The Color of Friendship

Ok I don't normally watch Disney channel movies, but lately some of them have not been that bad. The Color of Friendship was one of these. It showed real problems in an atmosphere that was understandable to younger audiences and yet not wholly uninteresting to adults. The two teenage girls provided a great dichotomy, and though some of their arguments were unrealistic, for the most part the issues were clearly and logically presented. Even as an educated young adult, the movie still was delightfully surprising to me in that it opened my eyes and made me see more than a history book lesson, but instead real people with real feelings. It is noted in the movie, and important to remember in life, that it is not the people of the oppressive country that are inherently bad, but rather the system of beliefs that has been imposed upon them, often for generations.

Enjoyable and educational, I give it an 8 out of 10.

Saw it for the second time tonight. Black American family hosts a South African exchange student. They expect her to be black, she expects them to be white. All are surprised at the airport meeting. Father is a congressman in Washington, exchange student, played competently by a real California girl, become friends with host daughter. They both learn about each country's strange ways. We expect that the girl will have an enlightened view of race relations as she returns to South Africa and becomes an adult. We chip away, a bit at a time.

Father at first wants to send her home, by the end has bonded with white girl, even rescues her from an improper seizure done by South African embassy officials without permission. He threatens to claim "kidnapping" if they don't relent.

The whole film kept my interest and was for the most part well done. I give it a solid "7" of 10 rating, for a combination of good message and entertainment.

I thought that this was a really good movie that teaches a lot about what went on back then. I am reading a book called Cry, The Beloved Country in school right now and this is exactly what it is dealing with. All the law and acts that were passed in South Africa. This movie I think takes a pretty realistic look at all the problems South Africa had. And to have a white girl from South Africa was a good idea. It shows that not ALL white people were the same. She was pretty open minded and I think that this movie should be shown to anyone is studying/learning about the trials in South Africa. (Apartheid)

I truly enjoyed watching this movie more than once. The main thing I liked about the movie was the depiction of how both sides knew so little about the individual, but was willing to attach what the attitude was regarding apartheid from both sides. I think it is important for us as Americans to realize that not everyone in S. Africa who is white agrees with the concept of apartheid. That was shown very well in the movie. It also showed how the characters involved in the conflict grew and expanded their view point and ultimately accepted the other person regardless of what they initially believed in. The whole cast was fantastic.

I went in with low expectations for this TV movie being a Disney channel original movie.But Disney Channel did it right on this.The cast was flawless and Luren Haun who plays Mahree Bok does a convincing accent and fits the part well.It is a touching story that uses historical fact.This movie was picture perfect!