I was shocked when I saw this on the Disney channel. It is a very good drama and It shows the hatred and sorrow that racism can bring. It would be a good movie for parents to watch with their kids. Roxana Val plays Niki, a girl who has immigrated to the US from Greece with her parents, during a war in Europe. They reside in a small town in West Virginia, one where the Ku Klux Klan thrives. Niki is apauled by the way the Klan treats certain people, simply on the means of their race, color, religion, or background. When she tries to befriend some African-Americans, the Klan rallies against her and her family. She dosn't quit though, and with the help of her friends Alma (Chynna Phillips) and Henderson, she dosn't let the Klan's threats stop her, and she vowels to try and stop the racism in the town. Great Movie, 8/10
6 Reviews
Disney Tackles Racism
millerbn23 January 2007
I am disappointed by some of the reactions to this movie. No, It is not high drama, and the acting is amateur in certain roles, but this is still a good film. I grew up in the small Tennessee town where filming took place, and I believe that this film captures the sentiment and culture of the Appalachian South during the era depicted in the film. Furthermore, it is interesting that Disney released this film. It is not the typical movie made by Disney. To some this movie may seem watered down and predictable, but it is what it is. It is a small budget film that focused on plot and character development, rather than action and special effects. Of course, today such a film will not be popular with younger generations, but if you like a good story that leaves you feeling more uplifted then the film should be enjoyable. If you are looking for sex, violence, drug use, and no plot, try some more current.
Welcome to America, the land of freedom.
mark.waltz27 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A Greek immigrant settles in the deep south, discovers prejudice (not initially directed at her until she disobeys local customs), decides to fight against it, and because of her strong, sweet nature is nominated by one of the locals for fourth of July queen. In the meantime, she falls in love with a rich local, challenges his racist views, befriends the proud Louis Gossett Jr., then suffers from a flu pandemic. Roxana Zal gives a quiet, dignified performance as this amazing woman, with Chris Sarandon and Chantal Contouri very good as her parents, Chynna Phillips better than expected as the local girl who dared to stand up against her community, and in an excellent dramatic part, comic icon Conchata Ferrell as the head of the pageant committee whose big heart makes up for the indoctrinated prejudices she can't escape from.
Set during World War I, this shows the contradictory policies of a country fighting for a war against injustice and the bigotry that shows how hypocritical this community could be as Klansmen create all sorts of panic and havoc, and how one person can supply hope against the evils of all the bigotires of the world, showing that change for the better is always possible and starts with one person. There's nothing really resolved, but it wouldn't be true to history had the story been concluded differently. Perhaps not a perfect film, but definitely one that makes the viewer think, and at least remember how much has changed over the past century even though there's still a lot that hasn't. Ferrell is truly touching, especially when the war has a personal impact on her, even though she doesn't seem to grieve after that scene, suddenly thrust back into the phony social leader role her character was introduced with.
Set during World War I, this shows the contradictory policies of a country fighting for a war against injustice and the bigotry that shows how hypocritical this community could be as Klansmen create all sorts of panic and havoc, and how one person can supply hope against the evils of all the bigotires of the world, showing that change for the better is always possible and starts with one person. There's nothing really resolved, but it wouldn't be true to history had the story been concluded differently. Perhaps not a perfect film, but definitely one that makes the viewer think, and at least remember how much has changed over the past century even though there's still a lot that hasn't. Ferrell is truly touching, especially when the war has a personal impact on her, even though she doesn't seem to grieve after that scene, suddenly thrust back into the phony social leader role her character was introduced with.
The bomb
kmcclan25 November 2001
I am sorry that i can not write a long speach about this movie. ALl i can say is that i saw it once as a kid on the Disney Channel and it was really nice. It was an eye opener for me. I learned from this movie that it doesnt matter where someone is from if they are willing to be friendly and offer his or her help then that gesture should be enough. I hunted this movie down and now i am going to purchase it. I think that is is a must have movie.
Needs to be on Disney+
jpettenati1 February 2024
February is Black History Month Why doesn't Disney pull this excellent based on fact film out of the vault and include it with its' extensive Disney+ programming? Or Hulu? I access Fargo on Hulu through Disney+ App. If Fargo is okay for showing on Disney+; why not Goodbye, Miss 4th of July??
The film, first shown on The Disney Channel, has a moving story about racism & immigration; the book & film have been used for years by teachers & parents to enhance awareness and understanding about major issues that we still face today in achieving "the American Dream"! Also, the handling of the Spanish Influenza is another topic that remains current in our country!
The cast includes Louis Gossett. Jr. And Chris Sarandon, who are both outstanding! Disney+ would be doing a great service to include this film with proper disclaimers in your Black History Month schedule!
The film, first shown on The Disney Channel, has a moving story about racism & immigration; the book & film have been used for years by teachers & parents to enhance awareness and understanding about major issues that we still face today in achieving "the American Dream"! Also, the handling of the Spanish Influenza is another topic that remains current in our country!
The cast includes Louis Gossett. Jr. And Chris Sarandon, who are both outstanding! Disney+ would be doing a great service to include this film with proper disclaimers in your Black History Month schedule!
piece of crap, but worth it
vickipage29 May 2002
ok, admittedly, this movie bites, hard. it's sappy and predictable and well, really moralizing, but have you met mr janus? oh my god, if you are going to see this movie, honestly, call Christopher janus first. he was my history teacher sophmore year for modern european hist AP, and the movie is pointless without knowledge of him. he's insane, but in a laughable way. if you can, get him to watch it with you, we saw it at the end of the year, and his comments were priceless. ok, quick tangent, but it's janus' favorite joke- a crocodile walks into a bar and orders a scotch. he looks at it and sheds tear before gulping it down. the bar tender turns to him and says, "why the long face?" (hahahahahah, oh, but wait, it gets better). now a bear come into the bar. he looks even more glum then the crocodile. he sits down at the bar and orders a scotch and gulps it down in one drink as well. the bar tender turn to him and says "whats wrong?" the bear just looks at him sadly and and sighs. the bar tender looks at him and says "why the long pause?" bwahahahaha, get it paws-pause? it's nothing without the hand movements. anyway, see the movie, if you can sit through it, you'll be amused for days after.
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