The Color of Friendship - Disneycember 

What's your favorite Disney Channel Original Movie?

I remember them playing this during black history month with the episode of that's so Raven where she doesn't get hired in a department store because the manager doesn't hire black people. Man memories back when Disney channel was actually good.

So the reason that Piper was mad at Mari in the final act is because Steven Biko, an anti-apartheid activist, was murdered by South African police officers. Mari's father is a South African police officer (an unapologetically racist one I should add) and Piper calls out Mari on not only her ignorance to the plight of people back home but also for her callousness towards Biko's death.

I remember being in 3rd grade and telling my teacher how moving and impressive this movie was and she ended up showing it in class. I’ll always remember that. We need more teachers who listen to students’ ideas

I'm actually surprised at the number of people who haven't heard of this. I forget the release date but even as a kid I was like damn Disney so were talking about this. As a black child I had already hit on these lessons with my parents before. I loved this movie, it felt like a slight platform. I gotta re watch it sometime.

Now here's a Disney channel movie even I haven't heard about .

This movie is definitely one of my favorites of the Disney Channel Original Movies, and the most underrated one, in my opinion. It's amazing that Disney was able to tackle a topic as dark and thought provoking as race and segregation in a movie aimed for children. Hopefully, more Disney films will bring up similar issues in their stories.

This movie is based upon real events, and the girl that Mahree is based on was killed by anti-Apartheid activists in the late 1980s.

3:58 "South America" I'm sure you meant "South Africa".

And when you think about the fact that this was only 6 years after the end of appartheid, you realize this is a commentary on something that just ended. It's like " ok this is over, now let's examine it." It was amazing that it was so recent at the time, like something from almost current times could still be like that.

I think what's sad more that in real life Mahree died according to Piper's book

Also this movie is set in the 70s? I legit didn't know that, I just assumed it was during the current time the movie was released.

90's babies remember this movie from back in the day. This taught kids about global racism and race relations at a young age.

Also you think this is mature, in another movie called Tru Confessions they tackle kids with autism and both how they are treated and how it affects their families. And on top of all that, Shia Leabouf is playing the kid with Autism. Disney Channel movies were so different back in the 90s.

I remember this flick airing back when I was a kid. I was surprised at how easy to follow it was and how it touched on the subject of prejudice in such a simple yet profound way. It didn’t feel heavy handed or ham fisted like so many of the after school specials I’ve seen about the same topic.

I remember Disney TV movies having a much more serious tone when I was a kid, especially the ones dealing with prejudice. Look up "Perfect Harmony" with Justin Whalin (and David Faustino as a racist bigot).

I did like this movie. My BFF'S husband is from South Africa (if it matters we are all white). They said the accent is on par, but they liked it because they bonded because they were girls of the same age. This is going to be coming out of nowhere but I remember a story about two people from different places coming together in an airport and one needed help and it happened because they both spoke Klingon. The girls bonded because despite both of their backgrounds they d like the same things. I like make up, shopping and dress up. I also like movies, books and video games. I have mostly male cousins I grew up with. I love TMNT and Contra, but I also had my girl friends too and we had our own girl stuff too. No matter what I think people bond over something they like. Whatever it is and that is how I think the connection starts.

I remember this movie came out during Black History Month. It was kind of mature for a Disney film, I feel like it was appropriate for what the message was giving for kids. This movie was a good way for kids to discuss a heavy topic like race and culture. I loved it then and I still love it now.

I remember this movie, it wasn't bad. But I cringed so hard during the milkshake scene! "We brought a milkshake for you" "..." "It's chocolate" "..." "Or do you only drink VANILLA?!"

Don't forget that Disney also did Remember the Titans. That film talked about racism in sports and I felt handled it very well. You got to care about the story because you saw the characters as people inside and outside of football without it feeling too crowded.

Little does Doug realize that Disney also made "Ruby Bridges" and "Northern Lights".

I'm a white South African and only just found out about this movie, but my mom and grandma grew up during apartheid and based off what they say it seems pretty accurate.

