Rating: 
Summary: The Best Ever
Review: I just need to say I am looking at this movie as I am writing this for about the 100th time, still with tears running down my face. I have loved this movie every since it came out when I was 10 years old. With the lost of my father the year before the movie really touched me and made my mother never want to look at it again. Then growing up with old timeer stopping me to tell me I looked so much like the real Gale Sayers made me love the movie even more. Now with what is running through my blood and not knowing what will happen to me all I can think of now is my best friend of 25 years and him standing by my side. As you can see this move has really been a part of my life almost all my life.
Rating:
Summary: Very, very moving - even sports movie haters will love it.
Review: I saw this movie when it first appeared on tv 29 years ago and I watched it again last night with my husband - needless to say, it is just as good the 2nd time around. Be very prepared to SOB multiple times; when Gale/Billy Dee declares, "I love Brian Piccolo" it is one of the most heartwrenching moments in movie history. Probably the best movie of the week I've ever seen.
Rating:
Summary: EXTRAORDINARY...
Review: I was fifteen years old when "Brian's Song" premiered as a "Movie of the Week" on ABC-TV. I had no interest in sports then (I still don't), and had no intentions of watching this movie, but my dad persuaded me. "Just watch the first few minutes," he said. He knew that this was NOT a sports movie. He had read Gale Sayers' book "I Am Third" (upon which this movie is partially based), and knew that this was a movie about PEOPLE, not about football. The fact that the two lead characters are football players is almost incidental. This is a movie about friendship, love and courage. Needless to say, I watched it from start to finish, and have watched it many times since. Although its roots as a TV movie are obvious (the production values are nothing more than ordinary), "Brian's Song" is one of the most extraordinary films ever made, a particularly remarkable achievement when you consider its length of only 74 minutes. James Caan and Billy Dee Williams, both virtual unknowns at the time, play Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers with a sense of realism, and with respect for their real-life counterparts. Jack Warden is excellent (as always) as coach George Halas, and Shelley Fabares and Judy Pace turn in fine performances as Joy Piccolo and Linda Sayers. David Huddleston and Bernie Casey make the most of their small parts, and even real-life Chicago Bears provide some fine moments, particularly the "hazing" sequence. The sincere performances, along with William Blinn's beautifully-written teleplay, keep the action from becoming mawkish or sappy, Buzz Kulik's direction brought out the best in his actors, and Michel Legrand's score comments on the emotions in the film with exactly the right tone. (Legrand's penchant for marking musical cues to sudden movement onscreen is notable, and the gorgeous theme is one of the most emotionally charged pieces of music ever written.) The film ends on a freeze-frame of James Caan's face over narration by Jack Warden of William Blinn's words, and when that musical theme pulls out all the stops after Warden's narration ends, well...even the Chicago Bears themselves would be dissolved in tears. It's one of my all-time favorite movies, and I would recommend it without reservation to anyone, sports fan or not. Thanks, Dad.The DVD version includes an exclusive short featurette, "Gale Sayers: First and Goal" in which present-day Gale Sayers discusses the movie and his career. It's interesting, but nothing special. Also included in audio commentary by Williams and Caan. Caan is a cutup and does most of the talking, and little of any real substance is said, but it IS quite entertaining, and definitely worth another viewing. But then, "Brian's Song" is ALWAYS worth another viewing...
Rating:
Summary: EXTRAORDINARY...
Review: I was fifteen years old when "Brian's Song" premiered as a "Movie of the Week" on ABC-TV. I had no interest in sports then (I still don't), and had no intentions of watching this movie, but my dad persuaded me. "Just watch the first few minutes," he said. He knew that this was NOT a sports movie. He had read Gale Sayers' book "I Am Third" (upon which this movie is partially based), and knew that this was a movie about PEOPLE, not about football. The fact that the two lead characters are football players is almost incidental. This is a movie about friendship, love and courage. Needless to say, I watched it from start to finish, and have watched it many times since. Although its roots as a TV movie are obvious (the production values are nothing more than ordinary), "Brian's Song" is one of the most extraordinary films ever made, a particularly remarkable achievement when you consider its length of only 74 minutes. James Caan and Billy Dee Williams, both virtual unknowns at the time, play Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers with a sense of realism, and with respect for their real-life counterparts. Jack Warden is excellent (as always) as coach George Halas, and Shelley Fabares and Judy Pace turn in fine performances as Joy Piccolo and Linda Sayers. David Huddleston and Bernie Casey make the most of their small parts, and even real-life Chicago Bears provide some fine moments, particularly the "hazing" sequence. The sincere performances, along with William Blinn's beautifully-written teleplay, keep the action from becoming mawkish or sappy, Buzz Kulik's direction brought out the best in his actors, and Michel Legrand's score comments on the emotions in the film with exactly the right tone. (Legrand's penchant for marking musical cues to sudden movement onscreen is notable, and the gorgeous theme is one of the most emotionally charged pieces of music ever written.) The film ends on a freeze-frame of James Caan's face over narration by Jack Warden of William Blinn's words, and when that musical theme pulls out all the stops after Warden's narration ends, well...even the Chicago Bears themselves would be dissolved in tears. It's one of my all-time favorite movies, and I would recommend it without reservation to anyone, sports fan or not. Thanks, Dad. The DVD version includes an exclusive short featurette, "Gale Sayers: First and Goal" in which present-day Gale Sayers discusses the movie and his career. It's interesting, but nothing special. Also included in audio commentary by Williams and Caan. Caan is a cutup and does most of the talking, and little of any real substance is said, but it IS quite entertaining, and definitely worth another viewing. But then, "Brian's Song" is ALWAYS worth another viewing...
