2 highly worthy films about school
Written by kabouter am 20 Apr 2001 01:00:44:
the first is from China. Not one Less (1999) is the story of a 13 yr old rural teacher in China who subs for the village teacher. She has no idea how to control her class or how to teach them other than follow by rote what the departing master told her to do until 11 yr old Zhang runs away to the city and she sets out to find him.
Its an emotional and arresting film more so because the children including Zhang play themselves. And despite what Hollywood et al likes to say about China and other socialist countries past and present the film is frank and honest about the plight of the rural poor and paints a contrast with the city sophisticates who force Zhang to beg for food.
Likewise is Clockwork Mice, a Brtish Film from 1995. Fresh from teaching at a prestigious private school Steve Drake arrives at a country school catering for emotionally damaged children. He bombs convincingly as he tries to cope with their myriad problems but learns to love his mixed up pupils and shares himself with them in surprising ways that lead to a marvellous ephiphany.
Again the children play themselves for the most part a bold move that works convincingly.
Would either of these films have been made in the USA? I doubt it. Not to bash Hollywood which has treated me to such joys as Magnolia and Northern Lights in the last week. Could the Brits make Magnolia? Probably not.
Try to see these films and share the wonderful experiences that they portray and instill in you. Both films made me weep for which I thank them.
HUGZ
kabby