Yeah, I remember watching this as a kid. The only times it came on was at night or on demand, at least, from what I’ve seen. I don’t see them playing much old movies anymore, besides holiday related ones, but besides that, especially not this, although it is definitely one of my favorites.

What? This review was bad. I disagree with them fighting “out of nowhere” and the friendship going back and forth all the time. That is literally how kids are and dealing with a topic like racism so young can cause many disagreements. At the end of the day, Piper was always gonna be there for her after they clicked. I also think the entire point was to feel uncomfortable in some parts, such as when addressing racism. What did you want to feel, happy and go lucky as they cover these topics? Disney did a killer job and made a great film that is suitable for all ages.

we watched this in my sixth grade class while we were talking about apartheid south africa. it was one of the first disney channel movies I saw and I was just amazed.

I am literally watching this because I am trying to find out any information about the real life Mahree Bok... her real name was Carrie. They said after she got home from the Dellums family house back to south africa... Carrie apparently started to protest and really got involved in activism but she was arrested before she got out of junior high and contacted Mr. Dellums from jail and then suddenly she was never heard from again and they assume she was killed. Seriously??? No one has any other information. How is this not a huge mystery!!!???

The only way i see this as a movie from the 70s is the title logo, the color saturation, and the lack of iPhones

Fun fact: The actress that played Mahree also portrayed the leader of the evil kids in the John Carpenter remake of "Village of the Damned".

I grew up with this movie and I really liked this movie and at time remember thinking the same thing "They're doing this", " Wow they did that". I haven't seen this is a long time and I want to. Thank you for reviewing this one.

People never heard of the good disney movies

I would actually like to go back and rewatch this now as an adult

Do tru confessions! Shia lebouf plays a kid with autism!!

I do wonder if Doug will talk about Disney Channel Movie "Going to the Mat" which focused on how kids should view and treat kids with disabilities (the protagonist is Blind). I only saw that film once, but I remember enjoying it and from Wikipedia, it is stated to be one of the best Disney Channel movies.

I didn’t think this movie was going to be any good when I started watching it tbh, I thought it’d just be a lot of talking down to the audience telling them what to think. But it was very respectful of the intelligence of the audience, it dealt with a serious topic in such a direct and frank way. Plus it was just a great story about a friendship between two girls learning from each other and figuring things out. And then to think it was based on a true story makes it more incredible. I’d highly recommend this to anyone.

_I was starred in the Channel Awesome video? Wooohoo! I'm frickin' famous!_ *~ Friendship*

I remember seeing this when I was 7 and being enthralled.

I think everyone needs to watch this and Zootopia.

I remember watching this movie during my freshman year in high school, but I'd never thought the Nostalgia Critic would be reviewing this movie. I just kind of expected 2d, 3d and cheesy Disney Channel movies you reviewed for the past couple of Disneycembers. But I'm actually more interested in the fact that the movie was based on true events in this short story by the actual author. It's actually sad that her friend was never heard from again and was assumed to be dead after the race wars with South Africa. But overall, this was a great movie overall and more people need to watch these type of movies that complicate racism instead of easily saying that it's bad.

I totally remember this one! It was really one of my favorites. Even as a kid I knew this was a serious and very engaging movie, with a very important topic. I really thank my Disney childhood for teaching me to not judge others, unless true violence was a risk.

I have never heard of this

I literally had no idea this movie took place in the 70’s I’ve seen it maybe 4-5 times but never noticed it’s time period

Wow. What a beautiful movie. Damn. Yeah there's flaws but the at least the meaning of it stands out.

If I remember right they actually had the real Piper help them as a consultant.

Yes! This is my favorite movie. I'm surprised no one remembers this or knows it. I watched it everytime Disney would air it. It's a really great movie. ❤

Yeah this movie is definitely a guilty pleasure of mine because I always watch it on every Kwanzaa and Black History Month.

