Brian's Song
Common Sense says
- G
- 1971
- 74 minutes
Parents say
Kids say
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Get it now on
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Did this review miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive, diverse representations in books, TV shows, and movies. Want to help us help them? Suggest a diversity update
Suggest an update Brian's Song
A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Brian's Song deals with plenty of racial issues and there's an upsetting death of a main character.
Stay up to date on new reviews.
User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
3 Reasons Why Brian's Song is the Greatest Football Movie of All Time
Tearjerker with soul
Great movie for 7 up!
I Guess It Was OK, But....
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
- Studio: Columbia Tristar
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Friendship
- Run time: 74 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- Last updated: June 4, 2020
Our editors recommend
For kids who love sports
Themes & Topics
Top advice and articles
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.
Streaming options powered by JustWatch