Three Years  Four Years  Five Years  Six Years  Seven Years  Eight Years  Nine Years  Ten Years  Eleven Years Â
Twelve Years  Thirteen Years  Fourteen Years  Fifteen-Seventeen Years  Eighteen Years (and up)
Topics relating to Social and Emotional Learning appear after the term “SEL”.
“Moral-Ethical Emphasis” is a reference to Character Counts’ Six Pillars of Character.
FILMS SUITABLE FOR USE IN COLLEGE-LEVEL CLASSES &
MOVIES ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL FOR ADULTS
Each film recommended to be shown in its entirety is a work of art that stimulates thinking while it entertains. Included in this list are some absolutely fabulous movies for which we have not created curriculum materials but which we recommend for college-level students and for any adult.
A
12 Angry Men
(U.S./1945 – 1991 & The Law; SEL: Justice; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Fairness; Respect; Citizenship) [11+]
12 Years a Slave
(U.S./1812 – 1865; Literature/U.S. (Slave Narrative); Biography; SEL: Human Rights; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [15+]
127 Hours
(English Language Arts; SEL: Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [14+]
2001: A Space Odyssey
Snippet Lesson Plan: Inertial Forces (Newton’s First Law of Motion, the Centrifugal Force & Artificial Gravity) Using Clips from 2001: A Space Odyssey
[12+; snippets: three clips of approximately 9 minutes]
(1968) MPAA Rating: G; Director: Stanley Kubrick. This movie is ranked #22 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Greatest American Movies of All Time (2006) and it is listed in the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress as a “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” film. We found the movie to be too slow-moving for K-12 and no Learning Guide has been prepared.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
(Health, ELA, United States (1949 to 1991; 1991 to Present; and the Press); SEL: Father/Son; Male Role Model; Parenting;Â Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [14+]
Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided
(U.S./1812 – 1865; Biography; SEL: Families in Crisis; Marriage; Grieving; Leadership; Father/Daughter; Mother/Son; Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect, Responsibility, Fairness) [10+]
Agora
Ancient Alexandria, Hypatia, and the Decline of Greco-Roman Civilization — using the Film Agora
(World/Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome; Religions (Christianity & Judaism); SEL: Female Role Model; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [14+]
Agora
Historical Evolution of Views About the Solar System and the Retrograde Motion of Mars using Film Clips from Agora and Internet Animations
(Science & Technology/Astronomy) [12+: Middle and High School Levels; Snippet: 8 minutes]
All My Sons
(U.S./1941 – 1991; Drama/U.S.; SEL: Crime; Marriage; Father/Son; Suicide; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility) [13+]
All That Jazz
(1979) MPAA Rating: R; Director: Bob Fosse. This film is ranked #14 on the American Film Institute’s List of the 25 Greatest Movie Musicals (2006). This film is listed in the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress as a “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” film. The dancing and choreography are excellent. No curriculum materials have been created for this film.
All the President’s Men
(U.S./1945 – 1991 & Politics; SEL: Courage; Teamwork; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility; Fairness; Citizenship) [12+]
All Quiet on the Western Front
(World/Germany & WWI; SEL: Courage in War; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Respect; Citizenship; Caring) [12+]
Amadeus
(Biography/Mozart; Music/Classical; World/Austria; SEL: Humility; Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Talent; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring) [12+]
Amistad
(U.S./1812 – 1860 & Diversity; SEL: Justice; Courage; Rebellion; Human Rights; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Caring; Citizenship) [14+]
American Violet
Snippet Lesson Plan
(U.S. 1991 – Present; Civics; Plea Bargaining; Snippet: Film Clips: First 31 minutes of the film; Lesson: one and one-half 45 – 55 minute class periods [13+]
Angels & Demons
Antimatter — Snippet Lesson Plan Using a Film Clip from Angels & Demons
(Science & Technology/Physics) [14+; High School Level; film clip 9.5 minutes]
Animal Farm
(Literature/England & Literary Devices; World/Russia; SEL: Rebellion; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [6+; Literary genre: Allegory]
Anne B. Real
(U.S./1991 – present and New York; SEL: Breaking Out; Coming of Age; Alcohol & Drug Abuse; Courage; Crime; Education; Families in Crisis; Surviving; Talent; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring) [12+]
Four Films About Anne Frank
(World/WWII & Holland; Biography; SEL: Coming of Age; Families in Crisis; Human Rights; Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Responsibility; Citizenship) [12+]
Apollo 13
(Space Exploration; U.S./1945 – 1991; SEL: Teamwork; Male Role Model; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility) [8+]
Argo
(U.S./1945 – 1991 & Iran – The Iran Hostage Crisis; SEL: Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring, Citizenship) [14+]
Au Revoir Les Enfants
(World/France & WWII (Holocaust); SEL: Coming of Age, Human Rights, Friendship; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Caring) [11+]
Ballad of a Soldier
(World/WWII & Russia; SEL: Courage in War; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [10+]
Baseball: Innings 1 -9
(Sports; U.S. History & Culture; SEL: Sportsmanship; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Fairness)[10+]
The Battle of Algiers
(1966) No MPAA rating. Director: Gillo Pontecorvo. This is the story of the brutal suppression by the French Empire of a violent insurrection by the Algerian National Liberation Front (FLN). The Battle of Algiers lasted from 1954 to 1957. A few years later the country rose up in a general revolt that led to the end of French colonial rule in 1962.
The film has important historical lessons and some teachers have found it valuable for college-level history classes. For interesting discussions of the film see, e.g., FILM; Lessons of the Pentagon’s Favorite Training Film by Stuart Klawans, New York Times, January 4, 2004, and Terrorism on Screen: Lessons from The Battle of Algiers Ron Briley, Perspectives on History, October 2010. The film is in French with English subtitles.
The tragedy is that the violence of the Battle of Algiers was unnecessary. Few would have died had the FLN followed the example of the struggle of the Indian people against the British Empire. The Indians, led by Mahatma Gandhi, gained their independence through nonviolent direct action in a movement that achieved success in 1947. Had the FLN mounted a similar campaign, the democratic people of France would have responded and forced the French government to allow the Aglerians to govern themselves. Not only would many deaths have been avoided but the moral fiber of Algerian politics would have been uplifted. See discussion in Learning Guide to A Force More Powerful.
Beautiful Dreamers
(Biography/Whitman; Literature/U.S.; World/Canada; Medicine; SEL: Male Role Model; Mental Illness; Breaking Out; Friendship; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [12+; useful for getting students to read and appreciate the poetry of Walt Whitman]
Behind the Sun
(World/Brazil & Albania; ELA; SEL: Revenge; Breaking Out; Brothers; Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring; Responsibility) [12+; Literary devices analyzed: symbols, subplot, flashback, foreshadowing, and irony]
A Better Life
(U.S. 1991 – Current; Hispanic & California; SEL: Father/Son; Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [13+]
Beyond Rangoon
(World/Myanmar; SEL: Human Rights; Grieving; Rebellion; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [14+]
Billy Budd
(Literature/U.S. & Literary Devices: theme, characterization & irony; World/Britain; Seafaring; SEL: Justice; Leadership; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Fairness) [14+]
Billy Elliot
(Dance; World/England; SEL: Breaking Out, Families in Crisis, Father/Son, Courage, Grieving, Friendship, Parenting, Grandparents; GBLTQ, Education; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring, Responsibility, Respect; Trustworthiness) [12+]
Blackfish
(the Environment; SEL: Caring for Animals; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [13+]
The Bolero
Short Subject
(Music (classical); SEL: Talent; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: None) [9+; 26 minutes]
The Book Thief
(World/Germany, WW-II, ELA (theme, personification, symbol, & irony); SEL: Families in Crisis; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility, Caring) [13+; 121 minutes]
Boy Meets Girl
(1966) No MPAA rating. Director: Eric Schaeffer. This is a heartwarming love story about a transgender young woman (born as a boy) who grew up in a small town in the South. It is filled with excellent messages of acceptance and love as well as reasons why this young girl and all others in similar situations should not commit suicide.
