31 reviews
When I was watching The Color Of Friendship the only question I had was how a film like this was made at the Disney Studio. The answer is that it wasn't though it was distributed and exhibited by the folks at the Magic Kingdom. It's a film of rare insight and social significance, unlike the usual stuff you get from Disney.
In 1977 Congressman Ron Dellums through an incredible bit of bureaucratic snafuing got to host an African child as part of an exchange program. But our color blind applications don't take into account that he could and did wind up with a young girl from the apartheid Union Of South Africa. Her arrival proves to be a learning experience all around except sadly for her South African peers.
The Color Of Friendship works as well as it does because of the casting and chemistry of Shadia Simmons as Pieper Dellums and Lindsey Haun as Mahree Bok. What I liked most about The Color Of Friendship is that these two young ladies acted like real kids instead of Hollywood kids you see on so many shows.
The other thing about The Color Of Friendship is the hope it shows. We older folks live with so many built in prejudices and feelings and the hope of the world is that the younger generations as they come see past more and more of them. In another film about South Africa, a black character says to Donald Sutherland that it's all going to work out in the end because your son will not believe their lies. As we see here, young Ms. Haun does question the racist assumptions that the apartheid South Africa was built on.
Carl Lumbly, best known for playing Detective Petrie on Cagney&Lacey, plays Ron Dellums who is now Mayor of Oakland, California. Lumbly is fine in the part although if you look at pictures of Ron Dellums, he could be Morgan Freeman's twin brother. But I guess the producers could not afford Morgan Freeman. Penny Johnson plays Roscoe Dellums who sadly in real life got divorced from Ron Dellums many years after 1977 when this film is set. Her character is from the Phylicia Rashad school of mothers, that's not a put down.
Filmed in 2000 The Color Of Friendship turned out happily to be be a harbinger of things to come in South Africa. Don't miss this film if the Disney Channel ever broadcasts it again.
In 1977 Congressman Ron Dellums through an incredible bit of bureaucratic snafuing got to host an African child as part of an exchange program. But our color blind applications don't take into account that he could and did wind up with a young girl from the apartheid Union Of South Africa. Her arrival proves to be a learning experience all around except sadly for her South African peers.
The Color Of Friendship works as well as it does because of the casting and chemistry of Shadia Simmons as Pieper Dellums and Lindsey Haun as Mahree Bok. What I liked most about The Color Of Friendship is that these two young ladies acted like real kids instead of Hollywood kids you see on so many shows.
The other thing about The Color Of Friendship is the hope it shows. We older folks live with so many built in prejudices and feelings and the hope of the world is that the younger generations as they come see past more and more of them. In another film about South Africa, a black character says to Donald Sutherland that it's all going to work out in the end because your son will not believe their lies. As we see here, young Ms. Haun does question the racist assumptions that the apartheid South Africa was built on.
Carl Lumbly, best known for playing Detective Petrie on Cagney&Lacey, plays Ron Dellums who is now Mayor of Oakland, California. Lumbly is fine in the part although if you look at pictures of Ron Dellums, he could be Morgan Freeman's twin brother. But I guess the producers could not afford Morgan Freeman. Penny Johnson plays Roscoe Dellums who sadly in real life got divorced from Ron Dellums many years after 1977 when this film is set. Her character is from the Phylicia Rashad school of mothers, that's not a put down.
Filmed in 2000 The Color Of Friendship turned out happily to be be a harbinger of things to come in South Africa. Don't miss this film if the Disney Channel ever broadcasts it again.
- bkoganbing
- Feb 3, 2009
- Permalink
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.
- Whitetd12000
- Oct 22, 2012
- Permalink
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.
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.
Enjoyable and educational, I give it an 8 out of 10.
Normally I would probably give a movie like this a five because that's what I give movies that were ok but I wouldn't really want to watch again, which is true. But I'm giving it a little something extra because the acting wasn't too bad, I learned something new, and it wasn't as bad as all the other Disney channel original movies I watched before it! It's a little dated but also still relevant and it's interesting that it's based on real events I had never heard of. I noticed a lot of people mentioning discrepancies between the year this took place and some of the cars, monuments, records, etc. That would not have existed yet, but I didn't even notice or pay that close of attention I guess!
