To Sir, with Love gallery
What parents need to know
Positive role models
Violence
Sex
Language
Consumerism
Drinking, drugs, & smoking
Parents Need to Know
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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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?
QUALITY
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.
Families can talk about...
Families can talk about the film's message. What do you think the filmmaker was trying to get across?
Did you think the movie was effective in conveying that message?
Movie details
| Theatrical release date: | June 14, 1967 |
| DVD release date: | January 6, 1998 |
| Cast: | Christian Roberts, Judy Geeson, Sidney Poitier |
| Director: | James Clavell |
| Studio: | Columbia Tristar |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 105 minutes |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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QUALITY
The King of all "Inspirational Teacher" movies
1967 was Poiter's year and he does another great job as Sir. A great movie to see for the older people.
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Rick Thackerey "Awesome Of All Teachers
manners
What other families should know
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
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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".
What other families should know
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