What's your opinion of Song of the South?

[always quiet]

My sister got a copy of Song of the South and I borrowed it last evening. We watched it together, and not only did we find it enjoyable and the characters all very likable, we all noticed the lessons of life it 'softly' taught. I understand that it was set in a time of American history that is in one word, horrible. Explaining the whole idea of slavery to my youngest daughter was not an easy thing to do and her reaction was sheer anger! As much as I am sure we would like to change our past, it is something that can not be changed. This movie doesn't show the slaves being treated cruelly. Everyone in this movie, from the servants, to the young children to Uncle Remus treated everyone with love, respect and caring. In my opinion, the lessons it could teach today's youth would outweigh this political uncorrectedness. I think it should be released in this country, possibly with a disclaimer in the beginning. Maybe today's youth could learn some valuable lessons from tales from the past.

 

[Dan Murphy]

History is what it is, history. History is a great educator. The movie is what it is, a classic. I have it, and I like it.

 

[Stepharoonie!]

Never seen it, actually!

 

[tink2]

Well, I've never seen the movie- I'm 28 and it hasn't been available in a long time. My mom LOVED it and I've been looking on e-bay for a while, just not willing to pay what I'd have to pay to buy it! My mom asked a CM about it in Downtown Disney several years ago, and she looked at Mom like she had 3 heads. The CM said it would never be re-released and mom proceeded to tell her what a shame she thought it was as it was a good movie. Since I haven't seen it, I can't say. However, I teach second grade and during Feburary- black history month- we do discuss slavery (the simple basics). If we teach our children about it, why can't they watch a movie that includes it? If it teaches good lessons, why can't we see it? I agree, you can't escape the past, only learn from it. I personally would like the opportunity to see it for myself. Just like any other movie, you have the right to buy it or not. I think there are a lot worse- morally- movies out there today! Can't believe I've never seen the movie that brought us "zip a dee doo dah"!

 

[doxdogy]

Saw it many moons ago as a kid. Use to have the children's book. Loved the movie and would love to get my hands on a copy of it.

 

[Gette88]

I've never seen it but always wanted to. I didn't even know it was set in that time.

 

[katerkat]

I have seen it (bought it in England and got a friend to translate it onto Amercian tape) - I think it's a perfectly good movie. Yes, it's slavery, but it happened and we can't change that. The imporant stuff were the tales (and morals therein) that Uncle Remus told.

A sidenote: Hmmm, maybe I should consider selling it on eBay!

 

[Blondie]

I haven't seen it in many, many years, but from what I remember, I really enjoyed it.

I wish they'd re-release it, but I don't see that ever happening.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

My children love to watch Song of the South. I think it was well done for the time period it represents. We love the music and the southern accents. I do have to translate sometimes for my children. My MIL found this copy. I don't know where she got it.

Lori

 

[JoeThaNo1Stunna]

I ordered one from superhappyfun.com, was a very good film. The controversy is not necessary.

 

[Blondie]

Originally posted by JoeThaNo1Stunna
I ordered one from superhappyfun.com, was a very good film. The controversy is not necessary.

Agreed, but there is always someone out there willing to cry foul.

 

[snoopy]

History is what it is, history. History is a great educator. The movie is what it is, a classic.

What my wise friend said.

 

[Pooh67_68]

Originally posted by Dan Murphy
History is what it is, history. History is a great educator. The movie is what it is, a classic. I have it, and I like it.

I have the movie and I too like it.

 

[grinningghost]

I saw it years ago and loved it. It's also my mom's very favorite movie ever, I should probably find a copy for her online.

 

[laurie31]

I, too, have the movie and my kids and I enjoy it. You can buy it on DVD for about $25....but I can't remember from where - sorry!

I could be wrong about this, but I believe it is set in the period just after slavery has ended. Uncle Remus chooses to leave the plantation near the end...(although he is then later convinced to stay a slave could never choose whether to leave or stay. I think he is a servant, not a slave. (After slavery ended, many former slaves stayed on their plantaions as servants, as it was the only life they knew. And yes of course, slavery was a horrid thing beyond words, but it happened then and still goes on in parts of the world today - pretending it never existed isn't the answer).

Uncle Remus is the hero of the story, the wise old man the kids go to for advice. I didn't find it deragatory in the least. My kids just love the Br'er Rabbit stories, and they like me to read them aloud as well. (We also have the storybook ) Disney should come up with a way to re-do (if they can't bear the thought of the original) the Br'er Fox/Br'er Bear/ Br'er Rabbit stories. As the OP said, they teach lessons gently and are enjoyable for kids and adults.

Laurie

 

[meeko_33785]

I have seen all the animated segments from the film, but none of the live-action ones. From what I've seen it's pretty cute, perhaps a little un-PC, but you have to understand what the time the film was made in when you watch it. I think that's the major problem with re-releasing the entire film- people are not educated with how people percieved other races, nationalities, and groups in the past. How are we to learn from our past if we lock it away in vaults? I would enjoy seeing the film in its entirty if for no other reason than its historical value.

 

[always quiet]

Hey!! Look what I found!!
http://www.songofthesouthdvd.com/store.html

I did copy the vhs tape from my sister, but the quality could be a bit better. I think I might look into the DVD copy!

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Is that "region-free DVD" legal? I wouldn't want to enrich someone who is breaking the law. I have never seen this movie. I thought it was unavailable.

 

[disneyjunkie]

We have two copies of the movie.

I remember my mom taking my sister and I to see it when we were kids.

I think the movie set during reconstruction.

I don't like the live action. When I play the video, I only watch the animated parts. I'm planning to watch it with my son, niece and nephew this week so they'll have an idea of what Splash Mountain is about.

 

[Disfan1]

I love this movie! If a "legal" copy were available, I would buy it. As it is, the only way I could get a copy was from someone who "didn't know" where the copies came from. I don't understand why this movie is so "bad" when people go ga-ga over "Gone With The Wind" (which I also love!)