TONI MORRISON: THE PIECES I AM

This documentary offers a thoughtful introduction to Toni Morrison’s personal and professional life. Morrison discusses her grandfather, the Bible, the power of words, and the inspirations behind some of her most popular novels. Other interviewees help explain what her writing has meant to literature.

The film also includes beautiful African American art and real photographs. Its Christian elements are notable: the Bible, God, Heaven, and prayer are all discussed. But the two-hour runtime feels excessive, and the documentary includes obscenities, an “n” word, and brief nudity in a drawing.

For teenagers and adults, this is a worthwhile subject handled with informative material, but it is better suited to a home viewing where you can manage the length and content.

Toni Morrison tells the story of her life, her career, and the ideas behind several of her novels. She begins with her grandfather, who read the Bible cover to cover five times, and with her early realization that words have power.

The documentary follows Morrison’s development as a writer and editor, the controversies surrounding her work, and the voices of people who describe her influence on literature and the wider world.

Three stars means this documentary is informative and worthwhile, though limited by its length. Morrison’s firsthand reflections give the film a strong personal center, while interviews with people from literary, educational, critical, and television worlds broaden the discussion.

The documentary is also visually appealing, using beautiful African American art and real photographs. Still, the two-hour running time is much too long. A shorter version would have been more effective.

The documentary presents a Christian, moral worldview through its discussions of the Bible, God, prayer, and Heaven. Morrison recalls her grandfather reading the Bible five times from cover to cover. She also describes telling a friend that God existed even after the friend stopped believing because a prayer had not been answered. A song about God and Heaven is featured, and Morrison says that family, health, food, bills, and church are the most important things in life.

The film also focuses on Morrison’s African American identity, her decision to write books with only African American characters, and the racism that affected her career. These subjects are presented as important parts of her life and influence, while the documentary’s political discussion of racism may require thoughtful conversation for some viewers.

The film’s emphasis on the power of words connects with Scripture: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21).

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am is informative, visually appealing, and rich in Christian elements, but its two-hour length and objectionable content make it better for home viewing. For teenagers and adults, it may be worth your time when you can watch thoughtfully and at your own pace: WAIT FOR HOME.