Ruby Bridges

I teach 5th grade and show this movie to my class every year. It moves them and shows them an important period in the history of our country. They are amazed when I tell them that this happened in America, not some other country and that we still fight for these rights on a daily basis, both in America and abroad. It makes them appreciate the civil rights all Americans are supposed to have. There are some racially inappropriate words, but that adds to the realism and sparks discussion about words as weapons. This movie goes really well with a host of books and web sites that you can look up on the internet and use with many different age levels.

"The Wonderful World of Disney" Ruby Bridges (TV Episode 1998) was directed by Euzhan Palcy.

Ruby Bridges (portrayed by Chaz Monet) was an important figure in the U.S. civil rights movement. This brave young girl faced mobs of angry people and social isolation as she entered a whites-only school in New Orleans in 1960.

The thought of such vicious vitriol directed at a little girl is hard to comprehend, although in recent years we've see how an ugly crowd feeds on its own hatred. So, even 60 years after the events took place, this movie still has relevance.

This great moment in U.S. history deserves a great movie. Unfortunately, this film is pretty good, but not great. All the acting is solid, but not inspired. The main historical events are accurately portrayed, but I didn't think the movie captured the spirit shown by Ruby Bridges and her family.

Dr. Robert Coles (portrayed by Kevin Pollak) is an important figure in U.S. psychiatry. He did, indeed, help Ruby Bridges during her ordeal. However, I think that too much screen time was given to his accomplishments. Cole is great man, and deserves a movie of his own. However, this should have been more about Ruby and her family than about Coles and his wife.

All the actors were very good, but the only acting that I think was superb was Diana Scarwid as school principal Miss Woodmere. Scarwid brought out Woodmere's antagonistic, vitriolic, and yet fearful character.

The story of Ruby Bridges is a landmark episode in U.S. history. It's a story of courage under enormous pressure. I wish the move had been better. The film has an IMDb rating of 7.2. I agree, and rated it 7.

I watched this today for the first time because in my local school district a parent complained about it being viewed by students during Black History Month, so it has been removed. It has been a staple for years, but this year many children won't get to see it, because of one person who would fit right in with those screaming white people portrayed in the movie, though they have learned to use a more subtle technique, but sure just as prejudiced. Some of the reviews here saying that it shouldn't viewed by children astonish me. How can one possibly make sense of it being okay for a six year old to live through this experience, but not okay for another child to see what happens when people fail to accept others. Yes, children need to see this movie, especially if it means they learn something that their parents aren't willing to teach them.

I happened to see this movie in my son's second grade classroom when I was volunteering as a parent helper. The film and Ruby Bridges herself are truly inspiring, more poignant and heartwrenching because I know it is a true story, and that this year-long incident actually happened within my lifetime. The script doesn't seem to take liberties with reality and sticks to the truth as I understand it.

Wars against injustice are fought one battle at a time. And this movie really brings home the story in such a powerfully understated way that children, and adults alike, are able to appreciate and relate to Ruby's unrelenting bravery. As a result, we are perhaps better prepared to search for and find a bit of bravery in ourselves to rise up whenever we get the chance. The movie is well done and it was refreshing to see that it wasn't overacted or overdirected. The story alone is enough that it doesn't require the usual sprucing up by Hollywood.

To another reviewer who found it "yawn" provoking I would only say, sorry there were no car crashes, bloody scenes, knife wielding maniacs, naked ladies, or otherwise thrilling happenings gratuitously added in to try to hold the interest of viewers such as himself. There was only an angry mob of white, so-called Christians threatening and poised to attack a SIX YEAR OLD LITTLE GIRL. Perhaps he doesn't understand that this is a true story. This means IT REALLY HAPPENED. To me, the bravery of one small first grader is more exciting to learn about than all of the fictional Terminators/Arnolds, Rambos, Dirty Harry's, etc., etc., combined.

This type of movie and, in particular this specific movie, is the perfect venue for parents and children to watch together and then share and discuss other real-life events they have encountered dealing with man's inhumanity to man. We take it for granted that anyone can walk up to any lunch counter and order a coke, or drink from any drinking fountain, or sit in any open seat on any bus, or walk into his or her designated electorate polling place unhampered, or enjoy countless other privileges which we can take for granted now; while, just 44 short years ago, persons of certain skin colors or ethnicities could not without great personal risk.

The movie itself is quite long and his teacher showed it in two 45 minute segments including several discussion pauses while viewing. I really have to thank my son's teacher for sharing this movie with her class and myself, and for providing the excellent education he is receiving. The children's book by Robert Coles (the real-life psychiatrist who is portrayed by Kevin Pollak in the film) is also highly recommended reading for children.

My son was also delighted to see that some of the music in the film was composed by Patrice Rushen who sings his favorite song, "Forget Me Nots."

To another reviewer I would like to ask, if there are a dozen better movies on this topic, could I see a copy of that list? They must be spectacular!

Those films that hurt in the soul ... If it hurt to watch, I can't imagine what it would be like to live an act of racism ... It seems impossible to have such a brave little girl, beautiful family, that education and character, is priceless ... Ruby Bridges, fought bravely for a lot, a biography that is needed, deserved, exciting, delicate, courageous, faithful, very proud of this Disney production... Barbara Henry and Robert Coles honorable mention and necessary support to little Ruby, teacher and psychologist...