Based on a true story, The Color Of Friendship centers on Piper Dellums, the daughter of Congressman Ron Dellums and her experience hosting a Caucasian South African girl in 1977. The film is unlike most children's TV movies (and most DCOMS of the decade) due to the high educational value. The film showcases the very real effects of South African apartheid and its influence on attitudes towards racism in South Africa in contrast to the relative freedoms of the US. Mari, through her worldviews, sees African Americans as second class, clashing with the Dellums, who no doubt still feel the emotional scars of racism. Tension eventually gives way to friendship and the realization that racism is not only useless but immoral. Overall,the movie succeeds in its goals to foster understanding and race relation in a way that is not heavy-handed or preachy.

I watch the first 10 minutes of my kids' shows with them for content. They're banned from Zack and Cody, and a few others, because the boys basically chase girls and are sneaky.Most of the time, I can't tolerate more than 10 minutes on Disney. This show was very compelling (even for an adult). Now I read that it is based on a true story. I was relieved to find a story that wasn't over-acted (as most Disney shows); dealt with real issues, but was still stylized (higher budget) enough to hold the kids' attention. Bravo! To my surprise, I watched every minute with my eight-year-old...and had a conversation about the Aparteid Bill, and the follow-up comments on this site.

This true story is a must see for all children and adults not only because it tries to teach important lessons about learning to live with, and value, people's differences, but because the story is told in a manner that is encourages questions between parents and children. The actors are both convincing and engaging and the location shots remarkable.I have watched this movie with my daughter several times since she was 5 years old and she is now 7. Each time she has asked questions about what people where doing and why. We discussed the whats and wondered about the whys; how people develop the attitudes and feelings of a South Africa. We also discussed how, in some respects, life in the U.S is the not that different from life in South Africa. She has learned that one needs to be aware of institutional racism (yes, at 7, my daughter knows what racism is) and to work to overcome it within oneself and where possible, in others.Off my soap box, this is a movie to be enjoyed for its art as well as its message.

I loved this movie. I think that it is great for people to watch, especially younger kids. The message is clear and should be recognized by everyone. I love the fact that it takes place during the time of the apartheid in South Africa, and so the kids in America are all dressing "groovy"...Haha! That adds to the factor for kids to enjoy the movie. Anyway, this was wonderfully acted and the two girls, Piper and Mahree, did an excellent job. See this movie on the Disney Channel.