Parents' Guide to Martin Luther King Jr.: One Man and His Dream

Movie NR 2018 87 minutes
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Common Sense Media Review

Sabrina McFarland By Sabrina McFarland , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Touching tribute to iconic civil rights leader; violence.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

age 9+

Based on 1 kid review

What's the Story?

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.: ONE MAN AND HIS DREAM recalls the rise to global prominence of the civil rights activist committed to the fight for racial equality through nonviolence resistance. King's historic journey is seen through the lens of archival footage, photos and anecdotal interviews conducted by award-winning Trinidadian-British journalist Sir Trevor McDonald.

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Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say ( 1 ):

McDonald's film is assuredly one of the most definitive, well-reported documentaries about King's role to rid racial segregation in the United States. According to McDonald in Martin Luther King Jr.: One Man and His Dream, the civil rights leader "dreamed of black and white children playing together. People of all races around the same table." And says supermodel Naomi Campbell about King, "He was fearless. Someone who put himself on the frontline to sacrifice and speak up for the people that couldn't and didn't have a voice." King's influential words still resonate today and may inspire kids and teens to take part in civil rights activism.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the courage of Martin Luther King Jr. in Martin Luther King Jr.: One Man and His Dream. How does he also demonstrate communication, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?

  • What motivated King to become involved in the civil rights movement? Why do you believe he chose nonviolent methods, instead of violence, to end decades of discrimination in America?

  • How would you describe King's legacy? In what ways does this civil rights movement from a half century ago impact the lives of people today?

Movie Details

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