Life's Essentials With Ruby Dee

2016 • 85 minutes

About this movie

“Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee”, a documentary about love, art and activism, tells the story of one of the most enduring couples of our times, Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis. Their achievements in love (with a 57-year marriage), art (as pioneers in black theater) and activism (always using their influence to help "the people") parallel nearly a century of change in America. The film is told through the lens of their grandson, director Muta’Ali, who has an innate hunger to learn everything possible about his grandparents’ lives and apply their hard-won lessons to his own life today. Through pointed questions, revealing conversations and never-before-seen family archival material, “Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee” shares the wisdom of the ages with today’s generation, carrying the legacy of Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis forward in history for the first time in feature documentary form.

Ratings and reviews

Such a heartfelt film - up close and personal look at the incredible Ruby Dee and Ozzie Davis and the impact that they had on the world. Such a brave couple, full of wisdom and insight. A powerful beautiful work - completed with love by Ozzie and Ruby's children and grandchildren. Thank you for the opportunity to get to know this amazing couple and to understand their importance and views.

I fell in love with Rudy Dee and Ossie Davis after learning about them 4 years ago. I couldn't recall when and why exactly did I declare my love for them. This film clarified why I made that declaration.

A heartfelt documentary up close and personal.Thank you for letting us in full of information and will watch over again with my family.