Customer Ratings & Reviews

YES, it was worth the wait to have this in my collection. To have all the great stars to tell this wonderful story. Every emotion from happiness to sadness, also funny at times. I'm hoping the Oscar will take this one.im proud that movies like this one is being put out there .

The Butler is inspired by a true story. The family history, shows that with hard work and determination anyone can succeed. The actors draw you in, making you feel like you are a part of the history, taking you through the butlers service with seven presidents.

This film was loosely based on the real life of Eugene Allen, who worked in the White House for decades. It starred Forrest Whitaker, who did an excellent job.

Great movie. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for havin

Great story telling of an African-American man who because of his duties as a butler, was privy to some of the White House conversations, emotions and key players involved in civil rights decisions. Wonderfully woven together from pre Civil Rights Movement, Civil Rights Movement, to post Civil Rights Movement. I appreciate the inclusion of the Black Panther Party, even though it was not necessarily a part of the Civil Rights Movement. The Black Power Movement, of which the Black Panther Party was a part , benefited from the Civil Rights Movement and vice-versus.

Director Lee Daniels adapts the story of a White House butler (Whitaker) who observes American history through several presidencies, while the civil rights movement takes place outside. It's an interesting story, although one wishes that things would slow down long enough for the viewer to learn more about the time period in question.Whitaker is superb, although Oprah Winfrey has trouble to escape her larger-than-life media persona. Some interesting White House cameos (including Robin Williams as Eisenhower, and a surprisingly good but briefly-seen Jane Fonda as Nancy Reagan). The one exception is John Cusack, who neither looks nor acts like Nixon, but that's a small objection. If you want a real hard-hitting look at racism in America, you probably want to see 12 years A Slave, but The Butler comes in a worthwhile second.

This movie is somewhat of a historical overview of the African-American Civil Rights struggle as viewed through the camera lens. Although most of these events are shown in their proper historic context, I differed with the director’ view of some of the lifestyle overtones of the movie. The movie also gives the perspective, as viewed by a person that was in the White House, from a political skew. I felt the movie tried to cover too much history in a short movie, which made it a little disjointed in some areas. I recommend this movie to anyone that wishes to get a “general” historical perspective of the African-American experience in America over the timespan that is covered in the movie. It should spur interest in further exploration about the African-American’s experience in their American journey.

I think this movie is one of the best released in 2013. It was mostly overlooked in the awards circuit and I believe that was a mistake. Forest Whitaker was fantastic and really carried the movie. Oprah Winfrey was sensational in this movie as well and made viewers remember that she was once an Oscar nominee. The ensemble cast makes it feel like you are diving right into history and the producers and director made a great effort in finding a cast that could embody the spirits and personalities of such famous historical figures.

This movie was better than I thought it would be. The acting was superb and the main takeaway for me was about the strength of marriages. Through good times and bad times Forest and Oprah stayed together. And learning through their mistakes made them stronger as time went on. The historical context and effects it had on the character was well done. Lastly the developmental comrade of the characters in and outside of work was excellent. Great script. A must have for anyone's video library.

For understanding the thoughts and history associated with the 60's this is a great movie. It also portrays a man that has to go through much personal sacrifice while trying to keep his personal and professional life in balance. I believe this happens to everyone and the intensity is magnified considering views of equality and how they have changed over time during the last century. That the Buller was overlooked for Oscar nominations is puzzling to me. Watch it and see if you agree.

This movie is something all young people should see. It tells a great story and allows you to appreciate history. The cast was a very good pick. I actually didn't see the movie at the theater but bought it once it came to video and it was worth every penny. This movie taught so many stories in one story line, it was amazing! I would definitely watch this movie over and over and would recommend to anyone. If you have not seen this movie you are missing out on something amazing!!

While some may look at the cast and think this is a "black" film, it is actually a period piece about a changing America in the 60s. It is about the cultural differences between parents and their young sons, the elite and the poor, black and white. Oprah Winfrey gives an outstanding performance as the mother who has to deal with the tension between her husband and her son, as well as her husband's increasing responsibilities at the White House, which keep him away from her.

The Butler although not a true character but is based off a White House Butler that actually served 8 presidents is a great story. It gives in sight to the working of the White House and the Presidents during Ammerica s most troubling times, through the eyes of a black butler. It also showed the struggle among blacks during this time period. The struggle of the status quo and those working for change. I really enjoyed the movie as well as the acting.

It was a very dark time in American History. The Black community couldn't seem to get a leg up anywhere to the middle, or upper class. The Portrayal of strong Black Patriotic Men in this Movie combined with Opera's steller performance, moved me to tears. This is not just a movie. It should be considered an instrument of education about American history. We need to face our past to become a post-racial society. I strongly reccommend this Movie

Watch Lee Daniels get hired to be a butler for several US Presidents and 1st Lady's. You watch as he transitions from one family to another in the White House. A remarkable movie. Having lived thru each administration in real life, It brought back fond memories of my past.

Didn't get a chance to go to the movies to see it, so I had to buy it because of all the great things I heard. And I was definitely not disappointed. I thought it'd be a boring movies about a butler with bad acting from Oprah, but I was surely proved wrong. Thanks Lee Daniels for this movies, and thanks best buy for having it at a reasonable price even after the first weeks release

Excellent film based on the true story of a servant in the Nation's Capital whose life is daunted and haunted by the ugliness and ever presence of Racism. Forest Whittaker once again delivers a stellar performance to overcome the tide of bigotry in his quest for dignity and tolerance.

This is an excellent depiction of our history. Something that our young people need to see so that they can appreciate the sacrifices of many so that they can have the things they want and, do the things they can do, such as eating where they want, sitting where they want to sit; just the basic things in life; things that should be accorded to all regardless of skin color.

Awesome film! I absolutely love this film. This film taught me so many lessons. It reminded us that we have to be weary of our past. It was also a great lesson for myself and my students. I believe that every American should watch this film!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The historical and moral value in this tale of servitude and gratitude is enough to watch the movie. Forest Whittaker is graceful and hardened all at the same time. The different presidents and periods in time make this a great movie for history buffs. Each has its place and time and it adds ti the beauty of the storyline.