roles are marked in bold. The line marks the division between above-the-line and below-the-line roles.
Full financial estimates for this film, including domestic and international box office, video sales, video rentals, TV and ancillary revenue are available through our research services. For more information, please contact us at research@the-numbers.com.
Metrics
| Opening Weekend: | $10,527,799 (27.9% of total gross) |
| Legs: | 3.59 (domestic box office/biggest weekend) |
| Domestic Share: | 94.5% (domestic box office/worldwide) |
| Production Budget: | $11,000,000 (worldwide box office is 3.6 times production budget) |
| Theater counts: | 1,591 opening theaters/1,630 max. theaters, 6.5 weeks average run per theater |
| Infl. Adj. Dom. BO | $62,914,252 |
Movie Details
| Domestic Releases: | October 17th, 2008 (Wide) by Fox Searchlight |
| Video Release: | February 3rd, 2009 by Fox Home Entertainment |
| MPA Rating: | PG-13 for thematic material and some violence |
| Running Time: | 110 minutes |
| Cast, crew, or production detail: | F-Rated, F-Rated, Triple |
| Geographical setting: | South Carolina |
| Plot point: | Bigotry, Child Abuse, Child Neglect, Coming of Age, Death of a Spouse or Fiancée / Fiancé, Dysfunctional Family, Revenge, Suicide, Widow/Widower, Young Child Dealing with the Death of a Parent |
| Subgenre: | Life Drama |
| Time period setting: | 1960s |
| Source: | Based on Fiction Book/Short Story |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Production Method: | Live Action |
| Creative Type: | Historical Fiction |
| Production/Financing Companies: | Overbrook Entertainment, Donners’ Company |
| Production Countries: | United States |
| Languages: | English |
Weekend Box Office Performance
| Date | Rank | Gross | % Change | Theaters | Per Theater | Total Gross | Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 17, 2008 | 3 | $10,527,799 | 1,591 | $6,617 | $10,527,799 | 1 | |
| Oct 24, 2008 | 6 | $6,051,630 | -43% | 1,630 | $3,713 | $19,324,821 | 2 |
| Oct 31, 2008 | 7 | $4,010,668 | -34% | 1,611 | $2,490 | $25,297,621 | 3 |
| Nov 7, 2008 | 9 | $3,089,467 | -23% | 1,481 | $2,086 | $29,902,363 | 4 |
| Nov 14, 2008 | 8 | $2,338,279 | -24% | 1,449 | $1,614 | $33,627,359 | 5 |
| Nov 21, 2008 | 10 | $1,264,991 | -46% | 1,095 | $1,155 | $35,638,795 | 6 |
| Nov 28, 2008 | 14 | $561,671 | -56% | 490 | $1,146 | $36,652,652 | 7 |
| Dec 5, 2008 | 21 | $217,469 | -61% | 432 | $503 | $36,994,417 | 8 |
| Dec 12, 2008 | 27 | $114,061 | -48% | 271 | $421 | $37,208,667 | 9 |
| Dec 19, 2008 | 39 | $49,479 | -57% | 141 | $351 | $37,320,137 | 10 |
| Dec 26, 2008 | 45 | $49,862 | +1% | 77 | $648 | $37,407,770 | 11 |
| Jan 2, 2009 | 45 | $62,044 | +24% | 84 | $739 | $37,525,311 | 12 |