- brandi-ferrell
- Nov 22, 2022
- Permalink
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.
- p.a.tolliver
- Feb 27, 2001
- Permalink
Mahree, white girl from South Africa stays with a black family from the US for a couple months apart of an exchange program. She was confused of their high class lifestyle because in her country blacks are poor and servants, her views were changed based on her experience. I did not like that the word "nigger" was used in this movie especially a movie they show on Disney channel.
- francoischristana
- Aug 11, 2021
- Permalink
I watch the first 10 minutes of my kids' shows with them for content. They're banned from Zack and Cody, and a few others, because the boys basically chase girls and are sneaky.
Most of the time, I can't tolerate more than 10 minutes on Disney. This show was very compelling (even for an adult). Now I read that it is based on a true story. I was relieved to find a story that wasn't over-acted (as most Disney shows); dealt with real issues, but was still stylized (higher budget) enough to hold the kids' attention. Bravo! To my surprise, I watched every minute with my eight-year-old...and had a conversation about the Aparteid Bill, and the follow-up comments on this site.
Most of the time, I can't tolerate more than 10 minutes on Disney. This show was very compelling (even for an adult). Now I read that it is based on a true story. I was relieved to find a story that wasn't over-acted (as most Disney shows); dealt with real issues, but was still stylized (higher budget) enough to hold the kids' attention. Bravo! To my surprise, I watched every minute with my eight-year-old...and had a conversation about the Aparteid Bill, and the follow-up comments on this site.
If you haven't seen this movie, I think you should see it. I love this movie and also cried at the end when I read the truth about the movie. You need to see it so you can find out what happened then and is still happening today which is wrong. I have a world history teacher who told me that he is not African American. He said that he is, "AMERICAN," just like me and that the only thing different from him and me is that he has darker skin then me. We both do the same things(well almost I mean he is older then me), we both have friends no matter who they are.
- emalily2001
- Jul 31, 2000
- Permalink
- higherall7
- Apr 28, 2012
- Permalink
I was not entirely impressed with this movie. I understand it was written for kids, but the "adult" characters in this movie were the most immature of the lot. A couple examples, when the black mom and daughter goes to pick up the girl at the airport the mom's first verballized response was "She's white". This was clearly audible to the girl they are picking up. Another example, They take her to meet Congressman Dellums, the mom doesn't even try to warn her husband, forcing the girl to go through another extremely uncomfortable shunning situation by the Congressman and his associates. The Congressman even says "I will not have a white South African in my house". I don't think my kids would learn the correct lesson from this comment, since the Congressmen never says anything that indicates that was a bad thing for him to say. The movie never addresses the prejudice and racism that the black family has toward this 14 year old girl.
There were several times in the movie that the mother hears a normal 14 year old girl's comment and decides that it is clear racism. At the first breakfast this girl sits down to eat at this house, she asks for South African food that would be normal breakfast for her. This is very normal for a kid that is used to having breakfast made for them by an adult in the household. The mom then asks if she has a maid. This then brings on a reprimand for asking. She is told that she will eat when the family eats (had they knocked on her door and asked her to come down to eat?) and would eat what the family eats (in this case, cold ceral).
Why did the family not try to make this girl comfortable at all? At this point in the movie, the only attempt to make her comfortable is the mom telling the girl that she has called the Exchange Student coordinator and they are arranging for another home or she can go back to South Africa. The girl had then asked if she could stay with them instead of going home.
It is hard to see who is the role model for a child. I found myself thinking that the actual role model is the white girl. She only knows what she has seen and grown up with. She is treated like dirt by this "foster family" that has agreed to bring her in. She manages to look through all of this and still learn that the way she was raised is not good. The Congressman's daughter may come in second, but the rest of the Congressman's family is not a role model. They treat this girl like dirt simply because she is white. The Congressman says several things that were just outright racist and he never learns anything. At the end he has come to like the girl, but it is clearly "despite her being white". I hope that the real Congressman Dellums was not like this and was not consulted in the making of this movie.