Warning: the film contains several explicit references to heterosexual practices that may be objectionable to some. There is also a little nudity. TWM recommends this film for people trying to sort out their feelings about gay and transgender people.
The Buddy Holly Story
(Biography; Music/Popular; U.S./1945 – 1991; SEL: Talent; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: General) [12+]
Bullworth
(1998) MPAA Rating: R for sex, drug use, and profanity; Director: Warren Beatty. This hilarious farce tells the story of a U.S. Senator, suffering from depression, who puts out a contract on his own life so that his family can collect on his life insurance. (It was given to him as a bribe by the insurance industry.)
Freed from the necessity of raising money for re-election, he starts to tell the truth about many things, including the role of money in politics, why the problems of the black community are not addressed by public officials, violence in the media, etc. Suddenly, he begins having fun, and his depression lifts. No curriculum materials have been created for this film.
A Call To Spy
The Best of TWM
(World History: The Second World War; England; U.S. History, 1940 – 1945; SEL: — Disabilities; Female Role Model; Courage in War; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Citizenship; Respect. [13+]
Camille
(Cinema; Drama/France; World/France; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [12+]
Carmen
(Music/Opera; World/France; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility) [12+] (In French with English Subtitles)
Casablanca
(U.S./1941 – 1945; World/WWII, France & Morocco; ELA: Extended Metaphor; Allegory; Hero’s Journey; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Redemption; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring; Citizenship) [12+]
Chariots of Fire
(World/England; Sports/Olympics; Religions/Judaism and Christianity; SEL: Sportsmanship; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [10+]
Les Choristes (“The Chorus”)
(Music; World/France; Literature/Poetry Analysis; Literary Devices: themeSEL: Self-esteem; Talent; Education; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [10+; in French with English subtitles]
The Chosen
(Literature/U.S. & Literary Devices: Theme, Symbol, Irony; Religions/Judaism; U.S.: 1939 – 1945 & New York; SEL Parenting; Father/Son; Friendship; Breaking Out; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Caring) [10+]
The Civil War
(U.S./1860 – 1865; SEL: Courage in War Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [12+]
The Closet
(2001) MPAA Rating: R for a scene of sexuality; Director: Francis Veber. This is a very funny movie. It is in French with English subtitles. It details the adventures of a milk toast accountant who becomes someone to take notice of only when he claims to be homosexual to prevent his company from firing him. This movie has excellent messages about acceptance of gays and is a warm and loving film.
Concussion
(U.S. 1991 – Current; Medicine; Sports; SEL: Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility; Citizenship) [13+]
Conquest
(Biography/Napoleon Bonaparte; World/France, Poland & The 1800s; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Responsibility) [12+]
Contact
(Religions/Judeo-Christian; Science Fiction; Space Exploration; MathematicS.; SEL: Grieving; Father/Daughter; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Caring) [12+]
Coppelia
(Dance/Performance; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [5+]
Cosmic Voyage
Snippet Lesson Plan: Interstellar and Intergalactic Distances
(Science & Technology; Astronomy) [10+: middle and high school levels; Film Clip: approximately 12 minutes or a shorter clip of approximately five minutes will also work; Lesson: one 50 minute class period.]
Cosmic Voyage
Snippet Lesson Plan: Exponents, Scientific Notation, and Numeral Systems
(Math and Science & Technology) [12+: middle and high school levels; Film Clip: 9 minutes; Lesson: not applicable – clips and supplemental materials designed to supplement teachers’ existing lesson plans.]
Courage Under Fire
(U.S./1991 – Present; SEL: Marriage, Redemption; Leadership; Suicide; Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Courage in War; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility) [12+]
Courage Under Fire
(U.S./1991 – Present; SEL: Marriage, Redemption; Leadership; Suicide; Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Courage in War; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility) [12+]
The Cove
(The Environment; SEL: Caring for Animals; Breaking Out; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [12+]
Cowspiracy
(The Environmentment; SEL: Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [13+]
Crash
(U.S. – 1991 to Current; Diversity; California; Literary Devices: Irony; SEL: Mother/Son; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [15+]
Cross Creek
(U.S./1865 – 1913 & Florida; Literature/U.S.; SEL: Female Role Model; Parenting; Friendship; Suicide; Running Away; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [the events that inspired The Yearling]
The Crossing
(U.S./1750 – 1812, New Jersey & Pennsylvania; SEL: Courage in War, Leadership; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness, Responsibility & Citizenship) [13+]
The Crucible
(U.S./1629 – 1750, 1945-1991 & Massachusetts; Drama/U.S.; SEL: Justice; Marriage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Fairness) (Two versions, one in French with English Subtitles) [12+]
Cry, the Beloved Country
(World/South Africa; SEL: Grieving; Crime; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Caring) [10+]
Cyrano de Bergerac
(Drama/France; World/France; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Self-esteem; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [12+] (In French with English Subtitles)
Damn Yankees
(Drama/Musicals; Sports/Baseball; Dance/Performance; U.S./1945 – 1991; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [10+]
Dancemaker
(Biography/Taylor; Dance; SEL: Talent; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [12+]
Dangerous Beauty
(1998) MPAA Rating: R for some scenes of strong sensuality, and for nudity and language; Director: Marshall Herskovitz. This is the mostly true story of Veronica Franco, a remarkable courtesan of Renaissance Venice who wrote beautiful poetry, advised her clients on affairs of state, etc. The story is powerful and reveals much about the oppression of women in past centuries.
Note that the overt support given to Veronica Franco by her various lovers in the Inquisition scene is fictional as was the threat of death. The Inquisition in Italy did not usually kill its victims but would subject them to various punishments including imprisonment, whipping, public humiliation, and house arrest. While Veronica Franco’s admirers most probably supported her during her trial by the Inquisition, they acted behind the scenes and without risk to themselves. This film is based upon the Ph.D. thesis of Professor Margaret Rosenthal of the University of Southern California. See her book The Honest Courtesan. Professor Rosenthal tells us that when she shows this film to her college classes, she fast forwards through the scenes depicting sexual activity so as not to distract her students.
Daylight
Snippet Lesson Plan: Oxidation-Reduction Reactions (Redox)
(Science/Chemistry; [12+; middle school and high school; snippet: 3 minutes from Daylight and two YouTube sequences; lesson: One 45 to 55 minute class period.]
Dead Man Walking
(1995) MPAA Rating: R for a depiction of a rape and murder; Director: Tim Robbins. What happens when you get very close to a death row inmate who committed a terrible and vicious crime and you still have empathy for his victims? This movie tells the tale and brings up important issues about capital punishment.
