Student Name______Period _____

The Ultimate Gift: Movie Questions & Short-Essay Assignment (60 points)

1.  “Red” Stevens tells his grandson Jason that there will be a series of gifts leading up to the ultimate gift. What is it about Jason’s behavior and attitude in the first scene that may have prompted his grandfather to withhold the inheritance?

2.  Upon arriving at the ranch, Gus tells Jason that breakfast is at five in the morning. In scene two, what is missing in Jason’s character that allows him to oversleep?

3.  When Gus prompts him to get up, what lesson is being taught?

4.  In scene three, Gus tears down the fence without saying a word. What is the intended message for Jason?

5.  How does Jason’s attitude and work ethic change during his stay? What is his motivation?

6.  What do you think is the first gift?

7.  When you have a job to do, what motivates you—intrinsic or external factors?

8.  With his credit cards terminated by his deceased grandfather, Jason finds that Emily is the only person willing to help him complete the second gift. Why is it important to Emily that money isn’t part of the friendship “deal”?

9.  Describe the difference between Emily’s perception of friendship and Jason’s.

10.  What do you think is the next gift?

11.  After receiving his paycheck from the ranch, Jason’s next gift requires that he find someone who needs the money more than he. In the second scene, how does he exceed the requirement imposed by his grandfather? What is his motivation and what has it taught him about money?

12.  What do you think is the next gift?

13.  Emily realizes that her time is short and wants to spend the missed Christmas holiday with Jason. In the second scene, how does the fulfillment of her wish demonstrate Jason’s true feelings for Emily?

14.  What has noticeably changed in the way Jason achieves happiness?

15.  What do you think is the next gift?

16.  If you had one more day, what would be your wish and with whom would you want to spend it?

17.  Emily wants her special day to bring happiness to her mom and asks Jason for a horseback ride. How would you bring joy to another person through your wish?

18.  At the end of Christmas Day, Jason is at a loss to decide upon a dream. What does Emily say that eventually gives him an idea?

19.  What do you think is the next gift?

20.  Why do you think he has had trouble thinking of a worthy dream?

21.  Jason is passionate about his vision. Describe how his dream provides him with the ultimate gift?

22.  Do you know what is your life’s purpose? Have you allowed yourself to dream?

23.  If you could do anything what would it be?

24.  What is stopping you from pursuing your dream?

25.  What do you think is the next gift?

26.  In your opinion, what is the ultimate gift?

At the end of the movie, the 12 gifts are revealed, what are they?
1. The Gift of ______.

2. The Gift of ______.

3. The Gift of ______.

4. The Gift of ______.

5. The Gift of ______.

6. The Gift of ______.
7. The Gift of ______.

8. The Gift of ______.

9. The Gift of ______.

10. The Gift of ______.

11. The Gift of ______.

12. The Gift of ______.

Short Essay Assignment: After viewing the movie and revealing the 12 gifts, which of the gifts are important to you or which of the gifts could you work to “give yourself?” Write your response (½ page or 4-5 paragraphs) below:

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