Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Movie Suggestions, Please!

What would be a suitable movie to show a bunch of college kids? An English movie, because they'll have relatively more access to Bollywood (plus we want them to work on their English communication skills), preferably shorter than two hours. Something that's educational or informative or just makes them think. Something that we can discuss later. And obviously, not something that's boring.

The only suggestion I have as of now is Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth, and I'm concerned that might be boring (though I've watched only about a minute of it so can't say). I thought of A Mighty Heart, though it's not strictly speaking, educational. But I want something that will hold their attention as well as prompt them to think about (and discuss) particular issues.

What do you suggest? Please help, readers! I need it for Sunday and the clock is ticking away.

Edited to add: Thanks, people. Due to a combination of circumstances (the group that had been planning to take a workshop but then tentatively cancelled have now confirmed, and I will be busy with something else that came up suddenly), we won't be having the movie screening this Sunday. But I'll keep these in mind for later, and do keep coming back and putting in suggestions (or send me an email).

12 comments:

Emma said...

How about "My Fair Lady"? Cliched, I know. But it works. I teach communication skills at an institute and I usually use this movie for one of the sessions there.

Masood said...

The Pursuit of Happyness

Lekhni said...

How about "To Sir, with Love"?

Unmana said...

Masood: Oh yes, another volunteer also suggested that. Cue to me to watch it.

Emma: That's an interesting idea. I think it just might work.

Lekhni: Why didn't I think of that? That should be pretty good.

Thanks, all!

Pallavi Sharma said...

Btw, The Pursuit of Happiness airs this Saturday on either HBO or Star Movies.
So you get a preview. And yeah, I'd totally recommend this one.

Pallavi Sharma said...

I would also say Take the Lead (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0446046/), but it's got a lot of slang, and maybe you'd want them to learn good English first :)

Pallavi Sharma said...

Ok, sorry, one more: "Freedom Writers" (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0463998/) too.

Never Mind!! said...

I know the event got canceled but wanted to suggest Juno. Cute movie about teenage pregnancy in a way most teens can relate to.

Ananya said...

Unmana
I think classics like My fair lady or sound of Music can work better for communication skills. The language is decent. I also happened to see Up and close relationship- not a classic movie. Basically less stunt and more talks

Saurabh Roy said...

In pursuit of happiness...excellent movie

Unmana said...

Thanks, everyone, for all the helpful suggestions. One clarification: the primary purpose of the movie won't be to improve English speaking skills, but to provoke them to think.

Pallu: Thanks. I'm afraid I missed it - I wasn't home at the time. I'll keep the other two in mind and try to watch them.

Never mind: I'm not sure the Friends of Children people would like me to show them that!

Dr. Ally Critter said...

Rudy.
Inspiration, hard work, etc etc...