Dead Poets Society
(1989) MPAA Rating: PG; Director: Peter Weir. This is a film about private school students and a sympathetic teacher who encourages them to seize the day. One of the children ends up committing suicide because he cannot handle the pressures put on him by his parents. The film is beautifully made and many people love it.
Desert Bloom
(U.S./1945 – 1991 & Nevada; SEL: Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Child Abuse, Running Away, Coming of Age; Families in Crisis; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring) [13+]
Dolores Claiborne
Snippet Lesson Plan for Total Solar Eclipse
(Science & Technology/Astronomy) [10+: Middle and High School Levels; Snippet: 1 minute, 35 seconds; lesson: adds 15 minutes to a lesson on total solar eclipse]
Dr. Sarmast’s Music School
Snippet Lesson Plan: Music as a Human and Cultural Right using Clips from Dr. Sarmast’s Music School
(Music and Social Studies (World/Afghanistan; Human Rights of Artists; Women’s Rights) [12+; 100 minutes]
Dr. Strangelove
(U.S./1945 – 1991; SEL: Leadership; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [10+]
A Dry White Season
(World/South Africa; SEL: Courage; Justice; Human Rights; Grieving; Father/Son; Marriage; Families in Crisis; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness, Responsibility; Citizenship) [14+]
The Elephant Whisperers
(Caring, SEL: Caring for Animals; Grieving; Subjects: World History/other Cultures: India; the Environment) [9+]
El Norte
(U.S./1945 to present, Diversity & California; World/Guatemala; SEL: Human Rights; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [14+]
Emma
(Literature/England; World/England; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Caring) [12+]
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1984) MPAA Rating: PG; Director: Steven Spielberg. This film is ranked #25 on the American Film Institute’s List of the 100 Greatest American Movies of All Time (2006). It is also listed in the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress as a “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” film.
Europa! Europa!
(World/Germany & WWII; SEL: Human Rights; Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [13+] (In German & Russian with English Subtitles)
Ever After
(World/France and the Renaissance; Myths & Fairy Tales; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Self-Esteem; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Caring) [10+]
Eye in the Sky
(U.S. 1991 – Current; War on Terror (Drone Warfare); SEL: Courage in War; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [14+]
Fahrenheit 451
(Science Fiction; SEL: Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Rebellion; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [12+]
Fail-Safe
(U.S./1945 – 1991; World/Cold War; SEL: Leadership; Ethical Emphasis — Responsibility, Caring) [14+]
Fat Man and Little Boy
(U.S./1941 – 1945 & New Mexico; Science-Technology; SEL: Teamwork; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [13+]
Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead
Not rated; 2010 Directors: Joe Cross, Kurt Engfehr This is a movie that advocates juice fasts as the way to health. TWM doesn’t endorse juice fasts and much of the film is merely interesting. However, the movie contains one of the most uplifting true stories of a life redeemed that has ever graced a screen. We won’t spoil it, just watch the movie. For a film advocating a physician-designed scientifically based change in diet, see Forks Over Knives.
Note that the overt support given to Veronica Franco by her various lovers in the Inquisition scene is fictional as was the threat of death. The Inquisition in Italy did not usually kill its victims but would subject them to various punishments including imprisonment, whipping, public humiliation, and house arrest. While Veronica Franco’s admirers most probably supported her during her trial by the Inquisition, they acted behind the scenes and without risk to themselves. This film is based upon the Ph.D. thesis of Professor Margaret Rosenthal of the University of Southern California. See her book The Honest Courtesan. Professor Rosenthal tells us that when she shows this film to her college classes, she fast forwards through the scenes depicting sexual activity so as not to distract her students.
Fiddler on the Roof
(Drama/Musicals; Religions/Judaism; U.S./Diversity; World/Russia; Dance/Performance; SEL: Parenting; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Caring) [7+]
Field of Dreams
(Sports/Baseball; U.S./1945 – 1991 & Iowa; SEL: Grieving; Father/Son; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [10+]
Flags of Our Fathers
(U.S./1940-1945; World/WWII; SEL: Courage in War Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Citizenship) [15+]
A Force More Powerful
Short Subject
(World/India, Poland, Denmark, Chile, South Africa; 1800s – the Present; U.S./1945 – the Present; Civil Rights Movement, Tennessee; SEL: Rebellion; Peace/Peacemakers; Moral-Ethical: — Citizenship) [12+; Six sections, each between 20 and 30 minutes in length]
Force More Powerful
Snippet Lesson Plan on Non-violence and the Indian Independence Movement
(World/India, U.S./1945 – 1991 & Diversity) [12+; snippet: 25 minutes; lesson: two class periods]
Force More Powerful
Snippet Lesson Plan on the Civil Rights Movement – The Nashville Sit-ins
(U.S./1945 – 1991 & Diversity) [12+; snippet: 25 minutes; lesson: one class period]
Gallipoli
(World/ WWI, Australia & Turkey; SEL: Courage in War; Friendship; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [13+]
Gandhi
(Biography; World/India & South Africa; U.S./Diversity; SEL: Rebellion; Peace/Peacemakers; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Respect; Responsibility; Fairness; Caring; Citizenship) [10+]
Gattaca
(Science Fiction; SEL: Breaking Out; Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Human Rights; Brothers; Friendship; Suicide; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Fairness) [14+]
Gentleman’s Agreement
The Best of TWM
(U.S./1945 – 1991 & Diversity; SEL: Male Role Model; Female Role Model; Parenting; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Respect) [12+]
Gettysburg
(U.S./1860 – 1865 & Pennsylvania; SEL: Courage in War; Leadership; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Citizenship) [10+]
Ghosts of Mississippi
(U.S./1945 – Present, Diversity, the Law & Mississippi; SEL: Courage; Justice; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness, Responsibility; Citizenship) [12+]
The Ghosts in Our Machine
(Social Studies; SEL: Caring for Animals; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect, Caring) [13+] (This is not a TWM Learning Guide but our Deborah Elliott was a contributor.)
Gigi
(Drama/Musicals; World/France; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring) [12+]
The Glass Menagerie
(Drama/U.S.; U.S./Missouri; SEL: Mother/Son; Mother/Daughter; Families in Crisis; Disabilities; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility)[12+]
Glory
(U.S./ 1860 – 1865 & Massachusetts; SEL: Courage in War; Patriotism; Leadership; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Citizenship; Trustworthiness) [14+]
Good Will Hunting
(Medicine (Psychiatry); U.S./1991 – present & Massachusetts; SEL: Child Abuse; Marriage; Romantic Relationships; Fighting; Friendship; Male Role Model; Talent; Breaking Out; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [14+]
Gone With the Wind
(U.S./1860 – 1865 & Georgia; SEL: Female Role Models (Melanie an
Gorillas in the Mist
(The Environment; Science-Technology; World/Africa; SEL: Caring for Animals; Courage; Human Rights; Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Respect; Citizenship) [13+]
Gracie’s Choice
(Health; U.S./1991 – present; SEL: Alcohol & Drug; Abuse; Families In Crisis; Mother/Daughter; Parenting; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring) [12+]
The Graduate
(1967) MPAA Rating: PG; Director: Mike Nichols. This is a great film about coming of age. The protagonist is college age. This film is ranked #7 on the American Film Institute’s List of the 100 Greatest American Movies of All Time (2006).
