|
Product Description: Ruby Bridges becomes the first African American girl to integrate William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960.
Genre: Feature Film-Drama
Rating: NR
Release Date: 25-JAN-2005
Media Type: DVDAmazon.com: This well-conceived made-for-television Disney movie brings the pain and difficulty of desegregation to life for a generation of kids to whom the 1960s is ancient history. Young Chaz Monet plays Ruby, who in real life walked up those Southern school steps with armed guards barely shielding her from the hate-filled epithets white adults hurled at her as she single-handedly desegregated the institution. Penelope Ann Miller plays her Yankee teacher--actually a tutor, since no white kids will share her classroom. Kevin Pollak plays the psychiatrist who donates his time to help her deal with the trauma, but won't eat her mother's food. This 89-minute film offers surprisingly complex portraits of many of the adult characters and an admirably frank look at the less-than-positive reaction from her own community. Even her father (Michael Beach) waivers in resolution, especially when his white boss fires him. Superior acting, writing, and production mark this look at one of the uglier periods in American social history and the little girl who helped the country take a giant step in the right direction. Somewhat scary situations and use of racial slurs make parental guidance advisable for young children. (Ages 7 and older) --Kimberly Heinrichs
Customer Reviews:
- Worth watching: A good movie to understand the atmosphere in the south in the 1960s. I'd recommend you read the book, or read about Ruby's life, first. Like most Disney movies, Ruby Bridges wraps up with a nice, don't-they-all-get-along kind of ending. In reality, it was 2 years before Ruby played with any kids at the school, and her teacher was fired at the end of the year.
Also pleasing - the family's faith is portrayed accurately, and the power of Ruby's constant prayer is not edited out.
A great film for our family. Recommended! - A Great Classroom Tool!: I've been teaching for ten years and use Ruby Bridges each year when discussing racial integration and prejudice. I've finally purchased my own copy. This is a moving film that really reaches children and adults alike. Be aware that the "N" word is used on two occasions and the angry mob outside of Ruby's school says terrible things to her. One woman suggests she will poison Ruby and later shows Ruby a small coffin. While that sounds harsh, it is an appropriate movie for 4th grade and up (with guidance). This movie accurately shows the reprecussions for everyone involved in this act of bravery. I would highly recommend it for your home or classroom.
- History in video: This is an excellent video for sharing history with young children. It is a great teaching tool that can lead to reading about other historical events that involve the lives of young children.
- Pleased!: Wonderful movie, excellent service.
Thank you very much.
...you're highly recommended by me.
Leroy Guillory Jr. - An amazing child's bravery!!!!: This movie is such an important part of our multi-cultural history that must be shared! This brave little girl has a greater faith and more forgiving spirit than can be imagined. She is an example of how God's loves works. This is a movie that I will watch at least 2 or 3 times a year to remind me that no matter the circumstances are, faith and love can overcome anything!
|