Bottom line - I would be uncomfortable having my kids watch this show because there are not enough good role models in this movie to enforce the message they are trying to spread.
There were several times in the movie that the mother hears a normal 14 year old girl's comment and decides that it is clear racism. At the first breakfast this girl sits down to eat at this house, she asks for South African food that would be normal breakfast for her. This is very normal for a kid that is used to having breakfast made for them by an adult in the household. The mom then asks if she has a maid. This then brings on a reprimand for asking. She is told that she will eat when the family eats (had they knocked on her door and asked her to come down to eat?) and would eat what the family eats (in this case, cold ceral).
Why did the family not try to make this girl comfortable at all? At this point in the movie, the only attempt to make her comfortable is the mom telling the girl that she has called the Exchange Student coordinator and they are arranging for another home or she can go back to South Africa. The girl had then asked if she could stay with them instead of going home.
It is hard to see who is the role model for a child. I found myself thinking that the actual role model is the white girl. She only knows what she has seen and grown up with. She is treated like dirt by this "foster family" that has agreed to bring her in. She manages to look through all of this and still learn that the way she was raised is not good. The Congressman's daughter may come in second, but the rest of the Congressman's family is not a role model. They treat this girl like dirt simply because she is white. The Congressman says several things that were just outright racist and he never learns anything. At the end he has come to like the girl, but it is clearly "despite her being white". I hope that the real Congressman Dellums was not like this and was not consulted in the making of this movie.
Bottom line - I would be uncomfortable having my kids watch this show because there are not enough good role models in this movie to enforce the message they are trying to spread.
- joe_imdb-4
- Feb 1, 2006
- Permalink
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)
Though I am by no means a fan of Ron Dellums, the congressman, this movie is excellent in that it shows how love, understanding, and education can overcome hatred, bigotry, and racism. We are all human beings before we are white, black, pink, or yellow. Being a made for TV movie has it's limitations, but I liked this one a lot. Worth watching.
A powerful movie about racism, prejudice, and how we take our freedom for granted.
The Dellum family decides to host a foreign exchange student from Africa named Mahree Bok. Unknown to the Bok family, the Dellum family is a black family. Unknown to the Dellum family, Mahree is white. We see the effect of Mahree's parent's racist and prejudiced teachings in Mahree. This movie is a powerful look at how racism effects both black and white people. This movie also shows how we as Americans take our freedom for granted.
This movie is surprisingly deep for a Disney movie.
The Dellum family decides to host a foreign exchange student from Africa named Mahree Bok. Unknown to the Bok family, the Dellum family is a black family. Unknown to the Dellum family, Mahree is white. We see the effect of Mahree's parent's racist and prejudiced teachings in Mahree. This movie is a powerful look at how racism effects both black and white people. This movie also shows how we as Americans take our freedom for granted.
This movie is surprisingly deep for a Disney movie.
- lunarsimsgaming
- Nov 16, 2019
- Permalink
The first time I say The Color of Friendship,I didn't know what I was getting at first but then I really liked this movie a lot.This movie was very good in a lot of ways.Now I know why this movie won a Emmy and a couple of awards.Good acting,Good Writting and Good Cast.A Touching movie.10/10.
- Fearless0610
- Jun 27, 2003
- Permalink
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!
- figureskater67
- Apr 27, 2002
- Permalink
This true story is a must see for all children and adults not only because it tries to teach important lessons about learning to live with, and value, people's differences, but because the story is told in a manner that is encourages questions between parents and children. The actors are both convincing and engaging and the location shots remarkable.
I have watched this movie with my daughter several times since she was 5 years old and she is now 7. Each time she has asked questions about what people where doing and why. We discussed the whats and wondered about the whys; how people develop the attitudes and feelings of a South Africa. We also discussed how, in some respects, life in the U.S is the not that different from life in South Africa. She has learned that one needs to be aware of institutional racism (yes, at 7, my daughter knows what racism is) and to work to overcome it within oneself and where possible, in others.