It is ranked #9 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Funniest American Movies of All Time (2006). This film is listed in the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress as a “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” film.
The Grapes of Wrath
(U.S./1929 – 1941; Oklahoma & California; Literature/U.S.; SEL: Families in Crisis; Female Role Model; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Fairness) [12+]
The Great Dictator
(Biography/Hitler; World/WWII) [10+]
Grease
(1978) MPAA Rating: PG; Director: Randal Kleiser. This film is ranked #20 on the American Film Institute’s List of the 25 Greatest Movie Musicals (2006). This film contains great dancing and good music. Note that the film contains gross profanity and three boys are shown mooning.
The Great Gatsby
(U.S. 1913 – 1929 & New York; Literature; Literary Devices: symbol, imagery, motif, flashback, characterization; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [13+]
Groundhog Day
(Literature; SEL: Friendship; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [12+]
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
(U.S./ 1945 – 1991 & Diversity; SEL: Families in Crisis; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [10+]
Gulliver’s Travels
(World/Enlightenment; Literature/Ireland; SEL: Peace/Peacemakers; Courage in War; Humility) [7+]
Hamlet
(Drama/England; SEL: Revenge, Fighting, Grieving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Caring) [12+]
Harriet
(U.S. History 1812- 1865; African-American; Maryland; SEL: Human Rights; Female Role Model; Breaking Out; Courage; Disabilities; Moral/Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [13+]
The Help
(US 1945-1991, Diversity & Mississippi; SEL: Self-Esteem, Friendship, Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [13+]
Hester Street
(U.S./1865 – 1913; Diversity & New York; SEL: Families in Crisis; Marriage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Trustworthiness) [12+]
Hidden Figures
(U.S. 1940 – 1991, Diversity, and Virginia; Mathematics; Science-Technology;; Cinema; SEL: Courage; Human Rights; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [13+]
High Noon
American History and Civics Classes
(U.S./The Frontier & the West, 1865 – 1913 and 1945 – 1991 (the Red Scare); Cinema; SEL: Marriage; Leadership; Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Citizenship) [11+]
High Noon
ELA Classes
(Literature/Myths of the Western genre; Literary devices: symbol; motif; foil; and expository phase; SEL: Marriage; Leadership; Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Citizenship) [11+]
High Noon
Snippet Lesson Plan on the Expository Phase ELA: Expository Phase
[12+; snippet: 15 minutes, 20 seconds; lesson: one to two class periods]
Hoop Dreams
(Sports/Basketball; U.S. 1991 – Present & Illinois; SEL: Sportsmanship; Breaking Out; Talent; Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility Fairness) [10+]
Hoosiers
(Sports/Basketball; U.S. 1945 – 1991 & Indiana; SEL: Teamwork; Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Male Role Model; Father/Son; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Caring) [11+]
Hotel Rwanda
(World/Rwanda & the Post-Cold War Era; U.S./1991 – present; SEL: Human Rights; Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Citizenship) [14+]
For Love or Country — The Arturo Sandoval Story
The Human Rights of Artists
High School and Middle./Jr. High World History and any fine arts curriculum, especially music.
Hysteria
(2011) MPAA Rating: PG-13; Director: Tanya Wexler. This movie shows the invention of the electric vibrator by Dr. Mortimer Granville to treat an epidemic of hysteria among middle-class and wealthy women by manipulating their genitals until they reached “paroxysm”.
Marketed to women directly, it became the most popular female sexual aid in history. See, e.g, Joseph Mortimer Granville, inventor of the electric vibrator for purposes of massage, but which is used by many women as a sexual aid; ‘Hysteria’ and the Long, Strange History of the Vibrator.
An Ideal Husband
(Drama/England, World/England; SEL: Marriage, Families in Crisis, Friendship, Romantic Relationships, Justice, Redemption; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility; Caring) [12+]
Ida
(2013) MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements, some sexuality, and smoking; Director: Pawel Pawlikowski. This is a beautifully-filmed modern black-and-white movie about the Holocaust in Poland during WWII.
Some Polish peasants killed Jews and took over their property. In a few cases, villagers attacked their Jewish populations and killed them en mass. Others, such as the content shown in the film, hid Jewish children and saved them. In this story, Ida was raised as a Christian with no knowledge of her Jewish heritage until just before she was to take her vows to become a nun. While none of the characters are historical, the events told by the movie show important truths about a particular time in history. Ida is too slow-moving and abstract for most k-12 students and no Learning Guide has been prepared for the film. TWM does recommend the film for college level.
The Importance of Being Earnest
(World/England; Drama/England; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [12+]
In America
(2001) MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some sexuality, drug references, brief violence, and language; Director: Jim Sheridan. This film makes the A+ list. It’s about family, friendship across racial lines, and a parent’s grieving for a child who has died.
It is also a gripping story that is beautifully written and filmed, well-acted, and directed with intelligence and finesse. In America has the capacity to help parents heal psychological wounds from the death of a child or a child’s grievous injury. It is a work of genius.
Inherit the Wind
(Cinema; U.S./1913 – 1929 & Tennessee; Cinema; SEL: None; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [12+]
In Her Shoes
Snippet Lesson Plan on the Analysis and Explication of Poetry
[14+; snippet: 10 minutes; lesson: two class periods plus time to write a concluding essay]
The Insider
(U.S./1991 – present, the Law and the Press; SEL: Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Families in Crisis, Marriage, Crime, Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Citizenship) [13+]
Into the Wild
(Literature: NonFiction; Literary Devices: theme; allusion; U.S.: 1945 – 1991; SEL: Taking Care of Yourself; Families in; Crisis Friendship; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [14+]
The Invention of Lying
(ELA: Social Satire; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [13+]
Iron Jawed Angels
(U.S. 1913 – 1929; SEL: Human Rights; Courage; Leadership; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Fairness) [11+]
It’s a Wonderful Life
(U.S./1913 – 1945; SEL: Male Role Model; Suicide; Breaking Out; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Citizenship) [10+]
James’ Journey to Jerusalem
(World/Israel; Religions; SEL: Friendship; Father/Son; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility; Respect; Fairness) [12+]
The Jazz Singer
(Cinema; U.S./1913 – 1929, Diversity & New York; Music/Popular; SEL: Breaking Out; Talent; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Caring) [12+]
Jesus of Montreal
(1985) MPAA Rating: R; Director: Denys Arcand. French with English subtitles; a small section is in English with French subtitles. This film is an engaging allegory of the Passion of Christ as reinterpreted by a ragtag group of young actors in Montreal.
