Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story
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Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story
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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 Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story is a documentary about the first Black man to take part in America's Indianapolis 500 auto race. Images include smoking, beer and champagne bottles, rival drivers physically fighting, crashing cars exploding into flames, Ku Klux Klan robes, and cross burning. References include death threats, a possible suicide, Bill Cosby sexual assault crimes, and testicles. Swear words include "bulls--t," "damn," "f--k," "goddamn," and "motherf--ker." Slurs include the "N" word, "uppity," "badass," "son of a bitch," and "rednecks." Positive messages include passion to purse a dream and breaking down barriers to get there.
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What's the Story?
UPPITY: THE WILLY T. RIBBS STORY is the story about the African American kid from San Jose, California who aspires to become a professional auto race driver. On his journey, Ribbs faces racial and economic barriers in the sport, but these obstacles don't deter him from pursuing a passion held since the age of 9. Ribbs also gets support from family and friends who back his dream of being the best in the business.
Is It Any Good?
With its effective narrative, this is an exceptional documentary for older kids and teens about an African American pioneer race car driver in pursuit of a passion that others wish to deny him. "There is no sport more exciting than racing," says Ribbs in Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story. "This is the next best thing to heaven."
The same powerful sentiment about the sport is echoed by a Ribbs mentor and supporter, actor and car racing enthusiast Paul Newman. "The only thing that I ever found any grace in was an automobile," notes Newman. Ribbs also befriends boxing champion Muhammad Ali, who gives the aspiring driver advice about being Black in a primarily all-White and male-dominated sport during the 20th century. "I broke down barriers that were not supposed to be broken down," recalls Ribbs, who successfully laid the groundwork for a more diverse and inclusive world with his historic role in society.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the courage and perseverance of Willy T. Ribbs in Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story. Why are these important character strengths?
In what ways are communication and teamwork between Ribbs and others helpful in the aspiring driver's goal of becoming a race car champion?
How does Ribbs's actions in breaking racial barriers decades ago reflect changes in today's car racing industry?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: January 7, 2020
- Cast: Willy T. Ribbs, Muhammad Ali, Paul Newman
- Directors: Nate Adams, Adam Carolla
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Cars and Trucks, Sports and Martial Arts, Great Boy Role Models, History
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 106 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 6, 2023
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