‘Eating bitter lets you taste sweet.’ Each ‘At The Movies’ selection is a movie that is both enjoyable to watch, and a good starting-place to explore important topics. High school students can expand on their analytical and writing skills by answering questions, writing plot summaries and character descriptions, and pondering upon important, far-reaching themes in discussion or essay-writing assignments. About the movie: Iron and Silk Set in the 1980’s, when China was just beginning to open to foreigners from the west, this story is based on real events lived by the main character, who plays himself. It had always been Mark’s dream to travel to China, and he is thrilled to finally be offered a job there as an English teacher. This martial arts cult classic follows Mark as he encounters cultural differences between himself and his students, finds himself studying with one of the best martial arts teachers in China (Grand Master Pan, also played by himself) and experiences the simple unpredictable moments of someone living abroad – those chance encounters and heart-warming gestures that make the most poignant memories. Rating: PG / Date of release: 1990 / Language: English / Country: U. S. A. and China / Subtitles: Occasionally (Most of the movie in English) / Purchase: Youtube (free) Note: The movie can be viewed for free online.

Compare and Contrast! The student will read two short Creation stories (included). A list of relevant themes for a ‘compare and contrast’ essay is included. The student will choose three topics that they feel are interesting (list provided), and write an essay in which they briefly address how those topics differ in each story. Detailed guidelines are given. This assignment will take at least one week to complete. Stories: ‘Grandmother’s Creation Story’, by Muskeke Iskwew A Creek medicine woman shares her grandmother’s telling of the creation of the earth, the animals, and humans, and subsequent events. (Note: this is a personal story and not the Creek creation myth as is found on Wikipedia.) ‘The Garden of Eden’ by Walter de la Mare A renowned children’s author writes a vivid description of the ‘creation of man’ and the ‘fall from grace’ as described in the book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible. (Note: this is not a children’s version of the story, but a vivid ‘retelling’ in contemporary English.) TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in religion or anthropology.

Many people know the story of Cinderella from children’s books and movies. This unit study invites you to take a more mature, in-depth look at the fairytale, by examining its origins (both French and German) and some of its many possible interpretations. The tale offers timeless relevance, amazing fuel for creativity and a tremendous amount of food for thought. You will discover why a classic fairytale such as this one is, well, a classic! First, gain a solid familiarity with the story by reading about its history and examining basic plot variations. Continue by reading highly personal interpretations of the underlying themes of the story. Learn how the prince’s character has been reinterpreted and updated, and what a ‘Cinderella story’ is, for any gender. Artistic interpretations of any story allow for added emotional content and subtle variations: listen to a song by Stephen Sondheim (from the hit musical Into The Woods) and contemplate what Cinderella might have been feeling as she fled the ball. Explore other interpretations in movies, opera and ballet. Psychology and symbolism topics such as the ‘wicked stepmother’ and the symbol of the shoe finish the unit. If you are feeling especially motivated, you can complete two bonus reading selections: Sir Thomas More’s Utopia (included) – how and why do its themes of social justice feature so prominently in the 1998 Cinderella movie, ‘Ever After’? – and Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper(included) – is it a Cinderella story, or not? Each short piece of writing in the unit (12 in total) has an assigned question for discussion or written response. For every themed section (7 in total) there are also one or two longer assignments. Teachers may choose which materials to use and in what order (or begin at the beginning, once upon a time . . . and continue in the order the texts and assignments are presented). Free online movies and media resources are listed.