Hired to “freshen up” a creaking and overwrought version of the Stations of the Cross by a sinner of a priest, the lives of the thespians take on aspects of the story they decide to play, that of the historically documented Jesus (called Yeshu Ben Panthera). This puts them at odds with the priest, who fears that tampering with dogma will incur the wrath of the archdiocese. As the actors immerse themselves in their roles, a dedication to the truths they are conveying begins to transform them. This is especially true of Daniel Coulombe, the actor/director who portrays Christ. (“Colombe” is French for dove, a common symbol of the Holy Spirit). There are many fine touches of allegorical irony: Mirielle, the girl who plays the harlot Mary Magdalene, is afraid that she is nothing but a body to be cast in semi-pornographic commercials. One of the actors who will be “called” to the play is introduced as he is munching a doughnut and doing voice-overs for a hard-core porn flick. “Christ” explodes in rage at a very contemporary and cynical assembly of moneychangers, the flesh peddling commercial film producers. In the end, the gifts of life and love he leaves reflect the core values of the Christian religion applied to an up-to-the-minute reality. While it is clear that the filmmakers intended to produce a testament to the enduring and transforming power of Christ’s story, the film may not appeal to conservative Christians who might find the film’s implied criticism of the clergy and its challenges to traditional beliefs offensive.
The Joy Luck Club
(U.S./1945 – 1991, Diversity and California; World/China; SEL: Mother/Daughter/ Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [14+]
Judgment at Nuremberg
(U.S./1941 – 1945, The Law; World/WWII; SEL: Justice; Human Rights, Male Role Model; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect, Responsibility Fairness) [10+]
Julius Caesar
(Drama/England; World/Ancient Rome; SEL: Ambition; Rebellion; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [12+]
Kundun
(World/Tibet & China; Religions/Buddhism; SEL: Rebellion; Leadership; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [13+]
The King and I
(Drama/Musicals; World/Thailand; U.S./1860 – 1865; Dance/Performance; SEL: Courage, Education; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Respect) [8+]
La Traviata
(Music/Opera; World/France; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [12+] (In Italian with English Subtitles)
Lawrence of Arabia
(Biography; World/England, Middle East & WWI; SEL: Courage in War; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [12+]
Les Choristes
(Music; World/France; Literature/Poetry Analysis; Literary Devices: themeSEL: Self-esteem; Talent; Education; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [10+]
Les Misérables
(Literature/France; World/France; SEL: Redemption; Suicide; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Fairness, Caring) [8+]
A Life on our Planet
(The Environment; SEL: Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [9+]
Lincoln
Lesson Plan: The End of America’s Nightmare Dance with Slavery Using Spielberg’s Lincoln
(U.S./1812 – 1865; Biography; SEL: Leadership; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Citizenship) [13+]
The Lives of Others
(2006) MPAA Rating: R for some sexuality/nudity; Director: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck. This outstanding film is about the East German secret police (the Stasi) and the effects of a totalitarian regime on artists.
It is an accurate depiction of life in East Germany in 1984 in the sense that good fiction is accurate. The acting, directing, everything is superior. It won an Academy Award in 2007 for best foreign film beating out such great films as “Water“. This is a film that should be seen especially in the modern-day U.S., which has increased its domestic surveillance in response to the threat from radical, misguided Islam. The director’s voice-over and his interview in the special features are also excellent. The R rating is for a brief and sensitive love scene.
The film presents a view of what life was like in the GDR (Communist East Germany). It seems authentic and truthful. Note that For Love or Country is probably a better film for demonstrating the difficulties of the life of an artist in a totalitarian country. For Love or Country is closer to home, dealing with Cuba and the defection of the great jazz trumpet player Arturo Sandoval to the United States. It shows the angst of the artist hamstrung by a totalitarian regime better than “The Lives of Others”. For Love or Country is also an excellent introduction to Jazz and the historical figures of Sandoval and Dizzy Gillespie. Finally, it is rated PG-13 while The Lives of Others is rated R. However, classes studying the Soviet empire, the GDR or the psychology of secret police agencies will benefit greatly from The Lives of Others.
Little Buddha
(Religions/Buddhism; World/Tibet; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Citizenship) [10+]
The Longest Day
(U.S./1941 – 1945; World/WWII; SEL: Courage in War; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [10+]
Lone Star
(1996) MPAA Rating: R for brief language, sex, and violence; Director: John Sayles. This is a superbly-crafted and well-written detective story that is really about race and ethnic relations in a small Texas county along the Rio Grande. It has a twist at the end that will send your head spinning. It is a good addition to any class on ethnic relations in the U.S., especially Chicano or Hispanic studies.
Looking Beneath the Surface
Helps students answer the question: What is going on beneath the surface of an event or conversation?
Looking For Richard
(Drama/England; World/England; SEL: Brothers; Ambition; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: General) [12+]
Lord of the Flies
(ELA; U.S./1945 -1991; SEL: Peer Pressure; Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring) [13+; Literary devices analyzed: symbol, character development, theme, irony.]
Lorenzo’s Oil
(Medicine; SEL: Illness, Disabilities; Marriage; Families in Crisis; Parenting; Sisters; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring) [13+]
Loving Vincent
(ELA; U.S./1945 -1991; SEL: Peer Pressure; Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring) [13+; Literary devices analyzed: symbol, character development, theme, irony.]
Lust for Life
(Biography/Van Gogh; World/France; Visual Arts; SEL: Talent; Brothers; Mental Illness; Suicide; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [12+]
Luther
Snippet Lesson Plan for the Sale of Indulgences in the Middle Ages
(World/Middle Ages; Religions/Christianity) [12+; Two clips from the film lasting about 12 minutes]
Madame Curie
(Biography; Science-Technology; World/France; SEL: Female Role Model; Grieving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [10+]
A Man for All Seasons
(Biography/Thomas More; World/England & the Renaissance; Religions/Christianity; Drama/England; SEL: Courage; Male Role Model; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [12+]
Man on Fire
Snippet Lesson Plan to The Child Savior Myth and Literary Archetypes – An Introduction
[14+; snippet: 22 minutes; lesson: one class period]
Mao’s Last Dancer
(Literature: NonFiction; Literary Devices: allegory/parable; Biography; World/China; U.S.: 1945 – Present; Dance; SEL: Breaking Out; Human Rights; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [12+]
March of the Penguins
(Science; the Environment; World/Antarctica; SEL: Caring for Animals) [10+]
Mass Casualties Lesson Plan
(Focusing on the Decision to End WWII with Surprise Atomic Attacks on Japanese Cities) (U.S./ 1941 – 1945; World/WWII and Japan; SEL: Human Rights; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring) [12+]
Matewan
(U.S./1913 – 1929, Diversity & West Virginia; Religions/Christianity; SEL: Male Role Model; Fighting; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Respect) [12+]
McFarland, USA
(Sports; U.S. 1945 – Current, Hispanic, & California; SEL: Education; Breaking Out; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [12+]
Memphis Belle
(Aviation; U.S./1941 – 1945; SEL: Leadership; Courage in War; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [12+]
The Merchant of Venice
(2004) MPAA Rating: R for some nudity; Director: Michael Radford. This is an extraordinarily good film. The acting, direction, set design, and music are all excellent. Pacino’s Shylock is deep and profound.
It will be the definitive Shylock for many, many decades. Jeremy Irons’ Antonio brings out more than one could ever imagine for this character. Lynn Collins’ Portia is brilliant. The other actors in the film are also excellent. There is not a single weak role. The interpretation of the play is extremely rich. It shows (1) Shakespeare’s interest in the problems of revenge, a topic explored in other plays such as Romeo and Juliet and comprehensively dealt with in Hamlet; (2) the conflict between two cultures that live side-by-side but do not know each other; and (3) the contrast of the homosexual attraction between Antonio and Bassanio and the pull on Bassanio of Portia and his marriage vows. For those who would like to use the movie in class, the producers have provided an Official Teacher’s Guide. Note that throughout the film the prostitutes of Venice are shown with their breasts rouged and exposed. In addition, on occasion, the prostitutes are shown being groped by their clients. This, according to the director, is a historically accurate touch.