I loved this movie as a kid! Then growing up as a history major in college and watching films like sarafina, which I recommend you watching it's a musical and all about apartheid in south Africa I'd love your opinion on it, and studying African history- it is very light on the actual events of apartheid in south Africa but at the same time it's a disney movie. They cant go too deep into the violence or history of it. That's where Sarafina, while a musical and still meant for teens, does show more of the violence and imprisonment/death that many south Africans faced during this time and how many took jobs like the maid in white cities/neighborhoods to help get their families an income.

I've been doing this every Disneycember, and I won't stop now! I'll be ranking all the movies that Doug reviews from his most favorite to least favorite, at least from what I can tell from his reviews. Why? Just for fun! 1. Coco 2. Zootopia 3. Captain America: Civil War 4. The Color Of Friendship 5. Star Wars: The Force Awakens 6. The BFG 7. Cars 3 8. Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales 9. Lemonade Mouth

I've never heard of this movie before, but it sounds incredible

It's a shame that Disney does not make movies like this the way they used to. There's also a few other movies that Disney needs to show on their channel. what I mean on their channel, I mean on the actual regular Disney channel and not on Disney Plus.

This was set in the 70s? I remember watching it as a kid, and I thought it was set in modern days.

Does Doug not know that Disney made remember the Titans?

I actually remember this movie from my childhood and it did resonate with me growing up in Miami

??? What's friendship

3:58 - "I don't know how race relations were in South AMERICA at the time." Nice slip-up there, Doug. XD

This movie was really deep. I remember watching this with my mom, who’s from South Africa. She wasn’t around during times of segregation, but she did teach me a lot about the history.

My Favorite part Is When The Boy At The Ice Cream Shop Accienetly Spilled The Ice Cream Cake On The Guy .

If they expanded the film, gave it a proper budget for costuming and production design to more clearly establish the setting, this might do well with a remake.

I remember watching this as a kid when it came out. It came out in 2000, but was set 23 years before, in 1977. That's about as long as it's been since the movie came out.

This movie was one of my favorites growing up! Thank you so much for this critic!!!

The ending of this movie with the weaver bird flying away made me cry.

Disney have a bit of a yo-yo relationship when it gets to race, I mean a decade or two later Disney released an animated film with an all african cast being voiced by a bunch of mostly white actors (The Lion King). Yet recently one of their studios released a live action film that's mostly set in Africa, and featured a mostly black cast (Black Panther)....And then they got caught blacking up actors for the live action Aladdin movie....*sigh*

I remember watching this at 3 am when I woke up and didn’t feel like going to sleep.

On one hand, more people should watch this movie and understand the important message. On the other hand, I know someone will take the wrong thing from this movie and call it bad for being [Blank]

If you wanna see Disney tackle serious subjects in a decent way, it’s definitely this movie and Tru Confessions, about a girl and her brother with autism. I remember seeing both as a kid and enjoying the heartfelt, thoughtful nature of both. For Disney Channel outings, both are impressive.

This is honest-to-god my favorite ever Disney Channel movie!!

True story, this movie is the reason why I was never effected by the Mandela Effect. A point of the movie was that he was released from prison at the end.

For anyone who’s curious, yeah they down play how bad things were in Africa big time. As in, it wasn’t slavery TECHNICALLY, and that’s being very generous.

I remember watching this on TV as a kid. They said "nigger" on the Disney Channel, in this film. As a kid I had no idea what it meant, my brother was surprised too but didn't really explain it to me. Only years later did I actually find out what it meant and how big of a deal it was that they actually put it in a kid's movie no less. I found this movie very tastefully done and respectful to all sides.

I've heard great things about this movie. Glad you liked it. I'd suggest doing more research into African history; it really is fascinating, eye-opening, and important and necessary.

this is one of my favorite disney channel movies and i watch it all the time

Goes to show when Disney Channel wants to they can be serious

I remember watching this movie once when I was like 8 or 9. I have to say that this movie is this great that not only opened my eyes, but I have never forgotten it

I've never actually seen this movie. They certainly don't repeat it on the Disney Channel. Another Disney Channel movie I've never seen is Tiger Cruise which is about 9/11. Wonder how Doug would feel about that.

I remember this movie! It was so good.

