Ruby Bridges
Historical drama lacks subtlety but has positive messages.
Ruby Bridges
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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 the true story behind Ruby Bridges is historically important and inspiring but emotionally intense. Ruby was only 6 years old when she became the first Black child to attend an all-White school in New Orleans in 1960, yet she withstood daily threats and insults as she entered the grounds and had to be escorted by armed guards. Most viewers will find the scenes of adults aggressively threatening and name-calling a first-grader disturbing. They use racist insults like the "N" word, among other slurs. Enslavement is also mentioned and explained in very basic terms by a teacher. Depending on the viewer and their personal experience with racism, the film could incur a variety of reactions, ranging from recognition and anger to surprise and sadness. But it's important for kids to gain a wide understanding of U.S. history, particularly the uglier aspects that are often glossed over, in order to offer context for some issues that endure today. At one point, Ruby refuses to eat and hides her lunches due to a fear of poisoning, which could be difficult for children who have a tricky relationship with food. The film also has a strong Christian message of the power of faith and belief in Jesus, although characters also question the portrayal of Jesus as a White man.
Community Reviews
Great historical movie but it has the N word
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What's the Story?
RUBY BRIDGES is based on the real-life story of a 6-year-old Black girl (Chaz Monet) selected by the NAACP due to her high test scores to attend an all-White school in New Orleans in 1960. Although desegregation of schools was national law, many areas in the South were slow or resistant to carry out the policy. In the film, Ruby's parents (Michael Beach and Lela Rochon) agree to send her to the school, even though she has to be protected by U.S. Marshals due to increasingly violent protests outside. Other parents pull their White children out of classes, and Ruby's presence causes resentment among the all-White staff. Mrs. Henry (Penelope Ann Miller), a recent transplant from Boston, is assigned as Ruby's teacher and advocates on behalf of her student's rights and integration. Ruby's family also receives support from the NAACP, their local community, and a White psychiatrist (Kevin Pollak) who volunteers his services. Thanks to this support, along with the love and strong faith instilled by her family, Ruby is able to weather the experience and make an important impact.
Is It Any Good?
This has all the hallmarks of a TV movie, with overly expository dialogue and heavy-handed music telling viewers exactly what to think and feel in key scenes. Such manipulative direction might typically turn off more mature audiences, but Ruby Bridges' true story would leave only the coldest of viewers indifferent. Played with impressive emotion by Monet, little Ruby is a deeply moving character who's depicted as resolute in the face of death threats, racist insults, and exclusion by other kids.
Ruby's experience was memorialized in a famous Norman Rockwell painting that positions the child as a lonely heroine. The film takes a different stance, showing how Ruby grapples with the trauma of her experience through broad support from her stalwart mother, loving father (an excellent Beach), psychiatrist (Pollak, looking a little stiff in the role), and religious faith. "Jesus faced a mob, too, just like you," Ruby is told. Such messages of determined resistance against discrimination remain incredibly relevant today.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the history of desegregating schools in the United States, as well as the life story of the real Ruby Bridges. Where could you learn more?
Why do you think Ruby was so brave? Can you imagine living an experience like hers? How would you get through it?
Do you think Ruby's parents made the right decision to send her to the all-White school? Why or why not?
Why do you think the protestors were so hateful toward Ruby? How do you feel about the other children's reactions to Ruby?
Did you find Mrs. Henry's explanation of slavery appropriate for a first-grader? Do you know anything about the history of the KKK?
Movie Details
- In theaters: May 8, 1998
- On DVD or streaming: January 18, 1998
- Cast: Penelope Ann Miller, Kevin Pollak, Michael Beach, Chaz Monet
- Director: Euzhan Palcy
- Studio: Disney
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Activism, Great Girl Role Models, History
- Character Strengths: Courage
- Run time: 96 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- Last updated: February 27, 2022
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