Michael Collins
(Biography; World/Ireland; SEL: Courage in War; Breaking Out; Peace/Peacemakers; Rebellion; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Respect) [14+]
Microsmos
Snippet Lesson Plan: Complex and Cooperative Ant Behaviors
(Science-Biology) [5+; grades K – 12; snippet: 4 minutes; lesson: 30 minutes]
Microsmos
Snippet Lesson Plan: Symbiosis and Predation in the World of Insects
(Science-Biology) [5+; grades K – 12; snippet: 25 minutes; lesson: one class period]
Microsmos
Set-Up-the-Sub Lesson Plan for Symbiosis and Predation in the World of Insects
(Science-Biology) [5+; grades K – 12; snippet: 25 minutes; lesson: one class period]
MicrosmosÂ
Snippet Lesson Plan: Mosquito Emerging from Pupal Sack
(Science-Biology) [10+; snippet: 4 minutes; lesson: 25 minutes]
Microsmos
Snippet Lesson Plan: Surface Tension and Molecular Bonds
(Science/Chemistry; molecules; surface tension) [10+; middle school and high school; snippet: 7 minutes (in three segments); lesson: the clips and related discussion will add about fifteen minutes to existing lesson plans.]
A Midnight Clear
(U.S./1941-1945; SEL: Coming of Age; Peace/Peacemakers; Courage in War; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [13+]
Midnight Cowboy
(1969) MPAA Rating: R; Director: John Schlesinger. This film is ranked #36 on the American Film Institute’s List of the 100 Greatest American Movies of All Time (2006). This film is listed in the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress as a “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” film.
Midnight in Paris
(Literature/U.S.; Visual Arts; Music; World/France; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Breaking Out; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [14+]
Midway
(U.S./1941 – 1945; World/WWII; Seafaring; SEL: Courage in War; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [10+]
Winged MigrationÂ
Migration, Nomadism and Dormancy Lesson Plan (Science; the Environment) [12+]
The Miracle Worker
(Biography/Keller; U.S./1865 – 1913; SEL: Disabilities; Female Role Model; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring) [10+]
The Mission
(Religions/Christianity; World/South America, Paraguay, Brazil; SEL: Redemption; Courage; Brothers; Rebellion; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [13+]
Moby Dick
(Literature/U.S.; Seafaring; U.S./1812 – 1860 & Massachusetts; SEL: Revenge, Humility; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [10+]
Modern Times
(Cinema; U.S./1929-1941; SEL: Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Caring) [8+]
The Most Dangerous Man in America — Part of a unit on National Security Whistleblowers
(U.S. 1945 – Current, the Press; & the Law; Civics; SEL: Courage; Moral-Ethical Responsibility; Citizenship) [13+]
Mr. Holland’s Opus
(Music/Classical; U.S. 1945 – 1991; SEL: Education; Male Role Model; Parenting; Father/Son; Mother/Son; Marriage; Disabilities; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Citizenship; Caring; Respect) [10+]
Mrs. Miniver
(World/England & WWII; SEL: Families in Crisis; Female Role Model; Courage in War; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [10+]
Much Ado About Nothing
(Drama/England; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Brothers; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Fairness) [10+]
Music of the Heart
(Music/Classical, U.S./1991 – present & New York; Biography (Guaspari); SEL: Education; Talent, Disabilities; Romantic Relationships; Divorce and Separation; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Citizenship) [9+]
My Fair Lady
(Drama/Musicals; World/England; SEL: Breaking Out; Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [6+]
My Family
(U.S. 1929 – 1991; Hispanic & California; SEL: Families in Crisis; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [13+]
Narrative Writing: Teaching Students to Write a Narrative
(ELA: Narratives) [12+].
National Security Whistleblowers
A Unit with three films to choose from: War on Whistleblowers, Silenced, and The Most Dangerous Man in America.
(U.S. 1945 – Current, the Press & the Law; Civics; SEL: Courage; Moral-Ethical Responsibility; Citizenship) [13+]
Navalny
The Best of TWM
(World-Russia, Post-Cold War Era; SEL: Courage, Ambition, Human Rights, Leadership, Male Role Model (Navalny);
Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility, Citizenship) [15+]
Never Cry Wolf
(Science-Technology, The Environment; U.S./1945 – 1991; Alaska; SEL: Caring for Animals; Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [10+]
El Norte
(U.S./1945 to present, Diversity & California; World/Guatemala; SEL: Human Rights; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [14+]
The Nutcracker
(Dance; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [5+]
October Sky
(Space Exploration; U.S./1945 – 1991 & West Virginia; Science-Technology; SEL: Parenting; Father/Son; Mother/Son; Breaking Out; Friendship; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring) [10+]
Of Mice And Men
(Literature – U.S.; SEL: Friendship; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [13+]
The Odyssey
(World/Ancient Greece; Mythology; Literature & Literary Devices; Seafaring; SEL: Humility; Surviving; Marriage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility) [14+ for the movie; 11+ for the book. Literary devices analyzed: simile, metaphor, flashback; symbol]
The Official Story
(World/Argentina; SEL: Parenting; Human Rights; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [14+]
Oklahoma!
(Drama/Musicals; U.S./1865-1913 & Oklahoma; Dance/Performance; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [12+]
The Old Curiosity Shop
(Literature/England; SEL: Gambling Addiction; Parenting; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [11+]
The Old Man and the Sea
(Literature/U.S.; SEL: Friendship; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Caring) [12+]
Oliver Twist
(Literature/England; World/England; SEL: Spousal Abuse; Crime; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [10+]
The One
Snippet Lesson Plan on Parallel Universes
[12+; snippets: two clips of less than 11 minutes]
On The Waterfront
(U.S./1945 – 1991 & New York; Cinema; SEL: Redemption, Breaking Out; Brothers; Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [12+]
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Snippet Lesson Plan: Deriving Theme — Using the Fishing Scene from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
[12+; snippet: 14 minutes; lesson: one 45 – 55 minute class period]
Outbreak
Snippet Lesson Plan on the Spread of Viral Infection Using Film Clips from Outbreak
(Health; Science-Technology (Biology)) [14+]
The Ox-Bow Incident
(U.S./The Frontier and the West; 1865 – 1913; The Law; & Nevada; SEL: Justice; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Fairness) [12+]
Partners of the Heart
(Medicine; U.S./1917 – 1991, Diversity, Tennessee & Maryland; SEL: Teamwork, Education, Friendship; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [10+]
A Passage To India
(World/India & England; Literature/England; SEL: Friendship; Romantic Relationships; Justice; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Respect) [12+]
The Paw Project
(Lesson Plan in Civics and American Government: CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY; U.S./Politics & California; SEL: Caring for Animals; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Citizenship) [13+]
Pink Floyd: The Wall
Snippet Lesson Plan on Determining Theme
[10+; snippet: 15 minutes, Lesson: three 45 – 55 minute class periods]
Patton
(Biography; U.S./1941 – 1945; SEL: Leadership; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [12+]
Pay It Forward
(U.S./1991 – Present; SEL: Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Mother/Son; Families in Crisis; Education; Disabilities; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring; Citizenship) [12+]
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
(Literature/U.S.; SEL: Child Abuse; Courage; GBLTQ; Friendship; Romantic Relationships; Mental Illness; Suicide; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [14+]
Persuasion
(Literature/England; World/England; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [12+]
Philadelphia
(1993) MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some graphic language and thematic material; Director: Jonathan Demme. This is a breakthrough movie promoting understanding of gay people and those with dreaded illnesses. TWM is considering preparing a Learning Guide for this film.
