1967 was Poiter's year and he does another great job as Sir. A great movie to see for the older people.
To Sir With Love
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Sydney Poitier at his best; teens and up.
Themes in this movie include: friendship, growing up, honesty
updated 11.23.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13 and Up
The good stuff
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Role models:
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Consumerism:
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What Parents Need to Know
This review of To Sir With Love was written by Randy White
Parents need to know that kids will be see fist fights in class and students behaving rudely towards their teacher, although their misbehavior is mild by contemporary film standards. The film addresses issues of race and class and offers a window into London in the mid-1960s.
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More on To Sir With Love
What’s the Story?
In 1966 London, Mark Thackeray (Sydney Poitier) has taken on a teaching position in a rough school where teachers are jaded and afraid. Thackeray initially makes no headway with his rude students, and searches for a job as an engineer. But he decides to keep trying, enforcing a strict behavior code accompanied by frank conversations about "life, sex, rebellion, and marriage." Proper conduct is soon the fashion and the students call Thackeray "Sir." A boy refuses to heed Sir's lessons and they end up facing off in a gym class boxing session. The students learn a lesson in overcoming racism when they deliver flowers to the funeral of a black child. Through all the challenges, Sir stays above the fray and leads by example.
Is It Any Good?
Poitier is reason enough to watch this film, and his charisma makes the changes he brings to the students' world seem entirely plausible. The production design is marvelous and, along with the fine cinematography, captures the desolate nature of rundown East End London. The music is a hoot, with song choices that surprise you like charming relics from another era.
Watching the movie requires a bit of effort and young viewers may find their attention drifting. Making out the British accents is sometimes difficult. But in a world of spoon-fed plots and predictable three-act structures, the film's non-traditional structure and elements set it apart from more standard fare.
Movie Details
Studio: Columbia Tristar, Director: James Clavell
Run time: 105 minutes
Theatrical release: 6/4/1967, DVD release: 1/6/1998
MPAA Rating: NR
Run time: 105 minutes
Theatrical release: 6/4/1967, DVD release: 1/6/1998
MPAA Rating: NR
Our Members Say
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Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
The King of all "Inspirational Teacher" movies
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I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
- My highlights are:
After tweens but before too late
If you want to bury your head in the sand and keep your children isolated from real issues... "Don't see this movie". If you want to confront issues head on and discuss them with your children..."See this movie".
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Loved it!!
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| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
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