Films about knowing how to read focus on the transformative power of literacy. These stories often highlight the struggles and triumphs associated with learning to read, emphasizing its importance for personal growth, empowerment, and navigating society. These films can be deeply inspirational, showcasing characters who overcome significant obstacles to unlock new possibilities through the written word. Here are some notable films on this subject:
“The Reader”, 2008
Director: Stephen Daldry
This film explores complex themes of guilt, shame, and the aftermath of WWII in Germany. At its core, it features a young man who embarks on a passionate affair with an older woman, only to discover her deep secret tied to her illiteracy and past actions during the war. As their relationship evolves, themes of reading, interpretation, and understanding play pivotal roles in their lives and the narrative.
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Kate Winslet, David Kross, Bruno Ganz, Burghart Klaußner, Lena Olin, Karoline Herfurth, Hannah Herzsprung, Jeanette Hain, Susanne Lothar;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “The Reader” on the website imdb.com
“The Great Debaters”, 2007
Director: Denzel Washington
While not solely about learning to read, this film emphasizes the power of words, reading, and eloquence. Based on a true story, it follows a debate coach who mentors and guides his African-American students from a small college in Texas to challenge Harvard in the national championship, showcasing the importance of literacy, education, and the ability to articulate ideas.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Denzel Whitaker, Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, Forest Whitaker, Jermaine Williams, Gina Ravera, John Heard, Kimberly Elise, Devyn A. Tyler;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Great Debaters” on the website imdb.com
“Educating Rita”, 1983
Director: Lewis Gilbert
This film centers on Rita, a working-class woman from Liverpool who enrolls in an Open University course to broaden her horizons. Her desire to learn and read voraciously stands in stark contrast to her mundane life and opens up a world of self-discovery and change. It's a testament to how education and the ability to read critically can transform one's life.
Starring: Michael Caine, Julie Walters, Michael Williams, Maureen Lipman, Jeananne Crowley, Malcolm Douglas, Godfrey Quigley, Dearbhla Molloy, Patrick Daly, Kim Fortune;
Production year: 1983;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Educating Rita” on the website imdb.com
“Precious”, 2009
Director: Lee Daniels
Set in Harlem, this harrowing film follows the life of Clareece “Precious” Jones, a teenager who faces unimaginable hardships. Illiterate and suffering at the hands of her abusive mother, Precious finds hope and a chance for a better future through an alternative school. Here, she learns to read and write, which becomes a critical step towards her empowerment and independence.
Starring: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz, Stephanie Andujar, Chyna Layne, Amina Robinson, Xosha Roquemore;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Precious” on the website imdb.com
These films, among others, demonstrate the profound impact that literacy can have on individuals and their ability to challenge and change their circumstances. Through their narratives, they celebrate the human spirit's resilience and the transformative power of learning to read.
In a world increasingly dominated by visual media, films about the importance of literacy offer a poignant reminder of the power held within the written word. Through a diverse range of narratives, from the heartwarming journey of a young child discovering the joy of reading in a fantastical world to the gritty realism of an adult struggling to overcome the barriers illiteracy places on their life, these films underscore a universal truth: literacy is not merely a skill, but a gateway to freedom, understanding, and connection. They illuminate the challenges faced by those who navigate life without this fundamental tool, while also celebrating the resilience and creativity required to surmount these obstacles. Ultimately, by showcasing the transformative impact of learning to read, these films inspire audiences to reflect on the value of literacy in their own lives and society at large, leaving a lasting impression of hope, empowerment, and the enduring significance of the written word.