Pirates of the Carribean: At World’s End
Snippet Lesson Plan: Harmonic Motion (Science & Technology/Physics – harmonic motion)
[10+; late elementary to high school; film clips: Pirates of the Caribbean – At World’s End: three minutes 30 seconds; Tacoma Bridge Collapse Video on YouTube: four minutes 13 seconds. lesson: Playing the snippets and discussing the examples of harmonic motion described in the Helpful Background section will take about 40 minutes.]
Pirates of the Carribean: At World’s End
Snippet Lesson Plan: Refraction and the Green Flash (Science & Technology/Physics)
[10+; late elementary to high school; Film Clips: one minute and five seconds, in two segments; three additional optional segments total about 50 seconds; Lesson: Adds 30 minutes to a class in which the phenomenon of optical refraction is introduced.]
The Pirates of Penzance
(Drama/Musicals; World/England; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility) [8+]
Planet Earth
Snippet Lesson Plan: Caves and Extremophiles
(Earth Science/Biology) [10+; snippet: 16 minutes, 15 seconds; lesson: 40 minutes]
Planet Earth
Snippet Lesson Plan: Deep Ocean Dwellers
(Earth Science/Biology) [10+; snippet: 26 minutes; Lesson: One 45 to 55 minute class period]
Planet Earth
Snippet Lesson Plan: The Arctic and Antarctica
(Earth Science) [10+; snippet: 40 minutes, 30 seconds; Lesson: One and one-half 45 – 55 minute class periods]
Precious
(Health; ELA (for cross-curricular assignments); Psychology; SEL: Child Abuse, Self-esteem, GBLTQ; Parenting, Taking Care of Yourself; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility, Caring) [15+; 121 minutes]
Pride and Prejudice
(Literature/England; World/England; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Sisters; Humility; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [12+; Literary devices analyzed: theme; foils, contrasting characters; character development; subplot; irony; and use of letters read by a character]
Pride of the Yankees
(Biography/Gehrig; Sports/Baseball; SEL: Male Role Model; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [8+]
Pygmalion
(Drama/England; World/England; SEL: Breaking Out; Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [12+]
Quiz Show
(U.S./1945 – 1991 & New York; SEL: Ambition; Father/Son; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [11+]
Rabbit-Proof Fence
(World/Australia; SEL: Human Rights; Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [10+]
A Raisin in the Sun
(U.S./1945 – 1991, Diversity & Illinois; Drama/U.S; SEL: Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Marriage, Families in Crisis; Female Role Model; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Fairness) [12+]
The Red Shoes
[Dance; Music/Classical; SEL: Talent; Work/Career; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Citizenship) [12+]
Remember the Titans
(U.S./1945 – 1991, Diversity & Virginia; Sports/Football; SEL: Breaking Out; Friendship; Teamwork; Leadership; Male Role Model; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Responsibility; Fairness; Citizenship) [11+]
Requiem for a Dream
(2000) MPAA Rating R for intense depiction of drug addiction, graphic sexuality, strong language, and some violence; Director: Darren Aronofsky. This film shows the self-destruction of the major characters, young and old, through addiction to heroin, cocaine, and diet pills (speed).
At the beginning of the story they have dreams, but by the end, they are lost due to their addictions. Watching this movie is a searing life experience that will leave vivid memories and perhaps nightmares for years. TWM recommends that this film be shown to those over the age of 16 who are at substantial risk of becoming addicted to a drug or who are already dealing with an addiction. No guide is necessary for this movie. Just put it on let them watch. For minors, teachers should obtain a release from their parents before showing the film.
Richard III
(Drama/England; World/England SEL: Brothers; Ambition; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: General) [12+]
The Right Stuff
(U.S./1945 – 1991; Aviation; Space Exploration; SEL: Friendship; Teamwork, Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [12+]
Robot and Frank
Robot Ethics — Snippet Lesson Plan using film clips from Robot and Frank
[12+ — Middle School/Jr. High and High School Levels; Snippets15 minutes]
Romeo and Juliet
(Drama/England; SEL: Fighting; Romantic Relationships; Suicide; Revenge; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Caring) [12+]
The Rookie
(Sports/Baseball; U.S./1991 – present; SEL: Talent; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility; Caring) [9+]
Eleanor Roosevelt
(Biography; U.S./1865 – 1991; Politics; SEL: Leadership; Female Role Model; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring, Citizenship) [10+]
Roots Vol. I
(U.S./1629 – 1750 & Diversity; World/Africa; SEL: Coming of Age; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [12+]
Roots Vol. II
(U.S./1629 – 1750 & Diversity; SEL: Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [12+]
Roots Vol. III
(U.S./1750 – 1812 & Diversity; SEL: Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [12+]
Roots Vol. IV
(U.S./1812 – 1860 & Diversity; SEL: Rebellion; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [12+]
Roots Vol. V
(U.S./1812 – 1860 & Diversity; SEL: Father/Son; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [12+]
Roots Vol. VI
(U.S./1865 – 1913 & Diversity; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [12+]
Roxanne
(Drama; ELA: irony; characterization; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Self-esteem; Moral-Ethical Emphasis Respect) [12+]
Sarafina
(World/South Africa; SEL: Rebellion; Human Rights; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Citizenship) [13+]
Saving Private Ryan
Snippet Lesson Plan on the Omaha Beach Landing Using a Film Clip from Saving Private Ryan
(U.S./1941 – 1945; World/WWII; SEL: Courage in War; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Citizenship) [16+]
Sayonara
(U.S./1945 – 1991 & Diversity; World/Japan; SEL: Male Role Model; Friendship; Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Respect) [12+]
The Scarlet Letter
(U.S./1629 – 1750 & Massachusetts; Religions/Christianity; Literature/U.S.; SEL: Redemption; Romantic Relationships; Revenge; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility) [12+]
The Searchers
(U.S./1865 – 1913; ELA.; SEL: Revenge; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring) [13+; Literary devices analyzed: expository phase, character development, theme.]
Selma
( U.S.: 1945-1991; Civil Rights Movement; SEL: Leadership; Courage; Human Rights; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Fairness, Citizenship) [12+]
Sense and Sensibility
(Literature/England; World/England; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Sisters; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring) [12+]
Seven Days in May
(U.S./1945 – 1991; SEL: Rebellion; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility) [12+]
Shall We Dance?