Off my soap box, this is a movie to be enjoyed for its art as well as its message.
I have watched this movie with my daughter several times since she was 5 years old and she is now 7. Each time she has asked questions about what people where doing and why. We discussed the whats and wondered about the whys; how people develop the attitudes and feelings of a South Africa. We also discussed how, in some respects, life in the U.S is the not that different from life in South Africa. She has learned that one needs to be aware of institutional racism (yes, at 7, my daughter knows what racism is) and to work to overcome it within oneself and where possible, in others.
Off my soap box, this is a movie to be enjoyed for its art as well as its message.
I am always on the lookout for movies/shows that can be used to raise interest in and personalize learning. Many children can't get excited about history because it seems so far away and unrelatable - mostly because they are often taught to memorize dates, names, and places rather than being told a story that illustrates what life may have been like for someone their age.
Now more than ever, movies like this are important! It can inspire people to look past politics and propaganda to find the truth. While this movie was about Apartheid; it is a great tool for helping people to understand the civil rights movement. Even more important it can lead to discussions about current events that threaten our most fundamental freedoms. Fighting to keep constitutional rights that make America great is imperative. This movie illustrates the importance of seeking alternative sources of news and information, seeking opinions that differ from your own, and considering how legislation will affect every day life for the minority. Try reading or watching International news, advocacy web sites and literature, and personal accounts in order to make an informed decision before you vote.
I will definitely be downloading this from my Tivo so my son can see why history and civil rights are important now more than ever.
Now more than ever, movies like this are important! It can inspire people to look past politics and propaganda to find the truth. While this movie was about Apartheid; it is a great tool for helping people to understand the civil rights movement. Even more important it can lead to discussions about current events that threaten our most fundamental freedoms. Fighting to keep constitutional rights that make America great is imperative. This movie illustrates the importance of seeking alternative sources of news and information, seeking opinions that differ from your own, and considering how legislation will affect every day life for the minority. Try reading or watching International news, advocacy web sites and literature, and personal accounts in order to make an informed decision before you vote.
I will definitely be downloading this from my Tivo so my son can see why history and civil rights are important now more than ever.
This is definitely my favorite Disney Channel movie. It's a very sweet film about how big a deal people thought your race was a long time ago. This movie is so much better than the stupid musical crap Disney won't stop airing. This movie is actually based on true events as well, except instead of Mahree her name was Carrie I think. Next time this movie is on, which will probably be sometime during Black History Month, you really have to see it, whether for the first time or just for old times sake. Please, Disney, quit showing High School Musical and Camp Rock 10 times per month and put this and your other amazing 90's movies on more!!!!
- sugarcubeeee
- Dec 22, 2008
- Permalink
Glad I check out this site for good movies! I had SO many to choose from tonight, but after seeing all the "user ratings" it was obvious which one would be a good one. I suspend objectivity to a degree to get into watching any movie, or else I'd merely be seeing a flickering lit screen. But I thought this movie did very well, even if the insensitivity of the Dellum was atrocious. But others were just as myopic & self-absorbed in their own unconscious & asleep ego. (Yes, that's redundant.) Although I thought for the message sake that the Dellum family in real life was not like that portrayed. Funny how they were proud to be fighting racism & apartheid, but were SO insensitive & racists (like we all can be & are at times, depending on how you define racism). It's good to know who you are & what type (?) of people you resonate with. As it turns out only 5% of the users voted this movie to be a 1,2, or 3. Looks like a chunk of the brain got removed along with a heart bypass. Pity, to have lost your humanity & have no heart. How else could this be explained? I found this movie to be very moving, honest & real. And it's not just for kids. Acting's very good too. This movie sheds light & opens the heart. What do you want for 2 hours of your life? Special effects? Violence? A "good" guy vs. "bad" guy "moral"? How quaint, gullible & escapist can that be, or maybe not. Anyway, if you're alive with a heart & soul, then this ones for you. Anyway, the race war is being won here in the U.S. so far, at least until overpopulating, immigration, & economic degradation raises up it little ugly head. (This is an easy topic to address, but try the war between the sexes (genders). Good luck!)
