Worthwhile, and timely, as director Akosua Adoma Owusu's presentation of the bravery of Rosa Parks is, what interests me most about Bus Nut is the equally respectful treatment of the 1980 educational film it shares a title (and a great deal of footage) with. In many cases, when old educational shorts are revived, it's as a source of mockery, which is no surprise, given how ridiculous many of them are. There are a few moments to laugh at in the original short, but what stands out most, and what is carried on here, is the determination of the little black girl who so deeply cares about her school bus. Everyone else around her acts foolish, but she won't. She also can't - the added context in Owusu's film reminds us of just how much weight she has on her shoulders. The original short is available on Youtube, which is important to enhance your appreciation of this one.
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