Name________________________ Multi-Cultural Film Response

Directions: View a film for extra credit over Spring Break. The film MUST be about a country or culture other than your own. There is a list of suggestions below; however, please consult your parents in making an appropriate choice since some are violent or explicit and may have R ratings. If you select a film not on the list, you must email me for prior approval.

PLEASE TYPE YOUR RESPONSES OR WRITE THEM NEATLY ON PAPER.

1. What is the setting of the film? What details help establish the time and place? How is it a culture or country other than your own?

2. What do the costumes or scene designs reveal about the characters or their culture? In your opinion, do these costumes or elements of set design add to or detract from the movie? Explain.

3. Which scene setting gave you the clearest understanding of the country or culture in which this film takes place? Describe it and explain what you learned.

4. Who are the central characters? Select the most important TWO and for each explain his/her role, describe his/her fate by the end, and reveal your reaction to each (is he/she a character your care about and can connect with or not).

5. What scene in the film shows the central character undergoing a conflict, test of character or moment of epiphany? Describe the scene and explain what it shows about the central character.

6. How does the film sound? Consider the soundtrack, score, sound effects, etc. and the impact they have on the film. Describe one aspect of the sound and how it helps or hurts the overall film.

7. Compare and contrast your country/culture to that shown in the film. Comment on at least three similarities or differences.

8. Select ONE of the following essential questions (modified for film) and explain how this film provides an answer. This should be a paragraph with TWO references.

Ø How does film reflect culture and history?

Ø Is man’s propensity toward evil innate or learned as shown in this film?

Ø What factors lead to one’s downfall in this film?

Ø What methods do filmmakers use to describe?

Ø How do films convey meaning through symbolism?


SUGGESTED FILMS: (you may wish to go to IMDB to review the content before viewing)


Slum Dog Millionaire

Whale Rider

Life of Pi

Argo

Grand Torino

Joy Luck Club

Hotel Rwanda

Kite Runner

In the Time of Butterflies

Dances with Wolves

My Left Foot

Sophie’s Choice

The Year of Living Dangerously

The Gods Must Be Crazy

Memoirs of a Geisha

Persepolis

In the Name of the Father

Australia

The Last Emperor

Gandhi

Cry the Beloved Country

Evita