I’m looking for a few movies that were made in, or take place around, South or Central America. Ideally the movies would be rated PG or G. I’m a teacher and my students have the dreaded End of Grade (EOGs) tests next week. I thought I’d try to lighten their load by showing a film. We’re covering South and Central America right now, so I’m hoping to keep our viewing somewhat on topic.
Thanks,
Adam
An incredible film from Brazil came out recently called, “City of God”. But, I don’t think it is G or PG, more likely R (due to violence). It is very well made.
It is a film about child drug gangs outside of Rio and has a powerful anti-drug message. But it is not likely suitable for younger kids. Check out reviews online for more info about it.
With an older class City of God might work, but my kids are only in sixth grade! I am looking for something like that, where the movie will give the students a look into the life some part of South American culture.
best i can think of is central station (brazil) - a heartwarming tale about the relationship between a destitute boy and a cynical older woman. cant remember if there are naughty bits but not a made for kids movie and also subtitles to deal with. most of the great lat.am. films are definitely NOT for kids, e.g., Salvador, Amores Perros, 4 days in September, anything by Almodovar. I’ll keep thinking…
A couple of suggestions - although I fear the target audience might be slightly older than your class:
Quilombo - I think it is only available w/ English subtitles. Amazon is better at summarizing the content than I am (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000006D2X/ref=ase_shoppingsavvy-20/002-7700112-5917607?v=glance&s=video). What I remember most about the film is that it really grabs your attention all throughout - no matter whether you are interested in the subject matter or whether most of it appears just strange and confusing.
Evita - starring Madonna, don’t know about the rating. It probably has more meaning if you can convey beforehand what role Evita played in Argentina.
When the Mountains Tremble - A documentary about the struggle of the Mayans in Guatemala. It is narrated by Rigoberta Menchu, civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner. It requires a brief introduction to the political situation of the time in Guatemala, I would think. And then - in order to totally confuse your audience - you could also bring up the discussion about the authenticity of the material in the book that Menchu told (I, Rigoberta Menchu). Having written this, I take this suggestion back as a little too complex for your students - this is meant to be somewhat relaxing, right?
I also heard about a new movie on NPR. It is set in Argentina. Here is a link to some more info: http://events.publicbroadcasting.net/kera/events.eventsmain?action=showEvent&eventID=164651
You could also always show some telenovelas with English subtitles. They would certainly lighten the load - and they are most definitely an integral part of Latin American culture!!!
If you just want to show them breath-taking pictures: Machu Picchu, the Amazon, the Andes… - you should be able to find stunning photo/video material…
…or if you need a starting point for some web research: http://lanic.utexas.edu/la/region/cinema/
Back to work now.
“The Mission”: 18th century Spanish Jesuits try to protect a remote South American Indian tribe in danger of falling under the rule of pro-slavery Portugal. Robert de Niro, Jeremy Irons.
“Brazil”: A bureaucrat in a retro-future world tries to correct an administrative error and himself becomes an enemy of the state. Robert de Niro, Jonathan Pryice, Ian Holm, Bob Hoskins, Michael Palin. Directed by Terry Gilliam.
“Fitzcorraldo”: Klaus Kinski plays the title role of an obsessed opera lover who wants to build an opera in the jungle. To accomplish this he first has to make a fortune in the rubber business, and his cunning plan involves hauling an enormous river boat across a small mountain with aid from the local indians. Directed by Werner Herzog.
“Predator”: A team of commandos, on a mission in a Central American jungle, find themselves hunted by an extra-terrestrial warrior. Ah-nold, future Gov. Jesse Ventura.
“Alive”: Uruguayan rugby team stranded in the snow swept Andes are forced to eat each other to survive after a plane crash. Ethan Hawke (Uma Thurman’s ex)
I think I got one for you and the 6th graders: “Emerald Forest”.
A bit hollywood, but it is ‘based on a true story’ of an anglo boy who was kidnapped by an Amazonian tribe and raised as one of their own. In the end, he is re-united with his family, but the film weaves in a lot about life in Brazil (in the 80s) and great shots of animals, as well as a strong message about the astronomical rate at which the Brazilian rainforest is being leveled. I think it may work for you, but it has been a few years since I have seen it, so you may want to pre-screen it first.
The Mission… takes place in by the iguazu falls and deals with the sapnish missionaries coming in
Pretty sure it is PG
Besides from City of God, check “Central Station”. It is a good insight into the land. Ran for best foreign picture a few years ago.
There is a growing number of good brasilian movies out there… problem is, the majority gets no English translation or intl publicity for that matter.
I’d avoid some movies made here by entirely foreign casts… they usually show a very tourist-like perspective which is quite disturbing once you get to know the land a little better.
If you’re looking for reality, try the documentary “The Take”. It debuted a few weeks ago at HotDocs here in Toronto, so it may not be in wide release yet, but it is a pretty interesting look at Argentina post-economic colapse. It shows how workers from a bankrupt company refuse to go home and be unemployed, and instead try to take over the company and start it up again, without the management tht drove it into the ground. And it has a pretty positive ending, while at the same time showing how power corrupts, how democracy can work, etc. The documentary was made by Avi Lewis from the CBC, so check cbc.ca for more info or hotdocs.ca
Gerard.
Thanks for your help on the movies. Evita and The Mission look to be my best bets, so I’ll take a look at them this weekend. Many of the other movies looked good, but most were rated R. I don’t think I can pull off showing an R rated film toa bunch of 11 and 12 year olds!
Adam