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!)
- magpiemegnut
- Apr 10, 2002
- Permalink
Mahree Bok lives on a farm in southern Africa. Her father is a policeman who cannot hide his joy when activist Steve Biko is captured by the South African authorities. Piper Dellums is the daughter of a congressman from California and USA who lives in a beautiful house in Washington DC. When Mahree is chosen to spend a semester at the Dellums' house, she doesn't expect her family to be black. Neither her hosts suspect that she is not a black South African. Written by Dragomir R. Radev
Based on real events about the friendship between two girls, in an exchange in which Piper Dellum, a black girl from the United States, receives Mahree Bok, a white girl from apartheid South Africa, in her home for 4 months, in the year 1977, who learn about tolerance and friendship, a beautiful, passionate, emotional, necessary film, this in the 2000s, but still necessary, although we are not mentally far from the dark days of Apartheid, disgusting and shameful... I cried, in pain... Simple film it is wonderful...
Based on real events about the friendship between two girls, in an exchange in which Piper Dellum, a black girl from the United States, receives Mahree Bok, a white girl from apartheid South Africa, in her home for 4 months, in the year 1977, who learn about tolerance and friendship, a beautiful, passionate, emotional, necessary film, this in the 2000s, but still necessary, although we are not mentally far from the dark days of Apartheid, disgusting and shameful... I cried, in pain... Simple film it is wonderful...
- RosanaBotafogo
- Nov 18, 2022
- Permalink
DCOMs, or Disney Channel Original Movies are generally feel-good wholesome teen movies, but I do tend to think of them being wrapped up in a teen bubble.
This movie is decidedly not in a bubble, even if it is wholesome and to an extent, feel good. It is also very obviously educational because characters would have to launch into expositions trying to explain the apartheid.
In trying to depict the situation in South Africa, the movie almost seemed to idealize America, but it would take stock of that now and again. But really, what stand out about the movie is watching the white daughter of a South African policeman coming to America as an exchange student and finding out that her host family is black and seeing how she reacts to it.
The most incredible part about this all is that this is actually based on a true story.
This movie is decidedly not in a bubble, even if it is wholesome and to an extent, feel good. It is also very obviously educational because characters would have to launch into expositions trying to explain the apartheid.
In trying to depict the situation in South Africa, the movie almost seemed to idealize America, but it would take stock of that now and again. But really, what stand out about the movie is watching the white daughter of a South African policeman coming to America as an exchange student and finding out that her host family is black and seeing how she reacts to it.
The most incredible part about this all is that this is actually based on a true story.
- sildarmillion
- Nov 30, 2020
- Permalink
The Color of Friendship is one if not the best Disney Channel Original Movie. I'm not gonna lie, it is quite rare to see an actual good Disney Channel movie nowadays. The last time they did something good was Let It Shine. And the problem with their movies nowadays is they reserve plots that are generic and their quality of storytelling pretty low, even for TV standards. This would result for them to be either mediocre at best or horrible at worst. But before they have became an embarrassment, they were just simple teen movies back in the early days of their television program. And this movie is the most enjoyable one they have made about races. It presents both the different cultures of America and Africa and the bigotry of other races (and unfortunately are still happening to this day). And honestly, I have never saw Disney Channel have the courage to present a message like this. Powerful messages is something we should get more out of Disney Channel, not just mediocre ones. Which would make both the story and the characters a lot memorable. This is probably an important one for you to check out considering this review has been posted for Black History Month. However, the commentary on this would more be something adults to fully understand. Honestly, Disney Channel has not just lost their touch with their recent films, but also with most of their sitcoms that try to be comedic and wacky instead of making them fun. But when watching the movie, it feels the program does have their charm of actually make good quality projects. But hey, at least they've made good cartoons in recent years.
- TheMysteriousReviewer
- Feb 19, 2022
- Permalink