Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story
By Sabrina McFarland,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Drama about groundbreaking racer has language, violence.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
-
Diverse Representations
Images include Black boxer Muhammad Ali, William T. "Bunny" Ribbs, father of Ribbs and African American auto racer, White actor Paul Newman and a car racing enthusiast, Joie Rae, an African American and pioneer car racer, Jim Trueman, a White auto racing team owner, and Paul Riley, an African American Indy 500 maintenance chief. Auto racing was primarily a White and male-dominated sport during the 20th century.
Inclusion information: Black actors
Inclusion information powered by
Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
UPPITY: THE WILLY T. RIBBS STORY is the story about the African American kid from San Jose, California who aspires to become a professional auto race driver. On his journey, Ribbs faces racial and economic barriers in the sport, but these obstacles don't deter him from pursuing a passion held since the age of 9. Ribbs also gets support from family and friends who back his dream of being the best in the business.
Is It Any Good?
With its effective narrative, this is an exceptional documentary for older kids and teens about an African American pioneer race car driver in pursuit of a passion that others wish to deny him. "There is no sport more exciting than racing," says Ribbs in Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story. "This is the next best thing to heaven."
The same powerful sentiment about the sport is echoed by a Ribbs mentor and supporter, actor and car racing enthusiast Paul Newman. "The only thing that I ever found any grace in was an automobile," notes Newman. Ribbs also befriends boxing champion Muhammad Ali, who gives the aspiring driver advice about being Black in a primarily all-White and male-dominated sport during the 20th century. "I broke down barriers that were not supposed to be broken down," recalls Ribbs, who successfully laid the groundwork for a more diverse and inclusive world with his historic role in society.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the courage and perseverance of Willy T. Ribbs in Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story. Why are these important character strengths?
In what ways are communication and teamwork between Ribbs and others helpful in the aspiring driver's goal of becoming a race car champion?
How does Ribbs's actions in breaking racial barriers decades ago reflect changes in today's car racing industry?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: January 7, 2020
- Cast: Willy T. Ribbs, Muhammad Ali, Paul Newman
- Directors: Nate Adams, Adam Carolla
- Inclusion Information: Black actors
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Cars and Trucks, Sports and Martial Arts, Great Boy Role Models, History
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 106 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: April 6, 2023
Inclusion information powered by
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Great Movies with Black Characters
Amazing Books for Teens Exploring Black History
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate