Brian's Song (Full Screen)

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.


The Best Ever   January 26, 2004
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.


A Classic   September 9, 2003
Jeff Chin (Fresno, CA United States)
A true classic and tear jerker. It includes one of the best title songs of all time.


This version not as good as the newer one.   April 19, 2003
R. Chambers (Pittsburgh, PA United States)
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!!!


A timeless classic.   February 4, 2003
As strong as it was upon it's original release.