The Color of Friendship

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.

Based on a true story, The Color Of Friendship centers on Piper Dellums, the daughter of Congressman Ron Dellums and her experience hosting a Caucasian South African girl in 1977. The film is unlike most children's TV movies (and most DCOMS of the decade) due to the high educational value. The film showcases the very real effects of South African apartheid and its influence on attitudes towards racism in South Africa in contrast to the relative freedoms of the US. Mari, through her worldviews, sees African Americans as second class, clashing with the Dellums, who no doubt still feel the emotional scars of racism. Tension eventually gives way to friendship and the realization that racism is not only useless but immoral. Overall,the movie succeeds in its goals to foster understanding and race relation in a way that is not heavy-handed or preachy.

I loved this movie. I think that it is great for people to watch, especially younger kids. The message is clear and should be recognized by everyone. I love the fact that it takes place during the time of the apartheid in South Africa, and so the kids in America are all dressing "groovy"...Haha! That adds to the factor for kids to enjoy the movie. Anyway, this was wonderfully acted and the two girls, Piper and Mahree, did an excellent job. See this movie on the Disney Channel.

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.

This is a Disney channel origanel, but it's very good. This movie can be understood and liked by kids but not be boring for adults. It contains a very strong message that even young children can appreciate. Mahree and Piper are acted superbly by Lindsey Haun and Shadia Simmons. I highly recomend it if you like very strong films. (The costumes are great and so is the music!)