Wonderful adaptation of the book I am glad that a part of American history is finally brought to the small screen, in addition to Lifetime television's "The Courage to Love", that deals with the subject of placage (the keeping of Multiracial women by white men), class, racial identity, and destiny.
I only find two flaws in the movie. Although I thought that Marcel was good, his accent was not continuous. One minute he speaks with a flawless Creole French accent, the next minute he sounds like a 21st century teen from southern California. In addition to that, I thought that some of the younger actors, most notably the males, should have been better in executing their scenes.
With the above exceptions, the acting of the veteran actors was superb. Pam Grier played a dignified Creole woman of color, as did Victoria Rowell as the loving adoptive, yet secretive, mother of Cecile. Gloria Reuben also put forth a good performance as the haughty Cecile who secretly envies her daughter. Ruby Dee was awesome as the old guardian of Anna Bella, Madam Elsie. Jennifer Beals played a wonderful Dolly Rose. And, of course, Eartha Kitt as the seedy voodoo priestess Lola Dede.
As for the rape scene, I did not find it brutal, primarily because I have seen even more brutal rape scenes in movies (i.e., The Accused, Showgirls, etc.)
A definite winner. 8/10