| Jan 9, 2009 | 42 | $48,546 | -22% | 76 | $639 | $37,600,538 | 13 |
| Jan 16, 2009 | 49 | $35,294 | -27% | 58 | $609 | $37,656,903 | 14 |
| Jan 23, 2009 | 54 | $19,282 | -45% | 39 | $494 | $37,704,599 | 15 |
| Jan 30, 2009 | 58 | $10,175 | -47% | 18 | $565 | $37,723,101 | 16 |
| Feb 6, 2009 | 63 | $8,721 | -14% | 13 | $671 | $37,736,842 | 17 |
| Feb 13, 2009 | 66 | $10,531 | +21% | 15 | $702 | $37,756,747 | 18 |
| Feb 20, 2009 | 76 | $2,919 | -72% | 6 | $487 | $37,766,350 | 19 |
Daily Box Office Performance
| Date | Rank | Gross | %YD | %LW | Theaters | Per Theater | Total Gross | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 17, 2008 | 3 | $3,563,157 | 1,591 | $2,240 | $3,563,157 | 1 | ||
| Oct 18, 2008 | 3 | $4,391,964 | +23% | 1,591 | $2,761 | $7,955,121 | 2 | |
| Oct 19, 2008 | 4 | $2,572,678 | -41% | 1,591 | $1,617 | $10,527,799 | 3 | |
| Oct 20, 2008 | 3 | $696,072 | -73% | 1,591 | $438 | $11,223,871 | 4 | |
| Oct 21, 2008 | 3 | $746,994 | +7% | 1,591 | $470 | $11,970,865 | 5 | |
| Oct 22, 2008 | 3 | $667,519 | -11% | 1,591 | $420 | $12,638,384 | 6 | |
| Oct 23, 2008 | 2 | $634,807 | -5% | 1,591 | $399 | $13,273,191 | 7 | |
| Oct 24, 2008 | 6 | $1,785,661 | +181% | -50% | 1,630 | $1,095 | $15,058,852 | 8 |
| Oct 25, 2008 | 5 | $2,669,281 | +49% | -39% | 1,630 | $1,638 | $17,728,133 | 9 |
| Oct 26, 2008 | 5 | $1,596,688 | -40% | -38% | 1,630 | $980 | $19,324,821 | 10 |
| Oct 27, 2008 | 5 | $460,155 | -71% | -34% | 1,630 | $282 | $19,784,976 | 11 |
| Oct 28, 2008 | 5 | $531,108 | +15% | -29% | 1,630 | $326 | $20,316,084 | 12 |
| Oct 29, 2008 | 4 | $492,258 | -7% | -26% | 1,630 | $302 | $20,808,342 | 13 |
| Oct 30, 2008 | 3 | $478,611 | -3% | -25% | 1,630 | $294 | $21,286,953 | 14 |
| Oct 31, 2008 | 6 | $842,628 | +76% | -53% | 1,630 | $517 | $22,129,581 | 15 |
| Nov 1, 2008 | 7 | $1,970,278 | +134% | -26% | 1,630 | $1,209 | $24,099,859 | 16 |
| Nov 2, 2008 | 6 | $1,197,762 | -39% | -25% | 1,630 | $735 | $25,297,621 | 17 |
| Nov 3, 2008 | 6 | $363,154 | -70% | -21% | 1,630 | $223 | $25,660,775 | 18 |
| Nov 4, 2008 | 6 | $414,511 | +14% | -22% | 1,630 | $254 | $26,075,286 | 19 |
| Nov 5, 2008 | 5 | $355,020 | -14% | -28% | 1,630 | $218 | $26,430,306 | 20 |
| Nov 6, 2008 | 5 | $382,590 | +8% | -20% | 1,630 | $235 | $26,812,896 | 21 |
| Nov 7, 2008 | 9 | $878,446 | +130% | +4% | 1,481 | $593 | $27,691,342 | 22 |
| Nov 8, 2008 | 9 | $1,401,886 | +60% | -29% | 1,481 | $947 | $29,093,228 | 23 |
| Nov 9, 2008 | 8 | $809,135 | -42% | -32% | 1,481 | $546 | $29,902,363 | 24 |
| Nov 10, 2008 | 8 | $334,439 | -59% | -8% | 1,481 | $226 | $30,236,802 | 25 |
| Nov 11, 2008 | 8 | $538,293 | +61% | +30% | 1,481 | $363 | $30,775,095 | 26 |
| Nov 12, 2008 | 7 | $253,025 | -53% | -29% | 1,481 | $171 | $31,028,120 | 27 |
