Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspiring sports tale takes on racism; cursing, drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Pride
What's the Story?
Set in the 1970s, PRIDE follows competitive swimmer-turned-coach Jim Ellis after he's turned down for a coaching job at an all-white academy in the affluent Philadelphia suburbs. Jobless, he takes a temporary gig cleaning up a Philly rec center that's scheduled to close. When he uncovers and refills the pool -- much to the amusement of center maintenance worker Elston (Bernie Mac) -- a few local teens decide to dive in rather than hang out in the parking lot. Thus begins the fledgling swim team, which single-handedly keeps the center open. Of course, when the team members show up at their first official meet in their rickety yellow bus (at the same academy that snubbed Ellis), the race and class divide that separates them from their competitors becomes as crystal as the Olympic-sized pool's water. Ellis is embarrassed at the team's showing, and the kids realize they'll have to fully commit in order to really compete.
Is It Any Good?
Terrence Howard is an actor of such gravitas that he lends a powerful authenticity to every role he plays. Which is lucky for Pride. As Coach Ellis, Howard saves an otherwise formulaic story (based on real events, no less) from turning into another trite sports drama. Anyone who's seen an inspiring sports movie can guess what happens when the Philly kids train hard, swim fast, and land at a national competition. But even knowing the outcome, viewers can't help but cheer for the underdogs' Pride.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different forms of racism displayed in Pride. Why wouldn't any of the other swimmers get in the pool with Jim? How are his experiences tied in with the American South's segregated past?
While based on a true story, the movie also took some liberties. What are some moments that feel like they were exaggerated for the sake of creating more drama, tension, and excitement?
Can you think of other movies that deal with racism and sports? Is bigotry still an issue in athletics in real life? Give some examples.
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 22, 2007
- On DVD or streaming : June 26, 2007
- Cast : Bernie Mac , Kimberly Elise , Terrence Howard
- Director : Sunu Gonera
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material, language including some racial epithets, and violence.
- Last updated : September 26, 2024
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