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Brian's Song (1971)

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Average Rating: 7.5/10
Reviews Counted: 12
Fresh: 11 | Rotten: 1

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 1
Fresh: 0 | Rotten: 1

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Average Rating: 3.7/5
User Ratings: 8,517

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Movie Info

One of the best known and most enthusiastically reviewed made for television films of the 1970's, this drama was based on the true story of football greats Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo. Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) and Piccolo (James Caan) both joined the Chicago Bears the same year, and while it was obvious from the start Sayers had the talent and drive to be a great player, Piccolo seemed destined to be an also-ran on the team. However, Sayers and Piccolo struck up a friendship which brought

G, 1 hr. 13 min.

Drama, Television, Classics

Directed By: Buzz Kulik

Written By: William Blinn

In Theaters: May 1, 1970 Wide

On DVD: Aug 8, 2000

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Brian's Song Trailer & Photos

Cast

James Caan
Brian Piccolo
Billy Dee Williams
Gale Sayers
Jim Boeke
Veteran Player
Dick Butkus
Himself
Ji-Tu Cumbuka
Roommate
Bernie Casey
J.C. Caroline
Shelley Fabares
Joy Piccolo
Ron Feinberg
Veteran Player 2
David Huddleston
Ed McCaskey
Doreen Lang
Nurse 1
Mario Machado
1st Reporter
Stu Nahan
Speaker
Judy Pace
Linda Sayers
Allen Secher
Hotel Man
Jack Warden
Coach George Halas
Jack Daniel Wells
Toastmaster

Critic Reviews for Brian's Song

All Critics (12) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (11) | Rotten (1) | DVD (7)

Made-for-TV eyewash for disheartened Bears fans to drown their sorrows in.

January 25, 2008 Full Review Source: Chicago Reader

| Comments (5)

Pat Graham

Chicago Reader

Top Critic

Weepy story of interracial pro football teammates.

December 22, 2010 Full Review Source: Common Sense Media

| Comment

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

The film's emotions are obvious and blunt, but they get the job done.

January 25, 2008 Comment

Douglas Pratt

DVDLaser

It remains the best example of the most different of men competing fairly and getting along peacefully ever filmed.

December 6, 2005 Full Review Source: Film Threat

| Comment

Brad Laidman

Film Threat

This is a touching and inspiring film.

February 27, 2001 Comment

Nell Minow

Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies

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Audience Reviews for Brian's Song

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If you thought this was a bit sappy in 1970 you should watch it again. The thing practically oozes with overt sentimentality. Still, it's an indelible childhood memory for men of my generation and an almost iconic piece of '70s Americana. ...and yes, it still makes me cry (dammit).

January 15, 2009

Randy Tippy

Super Reviewer

This is one of the best films I've ever seen -- I lived in Aurora, Illinois when Brian died! I loved him as a Bear, and I was terribly saddened by his death -- I remember all that Gayle Sayers did for him, but I didn't know this much -- A Wonderful film --

October 23, 2007