THE 1960s was a time of upheaval and change in the USA. The equal rights movement was picking up steam and African-American people all across the country were making a stand for equality and equal voting rights. It is in this politically charged and volatile situation that The Help, a film based on the bestseller by Kathryn Stockett, is set. Boasting a cast of impressive female actresses, it received very good returns at the US box office.

The story focuses on a group of African-American maids working for wealthy white women in Jackson, Mississippi. Skeeter (Emma Stone), a young female journalist, convinces Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) to tell her story so that it can be published and perhaps change the system.

The subject matter, which could have been controversial, is handled with due care and attention and The Help is treated as more of an actor's showcase than a political-point film. Emma Stone puts in a great turn.

It is Davis, however, who steals the show, with her blistering turn as Aibileen, a worldly-wise maid who has to heartbreakingly say goodbye to all of the 17 children that she has raised in her life. Sadly this is also where the problems begin to creep into the script. To describe The Help as schmaltzy would be an understatement. It is predictable and the heavy scenes are so overdone that it's hard not to grimace at such obvious emotional manipulation.

Despite this, The Help is a perfectly enjoyable, funny and moving romp through the history books with cinematography that bursts, all light and colours, off of the screen at you. The period dress helps to create the right atmosphere, while the cast take real pleasure in delivering some of the best performances of the year and Emma Stone takes one step closer to becoming the new Sandra Bullock.