Soul on Ice: Past, Present and Future
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Soul on Ice: Past, Present and Future
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 Soul on Ice: Past, Present and Future is an informative sports documentary about the history of Black ice hockey players with discussions about some of the racism they faced. The movie is packed with positive role models and messages. It explains the overlooked history of Black hockey players in Canada and the U.S., with plenty of historical examples of innovators and modern-day sporting excellence. As part of this, there is also discussion of the racism that Black players experienced and how these problems persist. There is a good mix of diversity, with multiple ethnicities represented when talking to hockey experts. Both men and women are interviewed where possible, but the documentary focuses on men's leagues, so the women interviewed tend to be relatives of players. Violence is minimal, with it being alluded to rather than shown. The most graphic example is of the description of a sporting injury that left one player blind in one eye. Some participants reference terms of racist abuse -- including the "N" word -- that they have heard targeted at them and their relatives. The word "s--t" also appears censored in a humorous quote from the comedian Chris Rock.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
SOUL ON ICE: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE documents the history of Black hockey players in North America, many of whom haven't received the same plaudits and fame as their White teammates.
Is It Any Good?
A brief but detailed overview of the history of Black ice hockey players in North America, this is a well-crafted documentary that also transmits its makers' love of the sport. From trailblazing veterans of the NHL such as Willie O'Ree and Val James, to young draft hopeful Jaden Lindo, Soul on Ice: Past, Present and Future has a variety of intergenerational voices who show us how times have changed for the better. Equally impressive are the unsung heroes working to improve the sport's diversity and inclusion, who work to overcome barriers such as cost and access to learning how to skate and how to play.
Jaden's story gives the documentary a natural through-line. But before that there's a concerted effort to tell the history not just of Black hockey players but also Black immigration to Canada in particular. The early examples of Black sporting excellence are relatively obscure but unsurprising. Sadly, so is the persecution they received. From not being selected because of the color of their skin to being offered pay cuts to progress their career, Soul on Ice: Past, Present and Future does a good job of showing how far we've come, but also how some startling examples of racism from hockey crowds -- including death threats -- persisted well into the 1980s. Whether you're an expert, a casual hockey fan, or just an interested onlooker, there's likely something here for you to enjoy, learn from, and celebrate.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Soul on Ice: Past, Present and Future taught us. Had you heard of some of the Black players discussed in the documentary? If not, why do you think that is? Why is representation important?
What examples of courage, integrity, and perseverance were shown in the documentary? Why are those important character strengths to have? Can you think of any times in your own life when you've demonstrated these traits?
Discuss the prejudice the Black hockey players faced. Do you think things have improved today? Why or why not? How to talk with kids about racism.
How has hockey become safer over time? Did it surprise you that players used to compete with much less safety equipment? Why did this need to change?
How can documentaries help tell stories that need to be told? What other documentaries have you seen that have affected how you felt about something?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: November 4, 2015
- Cast: Jaden Lindo, Willie O’Ree, Val James
- Director: Damon Kwame Mason
- Studio: Top Shelf Productions
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, History
- Character Strengths: Courage, Integrity, Perseverance
- Run time: 86 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: December 11, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Red Penguins
Entertaining, fascinating sports doc has violence, language.
-
Ice Guardians
Provocative docu on hockey "enforcers" is violent.
-
Red Army
Fascinating documentary about legendary Soviet hockey team.
For kids who love sports documentaries
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