The Butler is a high-class drama directed and produced by Lee Daniels and written by Danny Strong. Loosely based on the real life of Eugene Allen, an African-American who is a witness of notable political and social events of the 20th century during his 34-year tenure serving as a White House butler.
Lee Daniels has done an outstanding job at displaying the ugly side of American history, a piece of history filled with racism and hate that African Americans endured through in the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. Thank you Lee Daniels for giving the world this film, an African-American Forrest Gump.
Every character is developed to perfection and acted to perfection allowing for a human experience that touches on core emotions, real emotion. Forrest Whitaker gives a magnificent performance in this film. To be honest, Oprah (tho I am not a fan) shaded her role in an equally effective way. Not to mention amazing cinematography and editing.
So would I recommend this film to friends, yes, unreservedly.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. - Martin Luther King, Jr.