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Poster for Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Time heals the heart. Faith heals the rest.

2005 · 1h 56m · PG-13 Comedy, Drama, Romance
Directed by Tyler Perry

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Overview

Charles, an attorney, and Helen, his devoted wife, seem to have everything – money, a beautiful mansion – the American Dream. However, as Helen prepares to celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary, her life takes an unexpected twist when she comes home to find her clothes packed up in a U-Haul van parked in the driveway. Charles is divorcing her and kicks her out. Helen moves in with her grandmother Madea, an old woman who doesn't take any lip from anyone. Madea helps Helen through these tough times by showing her what is really important in life. Helen is forced to rediscover love, life, and religion in her pursuit for happiness.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
16%
Tomatometer
Fresh

It's never less than watchable, a bizarre hybrid that somehow works as a whole, even though its various components don't mesh.

Peter Howell, Toronto Star
Rotten

It's a cheap melodrama that presses all the right sentimental buttons.

Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
Rotten

Perry doesn't have any delusions of artistry, and potentially, at least, that's refreshing. But any points he earns for lack of pretense are immediately gobbled up by his lack of subtlety.

Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com
Fresh

Raucous and overwrought, the movie is still a hoot to watch and even more fun to talk back to.

Ruthe Stein, San Francisco Chronicle
Rotten

The material comes off as a serious miscalculation in Perry and director Darren Grant's film adaptation.

Tom Keogh, Seattle Times

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