| Nov 13, 2008 | 6 | $260,960 | +3% | -32% | 1,481 | $176 | $31,289,080 | 28 |
| Nov 14, 2008 | 8 | $664,073 | +154% | -24% | 1,449 | $458 | $31,953,153 | 29 |
| Nov 15, 2008 | 8 | $1,078,373 | +62% | -23% | 1,449 | $744 | $33,031,526 | 30 |
| Nov 16, 2008 | 7 | $595,833 | -45% | -26% | 1,449 | $411 | $33,627,359 | 31 |
| Nov 17, 2008 | 7 | $170,467 | -71% | -49% | 1,449 | $118 | $33,797,826 | 32 |
| Nov 18, 2008 | 6 | $196,655 | +15% | -63% | 1,449 | $136 | $33,994,481 | 33 |
| Nov 19, 2008 | 6 | $193,048 | -2% | -24% | 1,449 | $133 | $34,187,529 | 34 |
| Nov 20, 2008 | 6 | $186,275 | -4% | -29% | 1,449 | $129 | $34,373,804 | 35 |
| Nov 21, 2008 | 10 | $354,064 | +90% | -47% | 1,095 | $323 | $34,727,868 | 36 |
| Nov 22, 2008 | 10 | $575,582 | +63% | -47% | 1,095 | $526 | $35,303,450 | 37 |
| Nov 23, 2008 | 10 | $335,345 | -42% | -44% | 1,095 | $306 | $35,638,795 | 38 |
| Nov 24, 2008 | 10 | $126,349 | -62% | -26% | 1,095 | $115 | $35,765,144 | 39 |
| Nov 25, 2008 | 10 | $161,022 | +27% | -18% | 1,095 | $147 | $35,926,166 | 40 |
| Nov 26, 2008 | 16 | $76,573 | -52% | -60% | 476 | $161 | $36,002,739 | 41 |
| Nov 27, 2008 | 15 | $88,242 | +15% | -53% | 476 | $185 | $36,090,981 | 42 |
| Nov 28, 2008 | 14 | $222,898 | +153% | -37% | 476 | $468 | $36,313,879 | 43 |
| Nov 29, 2008 | 14 | $226,319 | +2% | -61% | 476 | $475 | $36,540,198 | 44 |
| Nov 30, 2008 | 13 | $112,454 | -50% | -66% | 476 | $236 | $36,652,652 | 45 |
| Dec 1, 2008 | 15 | $29,381 | -74% | -77% | 476 | $62 | $36,682,033 | 46 |
| Dec 2, 2008 | 15 | $29,692 | +1% | -82% | 476 | $62 | $36,711,725 | 47 |
| Dec 3, 2008 | 14 | $33,934 | +14% | -56% | 476 | $71 | $36,745,659 | 48 |
| Dec 4, 2008 | - | $31,289 | -8% | -65% | 476 | $66 | $36,776,948 | 49 |
| Dec 5, 2008 | - | $60,591 | +94% | -73% | 432 | $140 | $36,837,539 | 50 |
| Dec 6, 2008 | 15 | $95,771 | +58% | -58% | 432 | $222 | $36,933,310 | 51 |
| Dec 7, 2008 | 15 | $61,107 | -36% | -46% | 432 | $141 | $36,994,417 | 52 |
| Dec 8, 2008 | - | $21,266 | -65% | -28% | 432 | $49 | $37,015,683 | 53 |
| Dec 9, 2008 | - | $24,686 | +16% | -17% | 432 | $57 | $37,040,369 | 54 |
| Dec 10, 2008 | - | $26,790 | +9% | -21% | 432 | $62 | $37,067,159 | 55 |
| Dec 11, 2008 | - | $27,447 | +2% | -12% | 432 | $64 | $37,094,606 | 56 |
| Dec 12, 2008 | - | $31,996 | +17% | -47% | 271 | $118 | $37,126,602 | 57 |
| Dec 13, 2008 | - | $50,225 | +57% | -48% | 271 | $185 | $37,176,827 | 58 |
| Dec 14, 2008 | - | $31,840 | -37% | -48% | 271 | $117 | $37,208,667 | 59 |
| Dec 15, 2008 | - | $15,121 | -53% | -29% | 271 | $56 | $37,223,788 | 60 |
| Dec 16, 2008 | - | $15,781 | +4% | -36% | 271 | $58 | $37,239,569 | 61 |
| Dec 17, 2008 | - | $15,607 | -1% | -42% | 271 | $58 | $37,255,176 | 62 |
