DRIVING MISS DAISY
Christian love turns alienation into friendship.
Should You Watch It?
DRIVING MISS DAISY is a joyful, deeply humane character study about two older people separated by race, religion, class, and temperament. Their friendship grows through patience, humility, mercy, and forgiveness. The film addresses racism with wisdom and sensitivity, presenting Christian love and reconciliation as the answer to alienation.
The movie is almost flawless, with superb performances, careful period details, humor, and scenes that can bring tears to your eyes. A powerful rendition of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” along with respectful treatment of prayer and faith in Christ, gives the story a distinctly Christian heart.
There are only two curses and one car accident. For a warm, thoughtful film that will encourage you to follow Jesus Christ more closely, this is worth the trip.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESMiss Daisy Werthan is an independent Southern Jewish matron who insists on doing everything herself. After she backs her new car into a gully, her son hires Hoke Colburn as her chauffeur against her will.
Miss Daisy resists Hoke at every turn, while Hoke patiently answers her sharpness with wisdom. Over the years, their uneasy arrangement becomes an unexpected friendship that crosses the differences between them.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is an exceptional film, and DRIVING MISS DAISY earns them. The movie is finely crafted, with careful attention to details that convincingly span 20 years.
Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman give superb performances, especially Freeman as Hoke. The film combines humor, emotional weight, and memorable scenes with a strong sense of moral purpose. Based on a popular Pulitzer Prize-winning play, it is almost flawless and stands among classics such as CHARIOTS OF FIRE, TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL, and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.
The Worldview
The film presents Hoke Colburn as a strong, intelligent, committed black Christian who turns the other cheek and refuses to compromise his values. Miss Daisy is a wealthy Jewish matron who has known poverty and prejudice. Their relationship treats Christian faith with respect while showing how justice, mercy, humility, forgiveness, and reconciliation can overcome alienation.
The movie’s treatment of racism rejects revenge and humanist rebellion in favor of Christian love. Hoke’s prayers and faith in Christ are honored, and the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” sounds at a funeral. The film also shows a Christian hero and a Jewish heroine whose friendship transcends their differences and similarities.
Its central belief is that love can reconcile people who seem divided beyond repair. Scripture calls believers to pursue that same peace: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong Christian, moral worldview; two exclamatory curses; elderly woman backs car into a ditch; no sex; no nudity; no alcohol; no smoking or drugs; and, nothing else objectionable.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Hoke responds to Miss Daisy’s harshness with patience and wisdom. What might it look like to “turn the other cheek” without compromising what is right?
Matthew 5:39 · Romans 12:17–21The friendship between Miss Daisy and Hoke crosses deep social and personal divisions. What helps people move from alienation toward reconciliation?
2 Corinthians 5:18–20 · Ephesians 4:31–32The film presents justice, mercy, and humility as Christian virtues. Which of these is hardest for you to practice, and why?
Micah 6:8 · Philippians 2:3–4Hoke’s faith is treated with respect, including his prayers and the hymn at the funeral. How can faith shape the way we treat people who are different from us?
John 13:34–35 · Colossians 3:12–14The Final Word
DRIVING MISS DAISY is finely crafted, beautifully acted, and filled with joy, love, humor, and Christian wisdom. Its gentle story of reconciliation can comfort and encourage your family for years to come. WORTH THE TRIP.
