Common Sense Media Review
Weepy story of interracial pro football teammates.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Brian's Song
What's the Story?
BRIAN'S SONG is the true -- and heartbreaking -- story of Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, players for the Chicago Bears and the first interracial roommates in pro sports. Piccolo (James Caan) isn't as talented as Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) but his dedication is immense and he excels when competing against Sayers. When When Sayers is injured, Piccolo devotes himself to his friend's recovery. Sayers comes back, Piccolo is added to the starting lineup, and all seems fine until Piccolo becomes ill. It turns out that he has terminal cancer. The shy and reserved Sayers must learn to handle a devastating loss by keeping the best of Piccolo inside him.
Is It Any Good?
This is a touching and inspiring made-for-TV film with an outstanding musical score by Michael Legrand. The friendship and devotion between the two friends (and their wives) in Brian's Song is very moving, as is the treatment of racial issues.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about friendship and competition. Do you have friends you compete with? Is it hard on your friendship sometimes? What are more recent movies that deal with racial issues? How do they compare with Brian's Song?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 30, 1971
- On DVD or streaming : August 8, 2000
- Cast : Billy Dee Williams , Jack Warden , James Caan
- Director : Buzz Kulik
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 74 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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