| Dec 18, 2008 | - | $15,482 | -1% | -44% | 271 | $57 | $37,270,658 | 63 |
| Dec 19, 2008 | - | $13,538 | -13% | -58% | 141 | $96 | $37,284,196 | 64 |
| Dec 20, 2008 | - | $21,183 | +56% | -58% | 141 | $150 | $37,305,379 | 65 |
| Dec 21, 2008 | - | $14,758 | -30% | -54% | 141 | $105 | $37,320,137 | 66 |
| Dec 22, 2008 | - | $11,127 | -25% | -26% | 141 | $79 | $37,331,264 | 67 |
| Dec 23, 2008 | - | $11,734 | +5% | -26% | 141 | $83 | $37,342,998 | 68 |
| Dec 24, 2008 | - | $8,784 | -25% | -44% | 141 | $62 | $37,351,782 | 69 |
| Dec 25, 2008 | - | $6,126 | -30% | -60% | 141 | $43 | $37,357,908 | 70 |
| Dec 26, 2008 | - | $15,255 | +149% | +13% | 141 | $108 | $37,373,163 | 71 |
| Dec 27, 2008 | - | $19,260 | +26% | -9% | 141 | $137 | $37,392,423 | 72 |
| Dec 28, 2008 | - | $15,347 | -20% | +4% | 141 | $109 | $37,407,770 | 73 |
| Dec 29, 2008 | - | $12,848 | -16% | +15% | 141 | $91 | $37,420,618 | 74 |
| Dec 30, 2008 | - | $13,700 | +7% | +17% | 141 | $97 | $37,434,318 | 75 |
| Dec 31, 2008 | - | $9,533 | -30% | +9% | 141 | $68 | $37,443,851 | 76 |
| Jan 1, 2009 | - | $19,416 | +104% | +217% | 141 | $138 | $37,463,267 | 77 |
| Jan 2, 2009 | - | $21,862 | +13% | +43% | 84 | $260 | $37,485,129 | 78 |
| Jan 3, 2009 | - | $26,283 | +20% | +36% | 84 | $313 | $37,511,412 | 79 |
| Jan 4, 2009 | - | $13,899 | -47% | -9% | 84 | $165 | $37,525,311 | 80 |
| Jan 5, 2009 | - | $6,654 | -52% | -48% | 84 | $79 | $37,531,965 | 81 |
| Jan 6, 2009 | - | $6,622 | n/c | -52% | 84 | $79 | $37,538,587 | 82 |
| Jan 7, 2009 | - | $6,549 | -1% | -31% | 84 | $78 | $37,545,136 | 83 |
| Jan 8, 2009 | - | $6,856 | +5% | -65% | 84 | $82 | $37,551,992 | 84 |
| Jan 9, 2009 | - | $13,110 | +91% | -40% | 76 | $173 | $37,565,102 | 85 |
| Jan 10, 2009 | - | $21,861 | +67% | -17% | 76 | $288 | $37,586,963 | 86 |
| Jan 11, 2009 | - | $13,575 | -38% | -2% | 76 | $179 | $37,600,538 | 87 |
| Jan 12, 2009 | - | $5,421 | -60% | -19% | 76 | $71 | $37,605,959 | 88 |
| Jan 13, 2009 | - | $6,343 | +17% | -4% | 76 | $83 | $37,612,302 | 89 |
| Jan 14, 2009 | - | $4,468 | -30% | -32% | 76 | $59 | $37,616,770 | 90 |
| Jan 15, 2009 | - | $4,839 | +8% | -29% | 76 | $64 | $37,621,609 | 91 |
| Jan 16, 2009 | - | $9,050 | +87% | -31% | 58 | $156 | $37,630,659 | 92 |
| Jan 17, 2009 | - | $15,820 | +75% | -28% | 58 | $273 | $37,646,479 | 93 |
| Jan 18, 2009 | - | $10,424 | -34% | -23% | 76 | $137 | $37,656,903 | 94 |
| Jan 19, 2009 | 44 | $8,109 | -22% | +50% | 76 | $107 | $37,665,012 | 95 |
| Jan 20, 2009 | - | $5,932 | -27% | -6% | 58 | $102 | $37,670,944 | 96 |
| Jan 21, 2009 | - | $7,109 | +20% | +59% | 58 | $123 | $37,678,053 | 97 |
| Jan 22, 2009 | - | $7,264 | +2% | +50% | 58 | $125 | $37,685,317 | 98 |
| Jan 23, 2009 | - | $5,506 | -24% | -39% | 39 | $141 | $37,690,823 | 99 |
