I Know a Man...Ashley Bryan
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
I Know a Man...Ashley Bryan
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
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that I Know a Man…Ashley Bryan is a documentary about an African American artist who's now 92 and lives on a small island off the coast of Maine. A lot of his work has kid appeal, like the puppets and illustrations for children's books, and there's no content of concern for the littlest ones. But the movie's unlikely to hold little kids' interest for very long as it covers a wide range of Bryan's activities, including cataloging his work, setting up a museum display, and more from an adult perspective. Bryan is a great role model for appreciating life, teaching that everyone has value, and turning items other people have discarded into amazing works of art. Older kids will learn a lot about historic events and eras from Bryan's fascinating perspective, they'll enjoy watching and hearing him describe his process and how he finds and uses unusual materials, and they'll be inspired by his humility, sense of wonder, and appreciation of life.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
I KNOW A MAN…ASHLEY BRYAN follows the 92-year-old award-winning artist as he talks about his life and work, shows some of his process, and travels the world inspiring adults and children with his enthusiasm, gratitude, and deep appreciation of the beauty in everyone and everything. We also see him preparing for a museum exhibit, reading from some of the books he's illustrated, working with puppets, and more. We see how his richly-varied life experiences have influenced his work, from being discriminated against in art school admissions, serving in the military during World War II, and listening to famed cellist Pablo Casals rehearse Bach, as well as his life on a small island off the coast of Maine.
Is It Any Good?
This earnest documentary has its heart in the right place and an admirable subject, but it doesn't make connections or transitions that give the viewer the feeling of watching a story. I Know a Man…Ashley Bryan is interesting and inspirational but would work better as part of an educational unit about American art, or the African American experience, which would provide some much-needed context for why the filmmakers chose this subject, or how Bryan and his work fit into modern African American culture and heritage.
That being said, kids old enough to have patience with the adult perspective will find a lot to admire about Bryan. They'll learn a lot about art and some aspects of history that Bryan lived through, and they'll hopefully be inspired to appreciate their own value and uniqueness and to find a creative outlet of their own.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how I Know a Man…Ashley Bryan shows he's a good role model. What do you like about him? How does he inspire you?
What do you think Bryan means when he says an artist can "transform the sorrow if he paints a picture of it"? Has creating artwork ever helped you feel better about something?
What kinds of art do you like to make? If you could try anything you haven't done before, what would it be? Sculpting, acting, dancing, painting, writing songs or poetry?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: June 30, 2016
- Director: Richard Kane
- Studio: Kane Lewis Productions
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Arts and Dance, Great Boy Role Models, History
- Character Strengths: Gratitude, Perseverance
- Run time: 57 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 7, 2020
Our Editors Recommend
-
Imba Means Sing
Vibrant, uplifting docu about African children's choir.
-
Linnea in Monet's Garden
Charming animated film explains artist's work to kids.
-
The Watsons Go to Birmingham
Warm family drama brings the civil rights movement to life.
For kids who love inspiring tales
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