Le destin de Brian

It's a football movie, a buddy movie, a comedy and a tragedy, with actual game footage of the inimitable Gale Sayers. It's the one movie (Pride of the Yankees might be one other) that it's all right for guys to get weepy over. Just a great, great film. DO NOT be fooled and accidentally rent the wimpy remake. James Caan and Billy Dee Williams are perfect as the two teammates who become friends and then even more. You WILL tear up and get a lump in your throat during the "I love Brian Piccolo" speech. If you don't there is something seriously wrong with you.

When this film began production,Brian Piccolo had only been gone for six months.As a result,most of the film takes on the atmosphere of being rushed to production.It has an obvious look that they were given a very small time frame to get this film made.They rushed it.Also,you have real,honest to goodness football players trying to act.They are trying to come across as though they are not reading their lines as they speak,but it's obvious that they are.All of that being said,Brian's Song is still an enjoyable film because of it's story.You are watching a friendship develop,evolve,and flourish into a brotherly love.This is the hook that keeps you watching,and ultimately brings you back to see it again.

That being said, this is most definitely NOT a TV movie in the standard overacted, overly cheesy, ridiculous sense. I love this movie. Billy Dee Williams (Sayers) and James Caan (Piccolo) give the exact right emotional level to their parts, and it brings the rest of the cast into the story. I found myself laughing, hurting, and crying at various times throughout this movie. I do agree with the previous reviewer that if you can watch Sayers' speech upon winning the George Halas "Most Courageous Player" award without tearing up (or, more accurately, blubbering like a buffoon), you're probably not human. DO NOT watch the remake - it was horrible. This movie, however, is a 9/10.

Only Steven Spielberg's "Duel" is a better TV movie than this movie. Brian's Song proves that real men can cry! When my friends and I discuss this movie, each one of us has admitted that we cried during its three dramatic scenes. The one that does it for me, is when Billy Dee Williams' character Gale Salyers has to tell his teammates that James Caan's character, Brian Piccolo has cancer. You can almost sense that the two actors bonded during this film. The inter-mixing of NFL Films footage of both players works to the understanding the relationship they had. Possibly the best football and buddy flick of all time. Outstanding performances from all the actors. Watch it with someone you love.

In times of racial trouble, inner family strife, and complete distrust of your fellow man, this movie showed what the world would really be like if people got rid of "oneupmanship" and lived life for life itself. I HIGHLY recommend the original version (1971) The acting was not campy, there was nothing to be really showy about, the football clips were some of the best ever incorporated (they actually became part of the plot), and other male leads were extremely believable in their roles. The females weren't too bad, either.

I just love this movie! It is a story of 2 men--Gale and Brian...2 unlikely people to become the best of friends...The actors were well cast--James Caan and Billy Dee Sayers fit their roles to a tee. It is a film not only of friendship but also of love...a film of triumph of the human spirit. It is a story that transcends time and overcomes barriers to relationships, whatever they might be--racial, religious, or political. It challenges the viewer to assess his/her own prejudices and why it must be overcome. It is as timely as it was when it was first shown. A real winner but be prepared with a box of Kleenex when watching this very touching film. I saw a remake of this film quite recently but I think the original movie was much better than the remake.

The TV show "Just Shoot Me" once had a sub-plot involving the primary male characters being drawn to watching BRIAN'S SONG...and dissolving into tears by the conclusion--as well as commenting on why "men don't cry", although they should. The use of the movie is a brilliant move, as this truly is the ultimate Guy Picture, and worthy of its unofficial recognition as the greatest television movie ever made.