| Jan 26, 2009 | - | $1,995 | -75% | 39 | $51 | $37,706,594 | 102 | |
| Jan 27, 2009 | - | $2,058 | +3% | -65% | 39 | $53 | $37,708,652 | 103 |
| Jan 28, 2009 | - | $1,823 | -11% | -74% | 39 | $47 | $37,710,475 | 104 |
| Jan 29, 2009 | - | $2,451 | +34% | -66% | 39 | $63 | $37,712,926 | 105 |
| Jan 30, 2009 | - | $3,015 | +23% | -45% | 18 | $168 | $37,715,941 | 106 |
| Jan 31, 2009 | - | $4,728 | +57% | 18 | $263 | $37,720,669 | 107 | |
| Feb 1, 2009 | - | $2,432 | -49% | 18 | $135 | $37,723,101 | 108 | |
| Feb 2, 2009 | - | $1,121 | -54% | -44% | 18 | $62 | $37,724,222 | 109 |
| Feb 3, 2009 | - | $1,418 | +26% | -31% | 18 | $79 | $37,725,640 | 110 |
| Feb 4, 2009 | - | $1,238 | -13% | -32% | 18 | $69 | $37,726,878 | 111 |
| Feb 5, 2009 | - | $1,243 | n/c | -49% | 18 | $69 | $37,728,121 | 112 |
| Feb 16, 2009 | 60 | $1,579 | 15 | $105 | $37,758,326 | 123 |
Weekly Box Office Performance
| Date | Rank | Gross | % Change | Theaters | Per Theater | Total Gross | Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 17, 2008 | 4 | $13,273,191 | 1,591 | $8,343 | $13,273,191 | 1 | |
| Oct 24, 2008 | 6 | $8,013,762 | -40% | 1,630 | $4,916 | $21,286,953 | 2 |
| Oct 31, 2008 | 7 | $5,525,943 | -31% | 1,611 | $3,430 | $26,812,896 | 3 |
| Nov 7, 2008 | 8 | $4,476,184 | -19% | 1,481 | $3,022 | $31,289,080 | 4 |
| Nov 14, 2008 | 7 | $3,084,724 | -31% | 1,449 | $2,129 | $34,373,804 | 5 |
| Nov 21, 2008 | 13 | $1,717,177 | -44% | 1,095 | $1,568 | $36,090,981 | 6 |
| Nov 28, 2008 | 16 | $685,967 | -60% | 490 | $1,400 | $36,776,948 | 7 |
| Dec 5, 2008 | 19 | $317,658 | -54% | 432 | $735 | $37,094,606 | 8 |
| Dec 12, 2008 | 27 | $176,052 | -45% | 271 | $650 | $37,270,658 | 9 |
| Dec 19, 2008 | 45 | $87,250 | -50% | 141 | $619 | $37,357,908 | 10 |
| Dec 26, 2008 | 44 | $105,359 | +21% | 77 | $1,368 | $37,463,267 | 11 |
| Jan 2, 2009 | 42 | $88,725 | -16% | 84 | $1,056 | $37,551,992 | 12 |
| Jan 9, 2009 | 44 | $69,617 | -22% | 76 | $916 | $37,621,609 | 13 |
| Jan 16, 2009 | 46 | $63,708 | -8% | 58 | $1,098 | $37,685,317 | 14 |
| Jan 23, 2009 | 54 | $27,609 | -57% | 39 | $708 | $37,712,926 | 15 |
| Jan 30, 2009 | 60 | $15,195 | -45% | 18 | $844 | $37,728,121 | 16 |
| Feb 6, 2009 | 60 | $18,095 | +19% | 13 | $1,392 | $37,746,216 | 17 |
| Feb 13, 2009 | 65 | $17,215 | -5% | 15 | $1,148 | $37,763,431 | 18 |
| Feb 20, 2009 | 73 | $6,731 | -61% | 6 | $1,122 | $37,770,162 | 19 |
Lead Ensemble Member
| Queen Latifah | August Boatwright | |
| Dakota Fanning | Lily Owens | |
| Jennifer Hudson | Rosaleen Daise | |
| Alicia Keys | June Boatwright | |
| Sophie Okonedo | May Boatwright |
Supporting
| Nate Parker | Neil | |
| Paul Bettany | T. Ray Owens | |
| Tristan Wilds | Zach Taylor | |
