Watch The Color of Friendship

The Color of Friendship is a 2000 made-for-television drama film directed by Kevin Hooks and produced by the Disney Channel. The movie tells the story of two teenage girls who come from very different backgrounds and cultures, but who find a unique connection through their shared passion for change and equality. The story is set in 1977 and is based on a true story. The film opens with the character of Piper Dellums, a teenage girl from Washington D.C. who is the daughter of a prominent African American congressman. Piper is excited to learn that her family has agreed to participate in an international program that will bring a student from South Africa to live with them for six months.

The South African student is Mahree Bok, a white girl from Johannesburg. Mahree is brought to the United States under the false pretense that she will be living with a white family. When she arrives, she realizes that she will be staying with a black family, which causes her a great deal of discomfort and confusion.

Initially, Mahree struggles to adapt to her new environment and finds it difficult to relate to Piper and her family. Meanwhile, Piper is determined to break down the racial barriers that separate them and tries to find common ground with Mahree. Despite their differences, the girls begin to form a deep friendship based on mutual respect and understanding.

As Mahree becomes more immersed in Piper's life, she starts to question the apartheid policies of her own country. She also begins to see the ways in which her white privilege has shielded her from the harsh realities of life in South Africa. Mahree's experiences in the United States cause her to reconsider her beliefs and to confront the contradictions in the apartheid system.

The Color of Friendship is a powerful film that explores the themes of racism, identity, and cultural differences. The movie highlights the importance of empathy and acceptance in building bridges between people from different backgrounds. It also shows the impact that a single friendship can have on breaking down long-standing barriers and prejudices.

The performances in the film are outstanding, particularly those of Lindsey Haun and Shadia Simmons who play Piper and Mahree respectively. The actresses bring depth and nuance to their roles, capturing the emotional complexity of their characters' experiences.

Carl Lumbly also delivers a strong performance as Congressman Dellums, a key figure in the civil rights movement of the 1970s. His character provides an important historical context for the events of the film and emphasizes the importance of activism in creating change.

Overall, The Color of Friendship is a moving and thought-provoking film that continues to be relevant today. It serves as a reminder of the power of friendship and the importance of understanding and acceptance in overcoming racism and prejudice.

The Color of Friendship is a 2000 tv movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.