Important Movies for Older Kids

[kerikadi]

My boys are 13 and almost 11.
There are some movies that I really want my kids to see when I think they are ready. Movies that are important and part of history and I'd like to know what movies you guys think are important.

They have already seen Men of Honor and _____ of the Titans (Denzel Washington) and are shocked to see that there was a time that AA's did not have equal rights. I'd like to get them Roots, I think they could handle that and I also think they are ready for Dances With Wolves.

A couple more movies I want them to see but don't feel they are ready for yet are Schildler's List and The Passion. Can you think of other movies that would be good for teenagers to learn from?

TIA,
Keri

[sunnysideup]

One of my favorites is To Kill a Mockingbird.

[sweetfiend]

Here's a website you may find useful:

http://www.teachwithmovies.org/indexes-main.htm

FWIW, my son (who was very interested in WWII) went to Dachau at age 12 and although he was very distressed, he didn't have nightmares or depressionor any other sign of ongoing stress about it.

[rozzie'sma]

They are wayyyy to young for it but American History X, is a very thoughtful and stirring film.

[Starr]

I second To Kill A Mockingbird

What about the color purple? Maybe when they are a bit older?

[Stinkerbell]

I see no reason to wait on Color Purple, personally. My boys are 10 and 12, and I am fairly conservative with what I let them watch. There isnt anything terribly graphic or overemotional in that.

My oldest also loved Gods and Generals.

Oh and Stand By Me. A good rite of passage for boys about friendship and acceptance and respect. Graphic with the language, though.

Schindler's List I would never encourage them to see. Just my own opinion but I think there are other ways to learn the truths of the absolute HORROR that occured. Without the graphic imagery and mood. I stil lhave nightmares about that movie itself, and I have seen actual photographs of that horror. They werent as disturbing to me. So for me, I think the movie is far too disturbing to encourage my kids to watch.
Again...thats totally my opinion.

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner is a good one but might take some convincing, as its b&w.

[Tummy]

I like this thread. Do not really have any input but am definaltly taking notes.
My oldest is only 10 and youngest is just 14 mo.

[Alkenny]

My oldest two have seen every movie listed here except American History X (I would only censor the prison/rape scene, otherwise we don't censor too much.)

[swimswamswum]

Originally Posted by sunnysideup

One of my favorites is To Kill a Mockingbird.

:

I second the Color Purple.

I would reccomend:
-Billy Elliot (a British film about a young boy from a working class family who is a gifted dancer- really great for talking about gender roles and sexuality), -Amistad (pretty graphic but telling movie about a slave revolt)
-Angus (a really sweet and funny movie about an overweight kid who has a tough time at highschool but "gets the girl" in the end)
-Bend it Like Beckam (a wonderful movie about two British girls- one white, one Indian- playing soccer. This movie is great because it deals with gender and ethnic stereotypes but is really fun and not preachy.)
-Dirty, Pretty Things (maybe, this is really disturbing- it is about new immigrants to the UK who are forced into illegally selling their organs to stay in the country).
-Life is Beautiful (also very disturbing, but important and moving)

There are also some documentaries you should try and find:
-Promises (a beautiful film about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the perspectives of kids and young teens on each "side")
-Born into Brothels (another wonderful film about the lives of children of prostitutes in India)
-Race, the Power of an Illusion (amazing PBS series about the history and uses of race in the United States)

[johub]

Stephen Spielberg is so great with making historical movies that have a strong message.
The movies I have saved for my DD to watch are
Ghandi, The Color Purple, Schindler's list, Amistad.
I am sure there are more I can think of .
She is 13 now and recently watched most of them.
There might be more that I cant think of right now, but whenever I see a movie and feel deep down "every young person needs to watch this" I keep that in mind.
Joline

[Luv2Photograph]

Originally Posted by sweetfiend

Here's a website you may find useful:

http://www.teachwithmovies.org/indexes-main.htm

FWIW, my son (who was very interested in WWII) went to Dachau at age 12 and although he was very distressed, he didn't have nightmares or depressionor any other sign of ongoing stress about it.

: thanks for this

[SummerLover]

Originally Posted by sweetfiend

Here's a website you may find useful:

http://www.teachwithmovies.org/indexes-main.htm

Some excellent, excellent movies listed on this site.

I would also recommend the documentaries Hoop Dreams, Eyes on the Prize, and Ken Burns Jazz

[bayberry*moon]

I think this is a great question. What about Saving Private Ryan when they are a bit older? Or Hotel Rwanda? Philadelphia?

[Liam's_Momma]

I personally like 12 angry men.....

[Liam's_Momma]

another one I just thought of.... Pay it forward...

[Itlbokay]

We watched Millions recently, my boys are 8 and 11 and they enjoyed it.
Good lesson on money.

[mamaofthree]

Inherit the Wind
To Kill a Mockingbird

H

[kerikadi]

That website is awesome sweetfiend.

I also agree that The Color Purple would be good now, I know they show a TV version all the time, I'll try to catch it next time it's on.

I'll ldefinitely have to check out To Kill a Mockingbird, I never saw it but always wanted to.

I also think Philadelphia is a great suggestion - such a powerful movie and their uncle (my BIL) is HIV+ so it will hit close to home.

Some of the others listed are wonderful movies but I know they won't be ready to watch for a long time. Thanks so much for all the suggestions I think this is a great thread.

Keri

[lab]

Originally Posted by sweetfiend

Here's a website you may find useful:

http://www.teachwithmovies.org/indexes-main.htm

FWIW, my son (who was very interested in WWII) went to Dachau at age 12 and although he was very distressed, he didn't have nightmares or depressionor any other sign of ongoing stress about it.

Just wanted to say thanks for link! I appreciate it!

Also, here is a website I find extremely useful

It gives a dry, black and white breakdown of instances of sex, violence and language in movies

[Stinkerbell]

Originally Posted by bayberry*moon

I think this is a great question. What about Saving Private Ryan when they are a bit older? Or Hotel Rwanda? Philadelphia?

Saving private Ryan is in the same category as Schindler's List, to me. Too graphic and violent for violence's sake. I think the message gets lost in there.

I did think of another one: Powder. Remember that movie from the 80's?? I remember it being very powerful to me in terms of differences, etc. Peer pressure.

Oh and Edward Scissorhands. Again, same thing.