Doug obviously isn't familiar with older original Disney Channel Movies. While you got the silly stuff, a lot of them were more mature than they are now. Movies like this one and A Ring of Endless Light, Full Court Miracle, Tru Confessions, and Buffalo Dreams weren't afraid to tackle more serious topics.

While Disney channel movies are light hearted they do cover topics that are important. Most of the older ones are about breaking stereotypes and how it’s okay to be different. A lot of them are off true stories to show kids that being different is real and good.

3:25 or lemonade in the face

South Africa, not South America. Slipped up there towards the end.

Yay he finally reviewed it! By far my favorite DCOM.

Doug should cover Polly. It was Disney's African American version of Pollyanna that I remember watching a long time ago.

I hope he does Tru Confessions.

I watched this movie 100 times♥️

3:59 Is is South America or South Africa? Pick one!

Manga: Zootopia Anime: The Color of Friendship Netflix Adaptation: Song of the South

I remember this movie it was interesting but I actually liked it a lot.

I have a friend from South Africa who really appreciates this movie. She is white, third or fourth generation South African, but she says it is a good movie particularly for American audiences to watch. But then, we also met at a private college full of people who were supposed to be quite smart and when she told people she was from South Africa, the majority of Americans always responded "which country in south Africa?" so...the bar also isn't very high for American education regarding South Africa. (Note: We met in 2010, well after this movie came out.)

I'm so glad you were able to come back and do this movie. I was disappointed you didn't do it last year, but better late than never!!

I remember this movie so much and when it just vanished I felt like I dreamed it up.

Love this movie so much and I'm so glad Doug was receptive to it. Is it perfect? No, but it is easily one of my favorite DCOM's ever. Like top 3

-When I saw this movie, the first thing I thought was that it should be shown in schools! I like how they include a misunderstanding of when Piper accidentally told her parents that Maria referred to her as an offensive "K" instead of an inoffensive "N". That they should her parents getting offended on her behalf, then the friend hearing this and realizing just how important this misunderstanding would be to the family. It opened her world even more for when she got back home. You could tell that she would realize how words could truly hurt others, even in situations of misunderstandings, especially the black servants for in her family. Of all the lessons Maria learned during her time in DC, I think that is the one that stood out to her most, it was certainly note-worthy to me. -I agree, I didn't think this movie was going to be so provocative, either. I watched it because the summary looked interesting. But, they did well with it. Especially for Disney who tip-toes around things and rarely gets anything accurate (Look at Pocahontas). yes, chidlren expect chases, fairy tale romances, swash-buckling, and intrigue. But, children also need to know the real world. While I am surprised by the movie, I'm really glad they did it. The movie took itself seriously and managed not to be offensive with it (hopefully getting the South Africa side of the story right, as you said). I truly do think they should show it in school, just like they show the Miracle Worker and Roots. Both of which I did see in school. But, I would have found this movie a little more entertaining than Miracle Worker and a lot more understandable than Roots. Thank you for reviewing it, I think more people need to bring it light to it, so that the message can be seen.

I’m DYING for your review on The Tigger Movie! Will you PLEASE review it already!?!? I can’t wait any longer!!!!

I remember this movie very well! However I was today years old when I found out it was set in the 1970s lol

I don’t remember even hearing about this movie

Fun fact: Piper Dellums' brother, Erik, is actually a well known voice actor. Most of you probably know him best as Three Dog in Fallout 3.

Could you please please please do a review of Ruby Bridges, the first African-American girl to attend a public school during the years of segregation ..........?? ;-)

I am white and my best friend growing up was black and I remember seeing this movie and being blown away by how badly black people have been treated throughout history. Even as a 11 year old I really did get something from it.

I had forgotten about this movie! It was so good.

People need to go back and watch this now!!!

Can you review a movie called Prep and Landing?

So glad you talked about this film. Disney won awards off of this. It was a big part of my childhood. Funny, I used to get so tired of watching this movie. i hated it at one point, cause they always played it before my bed time. So when it went off i knew my mom would tell me to go to bed.