Brian's Song

[AKA2D '91]

a true story airs Sunday on ABC.

Mekhi Phifer portrays the role of Gale Sayers. A role that is atypical of the roles that we are always COMPLAINING about in the entertainment industry.

Here's a summary:

http://www.abc.go.com/primetime/movies/brians_song.html

[AGDLynn]

I was in high school when the original came out with Billy Dee Williams and James Caan. I wrote a book report on the book and got an A. Concidently, the teacher died a few years later of cancer.

My now-hubby were dating back then and even the commericals make me cry.

[BeeJae]

Did we REALLY need a remake of this classic?

[kiml122]

I said this in an earlier post somewhere, but I am not feeling this remake AT ALL . I'm sorry but for me there can only be one Brian's Song movie, and that is the original.

When I first caught site of the commercial for it a few weeks ago I was like oh hell no!!

[PrettyPetite]

Well, I have never heard of the movie "Brian's Song" until recently, and after viewing the website, I finally realize who Brian Piccolo is. (There is a park near me that bears his name)

I will probably watch the remake, and then go and rent the original, just to compare.

[Special1920]

I'm interested in seeing it. The original had me crying. Plus alot of these young people have never seen the original or heard of it.

[AGDLynn]

From the reviews and interviews, this is not an exact remake of the original. For instance, this time the wives' point of view is more evolved. (Brian's wife is played by Paula Kale who is Joanie on Providence.) Gale Sayers commented that this time he is not portrayed as being as shy as in the original movie.

So..you could look at it as a remake of the original or a different movie..

[Sexy Mocha]

I saw it and actually liked it. Of course, I haven't had the pleasure of seeing the original version. It was so sad....I was crying like a baby up until the very end

[CrimsonTide4]

I saw it. I enjoyed it. I am thinking of adding the book to my 9th grade curriculum and using it as a comparison piece to Remember the Titans. It deals with football, race, death, overcoming prejudices and obstacles.

[Sexy Mocha]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
I saw it. I enjoyed it. I am thinking of adding the book to my 9th grade curriculum and using it as a comparison piece to Remember the Titans. It deals with football, race, death, overcoming prejudices and obstacles.

What an excellent idea!

Originally posted by Sexy Mocha
I saw it and actually liked it. Of course, I haven't had the pleasure of seeing the original version. It was so sad....I was crying like a baby up until the very end

I didn't see the original either. I think the movie was great and Mekhi did a great job because it showed his maturity as an actor. I was crying throughout the movie also, especially when he did his acceptance speech and said "I love Brian Piccolo and I'd like for you to love him, and when you hit your knees, ask God to love him too." At that point I was boo-hooing.

In my opinion I think it was a good idea to remake the movie so the younger generations can see and learn from the relationship and obstacles they shared. I didn't see the originial, so I can't compare the two, but we have to realize how many children in this day would overlook the old movie with Billy Dee and watch the new one just because Mekhi is in it. I only caught a glimpse of the preview, so I said I would watch it, and the only reason was because of Mekhi. I guess it doesn't matter how you reach people as long as they are reached....right?

[Reds6]

I saw it to and thought it was very good. The end was so sad. Although I knew he was going to die, I was hoping a miracle was going to take place. what is really sad is that now many that have his type of cancer survive.
I was crying hard on the part when he kept telling his wife he loved her.