| Hilarie Burton | Deborah Owens | |
| Shondrella Avery | Greta | |
| Renee Clark | Doll | |
| Sharon Morris | Violet | |
| Nicky Buggs | Cressie | |
| Jasmine Burke | Sugar Girl | |
| Emma Sage Bowman | Lily 4 Years Old | |
| Emily Alyn Lind | Young Lily | |
| Addy Miller | Young Lily | |
| Taylor Kowalski | Teenager | |
| Bob Hungerford | Frank Pose | |
| Richard Todd Sullivan | Mechanic | |
| Chris Moore | Posey's Buddy | |
| Bill Oberst, Jr. | Sheriff Gaston | |
| Cullen Dean Moss | Young White Policeman | |
| Walt Elder | Driver | |
| Dan Beene | Mr. Kirven | |
| Joe Chrest | Mr. Forrest | |
| Robin Mullins | Miss Lacy | |
| Tom Conder | White Man | |
| Jay Pearson | White Man | |
| Dan Cox | Sheriff Brooks | |
| Quentin Kerr | Police Officer |
Production and Technical Credits
| Gina Prince-Bythewood | Director | |
| Gina Prince-Bythewood | Screenwriter | |
| Lauren Shuler Donner | Producer | |
| James Lassiter | Producer | |
| Joe Pichirallo | Producer | |
| Jada Pinkett Smith | Executive Producer | |
| Rogier Stoffers | Cinematographer | |
| Warren Alan Young | Production Designer | |
| Terilyn A. Shropshire | Editor | |
| Ed Cathell III | Unit Production Manager | |
| Preston Holmes | Unit Production Manager | |
| Sandra Hernandez | Costume Designer | |
| Mark Isham | Music by | |
| Linda Cohen | Music Supervisor | |
| Ed Cathell III | Co-Producer | |
| Ewan Leslie | Co-Producer | |
| Aldric Porter | Assistant Director | |
| William G. Davis | Art Director | |
| Alan Hook | Art Director | |
| James Edward Ferrell Jr. | Set Decorator | |
| Leigh Leverett | Costume Supervisor | |
| Kenneth Marsten | Associate Editor | |
| Carl Rudisill | Sound Mixer | |
| Marc Fishman | Re-recording Mixer | |
| Tony Lamberti | Re-recording Mixer | |
| Matthew Iadarola | Re-recording Mixer | |
| Jay Nierenberg | Supervising Sound Editor | |
| Todd Niesen | Sound Editor | |
| Angelo Palazzo | Sound Editor | |
| Jerremy Balko | Sound Editor | |
| Jay Nierenberg | Sound Designer | |
| Curtis Roush | Supervising Music Editor | |
| Tym Shutchai Buacharen | Makeup (Department Head/Key) | |
| Camille Friend | Hairstylist (Department Head) | |
| Sue Monk Kidd | Based on the novel by | |
| Aisha Coley | Casting | |
| Lisa Mae | Casting | |
| Marc Fincannon | Casting | |
| Kim Coleman | Additional Casting | |
| Dean Mumford | Stunt Coordinator |
Cast and crew with above-the-line roles are marked in bold. The line marks the division between above-the-line and below-the-line roles.
Full financial estimates for this film, including domestic and international box office, video sales, video rentals, TV and ancillary revenue are available through our research services. For more information, please contact us at research@the-numbers.com.