Martin Luther King Jr.: One Man and His Dream
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Martin Luther King Jr.: One Man and His Dream
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Martin Luther King Jr.: One Man and His Dream is a bio documentary about the civil rights leader's launch of a movement to end racial discrimination and segregation in America. The film's 2018 release date marked 50 years since King's death. Violent images include photos of King's body after his assassination, lynchings, police officers attacking protesters with dogs and fire hoses, a church bomb killing kids, and Ku Klux Klan burning crosses at rallies. Language includes the "N" word racial slur and swear words "bulls--t," "hell," and "damn it.” The documentary's main message is how one person can make a positive difference in the lives of so many others.
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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.
Is It Any Good?
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
- On DVD or streaming: April 1, 2018
- Cast: Martin Luther King Jr., Sir Trevor McDonald, Naomi Campbell
- Director: Sir Trevor McDonald
- Studio: Potato
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism, Great Boy Role Models, History
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 87 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: December 13, 2021
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