Review of Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Diary of a Mad Black Woman is based on a story of a woman finding herself and regaining her

independence after suffering emotionally at the hands of her husband.  The story was written and directed by Tyler Perry.  The movie featured persons such as Kimberly Elsie, Shamar Moore, Tamara Taylor, Tiffany Evans, Cicley Tyson and of course Tyler Perry who plays the infamous Madea.  The Major cast members were Charles Mc Carter (prominent lawyer), his wife Helen Mc Carter, Helen's mother - Norma Jean, Helen's aunt Madea, Helen's cousin Brian (lawyer), Brian's wife Deborah and Orlando, Brian's friend.

Charles - a prominent lawyer ill treats his wife, Helen of 18 years and puts her out of their sprawling matrimonial home on their anniversary.  Helen moves into her aunt Madea's home and encounters Deborah who is battling a drug abuse problem.  At a family gathering, Helen meets Orlando who coincidentally is the person that helped her move out of her home.  Helen is obviously
mentally distressed and becomes abusive to Orlando.  Helen visits her mother, who resides in a home seeking mental solace and receives spiritual guidance.  Helen goes on to find a job in a quest to regain her independence.  Throughout the movie Helen narrates as she writes daily in her personal diary.

Helen and Orlando meet again and a relationship develops until Orlando proposes to Helen.  Deborah seeks help from her husband for her drug problem but he refuses citing many failed attempts.

In a contested legal matter in which Mr. McCarter's client confessed his guilt; his client, on hearing of the guilty verdict shoots Mr. McCarter in his back.  Helen seeing this on the news rushes to her husband's side.  Charles is paralyzed and Helen takes the opportunity to emotionally and physically abuse Charles. He eventually apologizes for ill-treating her, meanwhile Helen avoids Orlando.  Helen's mother and aunt teaches her a lesson in forgiveness.

Brian and Deborah's daughter invites her mother to church to hear her sing the following Sunday.

Helen help Charles with rehabilitation.  Deborah enrolls in a rehabilitation center.

The family goes to church, Charles, Helen, Helen's mother, Brian.  Brian's daughter sings.  Charles walks to the alter for deliverance.

They all meet back at Madea's house for Sunday dinner, at the table Helen signs the divorce papers and gives it to Charles together with her rings.  She leaves to meet Orlando where he asks her to marry him and she finally accepts.

This message in this movie was properly conveyed, it showed the unity and strength of family and their influence in each individual's life.  The strength of the family unit guided and by extension saved the individuals from further mental and emotional destruction.