Rating:
Summary: A gritty story about friendship and overcoming obsticles
Review: I watched this show when I was 13, I am now 39 and remember it still. It was so moving it made me shed a tear. It also taught me to never give up. It taught me what friendship was, in spite fo race, creed, or politics. Watch this movie. If you know of a football fan, this movie is sure to touch their heart!
Rating:
Summary: One of the most emotional and best stories of all time
Review: I'm a huge sports fan. I want to be a sports writer and it's stuff that Brian's Song that makes me want to do it even more. Brian's Song is based on the true story of Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers. Both were rookies when they joined the Chicago Bears. Brian Piccolo(Caan) was the funny loudmouth that everybody loved. He wans't the most gifted athlete in the world and his determination made him the player that he was. Gale Sayers(Williams) was the quiet one. He was the easily the most talented player on the team maybe in the league. The two are paired as roomates and the friendship starts. The two are opposites and don't get along that well at first. Opposites attract and they especially do with these two. They quickly feed off each other though and become the best of friends. They fuel each other and are inspeperable. They become the first white and black roomates in the NFL. They ignore the whole idea of race and are like brothers. When Sayers tears his ACL the next year Brain gets the chance to step up and show his talent. He however feels for his friend and is determined to get Gale back into his form as the best RB in the league. There bond becomes even stronger during this time as does the friendship of there families. The tide changes though when Brian starts not to play well. It's a new season and the two are enjoying finally playing with each other as one of the best backfields in the league. Brians play starts to diminsh though and he's sent to the doctor. What the doctor finds is that Brian has cancer and is terminal. It's now up to Gale to help his friend through this most difficult time of his life. This movie isn't about football. It's about the bond of love and friendship that these two men have for each other. James Caan and Billy Dee Williams play these roles to perfection. Both weren't known all that well at this time in 1971. Caan hadn't delivered his legendary performance as Sonny Corleone and Wiliams hadn't played Lando yet. The two give dramatic performances though that are sure to make anybody cry. This is one of the greatest tear jerkers of all time. I've never wathced it were a member of the audience isn't sobbing at the end of it. I've cried numerous times while watching this movie. You can tell it's a tv made movie. It doesn't take away from the quality though and this movie cleaned the Emmy's out in 1971 and in my opinion is the greatest made for TV movie EVER! I love this movie. It's not about sports but is about life. You won't find a better tale of love and friendship anywhere. Everybody should see this movie at one time or another. It's a cinematic masterpiece. Buy this movie you won't regret that descion.
Rating:
Summary: a great film
Review: James Caan&Billy Dee Williams do a wonderful job in this film.the friendship&concern is felt thru-out this picture.it's bigger than football.i was thinking of this film when the Great Sweetness' Walter Payton passed.it's a film that will stay in your mind. a must see.
Rating:
Summary: A great film for all
Review: Just wanted to say that this is one of the best movies I've ever seen. The relationship depicted in this movie transcends racial, religious, and political differences. Shame on ABC for remaking this movie. This is a masterpiece and they should show this version instead of doing a remake.
Rating: 
Summary: This version not as good as the newer one.
Review: Many people have told me that the reason for my not liking the original version of "Brian's Song" compared to the newer one is because I saw the ABC version before I saw the original one. That is most likely the case but whatever the reason be, this continues to be my favorite story of all time. The newer version seems to be more emotional and bring about more sorrow which is why I liked it more. It made you feel for Brian Piccolo more as he goes through his trying times. As for those who don't know the story, Brian is a football player who contracts cancer. His enemy turned friend, teammate, and competitor, Gale helps Brian and his wife through the pain of dealing with cancer and this is truly the saddest movie I have ever seen. The new version brought about tears at more than one point in the movie, and it takes a lot for me to cry during a movie. (This is still the only movie to this date that has actually made me cry) A definite classic that everyone should own. I will recommend the newer version based on my opinion, but I don't think it matters which one because this story has captured the love and emotion of those in my parents generation as well as those in my generation who have watched the newer version. The story of Brian Piccolo will always be my favorite movie and everyone should see this and be exposed to his story. a definite MUST!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Good, Inspirational
Review: My nine year-old son liked this film. It is a reminder that we are not here for ever and there are more important things than football. Twenty-something James Caan is great in this one. Bill Dee Williams also works well with the other actors playing a very interesting Gale Sayers. It's a sad film, but very meaningful. None of us knows when our "number" is up.
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