To Sir With Love - NR
Common Sense Note
Parents should 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.
Families who see his film might discuss its message. What do you think the filmmaker was trying to get across? Did you think the movie was effective in conveying that message?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Randy White
The story of a teacher making a difference is a bit old hat, but delivered with great conviction here.
A new teacher transforms students of an East End London school, teaching them to respect each other and themselves. Made in the mid-60s, the movie features a stirring theme song of the same name and a forceful performance from the distinguished Sydney Poitier.
It is 1966 London and Mark Thackeray (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.
Sydney Poitier (Sneakers) is a movie star in the old fashioned sense. He is reason enough to watch this film. Like Cary Grant or Jimmy Stewart, his larger-than-life presence makes it impossible to take your eyes off him. His charisma makes the changes he brings to the students' world seem entirely plausible.
Of course, there are other reasons to like TO SIR WITH LOVE. 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. The British 60s star Lulu sings the title song and also plays one of the students. The movie's loose dramatic structure seems exotic by contemporary standards. Few directors would insert a dance sequence at the end of the movie, nor would a movie today choose not to show the students' big visit to a museum, a central event, as a photo montage. The technique aims to capture the essence of the experience, not the literal visit to the museum.
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 unusual elements of the movie are a treat.
Several similar films also feature teachers changing the lives of students, including Lean On Me, the fine Stand and Deliver, and the more recent Coach Carter.
Rate It!
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ViolenceFistfights in class. |
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LanguageMild profanities including "bastard" and "slut." |
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Social BehaviorThe teens are rude in class, but by contemporary film standards, their behavior is mild. |
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