Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Biopic about Black political pioneer has violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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Shirley
What's the Story?
When SHIRLEY Chisholm (Regina King) was elected to Congress in the late 1960s, she was the first Black woman to hold that position. From the start, she was surrounded by White men who underestimated her and treated her condescendingly, something she wouldn't stand for. In 1971, Chisholm decided to run for president, relying on the quiet support of her husband (Michael Cherrie), campaign managers (Lance Reddick, Terrence Howard, and Brian Stokes Mitchell), as well as the support of young people (Lucas Hedges, Christina Jackson) newly allowed the vote at age 18 in the US. Her run would be both historical and divisive, on a national and a personal level.
Is It Any Good?
Few deserve a biopic more than the pioneering figure of Shirley Chisholm, but perhaps because she was so groundbreaking, this film feels insufficient even despite its two-hour run time. King thoroughly embodies Shirley, prosthetic teeth and accent included, and she's surrounded by an excellent cast and an understated, authentic period production design and wardrobe. But, as always, trying to capture the essence of an icon's life, career, relationships, personality, and significance in under two hours is a daunting task.
Writer-director John Ridley opts for an episodic narrative that can at times feel rushed. In choosing to focus on her presidential campaign, the film skips over Chisholm's early rise to political power. Viewers unfamiliar with her life and career might need this context to better understand her character and motivations, as well as the significance of people and figures around her. Nonetheless, Shirley provides an entertaining enough and well-produced introduction to a preeminent historical figure.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Shirley Chisholm elicited strong feelings in people across the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. What did she represent?
What other films have you watched about historical political figures? How did this one compare?
What aspects of Chisholm's life and career did this film focus on? What was left out or breezed over? Where can you find more information about Chisholm's life and career?
How did Chisholm demonstrate perseverance? According to the film, what other traits seemed to motivate her? Would you consider her a role model? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 22, 2024
- Cast : Regina King , Lance Reddick , Terrence Howard
- Director : John Ridley
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism , History
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 117 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong language including racial slurs, brief violence and some smoking
- Awards : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Winner , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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