I was not sure what to expect. I had heard great reviews from friends. I finally watched it on DVD. This is by far, Tyler Perry's best work. FCG is one of the best ensemble films I have seen in awhile. It was great to see Whoopi back on screen. Thandie Newton is always brilliant. Loretta Divine and Phylicia Rashad are always scene stealers (but in a good way.) Kimberly Elise is one of the most underrated actresses of her generation. I am obsessed with Kerry Washington. Anika does not get the film props that she deserves. I also appreciated Janet. I am a huge fan. But like many other reviewers, I could definitely see Robin Givens, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Dawn Lewis, or Vivica Fox doing the role more justice. Omari Hardwick has gone on to a great career after this film. The film is an emotional roller coaster filled with issues we can all relate to in some form. I hope Tyler finds more material of substance like this to make films. For those that only think Madea and comedy is his niche, this film will make you see just how great he can be.

For those of us woman who have been hurt recently or in our pasts. Whether it be physically, mentally or emotionally, Or all three. Whether You know someone who has been or is going through any of these situations. This movie should be watched! It reminds us not only of the pain we can go through but of how strong we are as individuals and as a whole. Sometimes all it takes is seeing it to make you realize how it is and that it shouldn't be this way! And then NOT letting it continue!This is a amazing movie it shows the pain and struggles that women have been through and it shows how they survived it, by survived i mean that they do not give into the want/need of committing suicide. This is a very powerful movie. In my opinion it was so powerful because these things, that happen in this movie, happen everyday everywhere in this world. This movie raises awareness of these issues but it also shows that there is life beyond this intense pain we may or even know someone who has experienced.

I truly appreciate this film and congratulate the well rounded cast - men, women, small parts, large parts - well done. There are a few flaws in the film, which I don't want to get into as it could influence some of you who have not seen the film.....these flaws have to do with the script not staying on the edge enough - meaning I was able to guess where the script/action was going and that is something I don't like doing - I want the script to always always always surprise me. With that said, I can forgive the screenwriter a bit, but not totally.Janet Jackson was for me the surprise of the film - I thought she was truly wonderful in her role and did a fine job. She was one of the few 'non actors' in the film and held her own with everyone else in the ensemble cast. I had expectations from others in the cast, having seen their work in other films and they all did well and appreciate their performances. The only other 'big' disappointment in the film was the role played by Whoopi Goldberg - I'm a big fan of her work however something was a miss with her role and I don't blame her. Again I think it has to do with the script.I am not a Tyler Perry fan - I think he does a lot of negative images and impressions of African Americans and he loves stereo-types. Besides Precious, most of his films are very flawed, even racist. This film perhaps would never have manifested if it wasn't for the influence and power and money Mr Perry has. I don't think he should have directed the film and written the script. I think he should have worked more in collaboration with someone or someones and that would have helped the film tremendously.His ego got in the way too many times....however again, that is part of the 'flawed' aspect of a film, which generally speaking I appreciate and enjoy. I rated it 9 because of the ensemble cast - they did a great great great great job.

I hate Tyler Perry's movies, they are the worst of Hollywood and I had no intention of seeing this movie. But somebody encouraged me to do it. I am glad I listened to them.While some credit does goes to Perry, a larger credit should to Ntozake Shange on whose play the film is based. Terry is by no means the master of his craft, but the source material has such raw power that it cannot be contained. It helped that all of the leads have done a very good job. Even Janet Jackson who I don't really like much as an actor has done an acceptable job.I love the written word and the thing that hooked me was really the poems which inter-mingle with the narrative. Though at times I was not able to grasp them fully I was still moved by them.P.S. - After watching this movie I tried another Perry movie "Why Did I Get Married?". It is a dud as all his movies I have seen before. So keep clear of his other movies.