“Films about teaching” is a compelling genre that often explores the transformative power of education, the challenges faced by educators, and the impact they have on their students. These films often delve into the complexities of the teaching profession, the dedication of teachers, and the life-changing experiences that occur within the classroom.
“Dead Poets Society”, 1989
Director: Peter Weir
Directed by Peter Weir, this iconic film follows an English teacher, played by Robin Williams, who uses unorthodox methods to inspire his students at a conservative all-boys preparatory school.
Starring: Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, Gale Hansen, Dylan Kussman, Allelon Ruggiero, James Waterston, Norman Lloyd, Kurtwood Smith, Carla Belver, Leon Pownall, George Martin, Joe Aufiery, Matt Carey, Kevin Cooney, Jane Moore, Lara Flynn Boyle, Colin Irving, Alexandra Powers, Melora Walters, Welker White, Steve Mathios, Alan Pottinger, Pamela Burrell, Allison Hedges, Christine D'Ercole, John Cunningham, Debra Mooney, John Martin Bradley, Charles Lord, Kurt Leitner, Richard Stites, James J. Christy, Catherine Soles, Hoover Sutton, James Donnell Quinn, Simon Mein, Ashton W. Richards, Robert Gleason, Bill Rowe, Robert J. Zigler III, Keith Snyder, Nicholas K. Gilhool, Jonas Stiklorius, Craig Johnson, Chris Hull, Jason Woody, Sam Stegeman, Andrew Hill;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 128 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Dead Poets Society” on the website imdb.com
“Freedom Writers”, 2006
Director: Richard LaGravenese
Starring Hilary Swank, this film is based on the true story of Erin Gruwell, a high school teacher who inspires her at-risk students to express themselves through writing.
Starring: Hilary Swank, Scott Glenn, Imelda Staunton, Patrick Dempsey, April Hernandez Castillo, Mario, Robert Wisdom, John Benjamin Hickey, Kristin Herrera, Jacklyn Ngan, Sergio Montalvo, Jason Finn, Deance Wyatt, Vanetta Smith, Gabriel Chavarria, Hunter Parrish, Antonio García, Giovonnie Samuels, Pat Carroll, Will Morales, Armand Jones, Ricardo Molina, Angela Alvarado, Anh Tuan Nguyen, Katie Soo, Liisa Cohen, Brian Bennett, Horace Hall, Tim Halligan, Lisa Banes, Giselle Bonilla, Earl Williams, Blake Hightower, Angela Sargeant, Robin Skye, Chil Kong, Juan Garcia, Larry Cahn, Sharaud Moore, Abel Soto, Dan Warner, Randy Hall, Carl Paoli, Dominic Daniel, Cody Chappel, DJ Motiv8, Renee Firestone, Eddie Ilam, Elisabeth Mann, Gloria Ungar;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Freedom Writers” on the website imdb.com
“Stand and Deliver”, 1988
Director: Ramón Menéndez
Based on the true story of Jaime Escalante, played by Edward James Olmos, this film portrays the journey of a determined math teacher who transforms the lives of his students in a low-income school.
Starring: Edward James Olmos, Lou Diamond Phillips, Rosanna DeSoto, Andy Garcia, Estelle Harris, Mark Phelan, Virginia Paris, Eliot, Adelaida Alvarez, Will Gotay, Patrick Baca, Ingrid Oliu, Carmen Argenziano, Richard Martinez, Mark Everett, Tyde Kierney, Bodie Olmos, Karla Montana, Vanessa Marquez, Daniel Villarreal, Michael Goldfinger, Michael Yama, Lydia Nicole, Graham Galloway, Betty Carvalho, Irene Olga López, James Victor, Yvette Cruise, Aixa Clemente, Victor Garron, Michael Adler, Bárbara Vera, Rif Hutton, Star Frohman, Jessica Seynos, Dominic Lucero, Sonia Fuentes, David Brian Abalos, Irma Barrios, Henry Torrès, Beatriz Geraldo, Richard Moreno, Phillip Elizalde, Justin Aguila, Francisco Aragon, Kay Cole, Eugene Robert Glazer, Ricardo Gutiérrez, Fernando Thomas;
Production year: 1988;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Stand and Deliver” on the website imdb.com
“To Sir, with Love”, 1967
Director: James Clavell
Starring Sidney Poitier, this classic film follows an engineer who takes up a teaching position in a tough London school and forms a strong bond with his students.
Starring: Sidney Poitier, Christian Roberts, Judy Geeson, Suzy Kendall, Ann Bell, Geoffrey Bayldon, Faith Brook, Patricia Routledge, Christopher Chittell, Adrienne Posta, Edward Burnham, Rita Webb, Fiona Duncan, Fred Griffiths, Mona Bruce, Marianne Stone, Dervis Ward, Peter Attard, Sally James, Grahame Charles, Michael Des Barres, Margaret Heald, Ellison Kemp, Albert Lampert, Chitra Neogy, Elna Pearl, Bonnie Lythgoe, Anthony Villaroel, Richard Willson, Stewart Bevan, Carla Challoner, Joseph Cuby, Sally Gosselin, Kevin Hubbard, Howard Knight, Lynne Sue Moon, Jayne Peach, Gareth Robinson, Roger Shepherd, Stephen Whittaker, Ric Rothwell, Bob Lang, Eric Stewart, Lulu, John Clifford, Stephen Davey, Graham Payne, Cyril Shaps, Donna Shawe, Nicholas Young;
Production year: 1967;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “To Sir, with Love” on the website imdb.com
“Half Nelson”, 2006
Director: Ryan Fleck
This indie film features Ryan Gosling as a dedicated inner-city teacher who forms a unique connection with one of his students while battling his own personal struggles.
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Shareeka Epps, Anthony Mackie, Monique Curnen, Denis O'Hare, Deborah Rush, Jay O. Sanders, Collins Pennie, Jeff Lima, Nathan Corbett, Tyra Kwao-Vovo, Rosemary Ledee, Tristan Mack Wilds, Bryce Silver, Kaela C. Pabon, Erica Rivera, Stephanie Bast, Eleanor Hutchins, Sebastian Sozzi, Tina Holmes, Karen Chilton, Kitty, Starla Benford, Deidre Goodwin, Thaddeus Daniels, Susan Kerner, Raymond Anthony Thomas, Stanton Davis, Ron Cephas Jones, Christopher Williamson, Leslie Eva Glaser, Sharon Washington, Nicole Vicius, David Easton, Adepero Oduye, Katie Nehra, Steve Kursh, Matt Kerr, Harvey Milk;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
These films offer a diverse exploration of the teaching profession and the profound impact that educators can have on the lives of their students.
In conclusion, films about teaching not only celebrate the profound impact educators have on their students but also explore the complexities of the learning process itself. From inspiring tales of perseverance in the face of adversity to poignant narratives that challenge societal norms, these films resonate with audiences on multiple levels. They remind us of the transformative power of knowledge, the importance of mentorship, and the enduring connection between teacher and student. Ultimately, these cinematic portrayals serve as a tribute to the dedication of educators and the hope they instill in young minds, encouraging us all to value the lessons learned both inside and outside the classroom.