(Dance; World/Japan; SEL: Breaking Out; Marriage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [12+]
Shakespeare Behind Bars
(Drama and U.S./The Law; SEL Redemption; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [14+]
Shakespeare in Love
Introduction to Romeo and Juliet Using a Clip from Shakespeare in Love — a Snippet Lesson Plan (Drama; World/England) [12+]
The Shootist
(U.S./1865 – 1913; Literature/Myths of the Western Genre; Literary Devices: theme & characterization; Cinema; SEL: Coming of Age; Illness (Serious); Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Caring) [14+]
Show Boat
(U.S./1865 – 1913 & Diversity; Cinema; Drama/Musicals; Dance/Performance; SEL: Marriage; Romantic Relationships; Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Gambling Addiction; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [11+]
Silenced
Part of a unit on National Security Whistleblowers
(U.S. 1945 – Current, the Press; & the Law; Civics; SEL: Courage; Moral-Ethical Responsibility; Citizenship) [13+]
Multi-Media Supplement for Jonathan Edwards’ “SINNERS IN THE HANDS OF AN ANGRY GOD”
Snippet Lesson Plan
Using “Sinner Man” in Song and in Dance to Enliven the Study of the Sermon, Enhance its Meaning, Demonstrate the Metaphorical Nature of Artistic Expression, and Foster Appreciation for the Arts (U.S. 1629 – 1750; ELA — American Literature, Metaphor; Music; Dance) [15+; 3 minutes, played several times]
Small Wonders
(Music/Classical; U.S./1991 – Present & New York; Biography/Guaspari; SEL: Education; Female Role Model; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Citizenship) [6+]
Smoke Signals
(U.S./1991 – Present, Diversity (Native American) & Idaho; SEL: Father/Son; Grieving; Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Child Abuse; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring (Forgiving)) [12+]
The Social Dilemma
Netflix documentary with fictional scenes (Health); [11+; 93 minutes]
Sometimes in April
(World/Rwanda & the Post-Cold War Era; SEL: Human Rights; Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Citizenship) [14+]
Something the Lord Made
(Medicine; U.S./1917 – 1991, Diversity, Tennessee & Maryland; SEL: Teamwork, Education, Friendship; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [10+]
Spare Parts
(Science-Technology; U.S. 1991 – Current, Hispanic & Arizona; SEL: Education; Breaking Out; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [13+]
Spartacus
(Biography; World/Ancient Rome; SEL: Rebellion; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [13+]
Sound of Metal
This is a fantastic film about a metal band drummer who goes deaf. Rez Ahmed gives a bravura performance. The film is so intense that it is a life lesson in overcoming a disability and accepting a devastating loss.
South Pacific
(Drama/Musicals; U.S./1941 – 1945 & Diversity; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Citizenship) [10+]
Spiderman 2
Snippet Lesson Plan for Thermonuclear Reactions in the Sun and As a Source of Unlimited Energy for Mankind
(Science & Technology/Astronomy; the Environment; Science Fiction) [12+: Middle School Level; Snippet: approximately eight and 1/4 minutes in two segments. Lesson: approximately 30 minutes]
Spotlight
(U.S. 1945 – Current, the Press & Massachusetts; Religions; SEL: Child Abuse; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [13+; 128 minutes]
Stalin
(Biography; World/Russia; SEL: Ambition; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [12+]
Stage Beauty
Snippet Lesson Plan: A Demonstration of the Use of Acting Technique to Describe Character in Shakespearian and Other Plays
[14+; snippet: 18 minutes; lesson: one and one-half class periods]
Stand and Deliver
(U.S./1941 – 1996, Diversity & California; Mathematics; ELA; SEL: Male Role Model; Self-esteem; Education; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility; Citizenship) [12+; Literary devices analyzed: character, symbols, subplot, foils, and irony]
Black Holes
Snippet Lesson Plan using a film clip from Star Trek
(Science & Technology/Astronomy) [13+: Middle and High School Levels; Snippet: 9.5 minutes]
Strauss: The King of Three Quarter Time
(Biography; Music/Classical; World/Austria; SEL: Friendship; Child Abuse; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [6 – 12]
Strictly Ballroom
(Dance; World/Australia; SEL: Breaking Out; Talent; Families in Crisis; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [9+]
Super Size Me
(U.S./1991 – present; Medicine; SEL: Taking Care of Yourself; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [11+]
Swan Lake
(Dance/Performance; ELA; SEL: Romantic Relations; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [10+; Literary devices analyzed: metaphor; symbol.]
Swing Kids
(1993) MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence and some language; Director: Thomas Carter. Many teachers have recommended this film. “‘Swing Kids’ is a great movie to illustrate several concepts: propaganda, the HJ (the Nazi version of boy scouts who eventually become officers of the SS), and WWII from a European point of view.
The boys are all college friends who love American swing music, which is banned by the Reich because of its ties to Jewish and African-American musicians. They attend covert dances where swing music is played and danced to. Noah Wylie plays a convincing former friend-turned-HJ officer who lulls two of the swing kids into their way of thinking… for a while, anyway. The music is awesome, the propaganda authentic, and the tactics eye-opening. A wonderful movie about the Holocaust, despite some cursing and a scene in which the boys relieve themselves on a poster of Hitler after a night of swing dancing.” Suzanne Funk, Teacher, Indianapolis, IN.
Tale of Two Cities
(Literature/England; World/France & England; SEL: Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Rebellion; Redemption; Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [12+]
Thelma and Louise
Snippet Lesson Plan: Foreshadowing and Characterization Using A Clip from Thelma and Louise
[14+; snippet: 40 minutes; lesson: One and one-half to two 45 – 50 minute class periods]
Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey
Snippet Lesson Plan: Electromagnetic Waves, Induction, Capacitance, and Antennae
(Science & Technology/Physics; Music) [12+; Middle and High School Level; film clip 6.5 minutes]
Thirty-Two Short Films About Glenn Gould
(Biography; Music/Classical; World/Canada; SEL: Talent; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [14+] (Small portions in French with English subtitles.)
Thirteen Days
(U.S./1945 – 1991; World/Russia & The Cold War; SEL: Leadership; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [12+]
To Kill A Mockingbird
(U.S./1929 – 1941, the Law & Diversity; Literature/U.S. & Literary Devices; SEL: Justice; Male Role Model; Courage; Mental Illness; Parenting; Disabilities; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Respect; Responsibility; Fairness; Caring; Citizenship) [11+; Literary devices analyzed: symbol; flashback; irony; humor]
To Live
(World/China; SEL: Surviving; Grieving; Gambling Addiction; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Fairness) [14+] (In Chineses with English subtitles.)
Tootsie
(U.S./1945 – 1991 & New York; Drama/U.S. SEL: Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [13+]
Tora! Tora! Tora!
(U.S./1941 – 1945; World/Japan & WWII; Seafaring; SEL: Courage in War; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [10+] (Portions in Japanese with English subtitles)
Torn from the Flag
(World: Hungary, Cold War; Documentary; SEL: Courage in War; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [12+]
Travis: A Soldier’s Story
(Health (Resilience); U.S. 1991 – Current; World/Afghanistan; SEL: Courage in War; Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [14+]
Trouble With The Curve
(Sports/Baseball; SEL: Parenting; Father/Daughter; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [13+]
Truman
(Biography; U.S./1941 – 1991; SEL: Leadership; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [12+]
Tucker: The Man and His Dream
(U.S./1945-1991; Science-Technology; SEL: Ambition; Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Fairness) [10+]
The Turning Point
(Dance; U.S./1945 – 1991; SEL: Marriage; Mother/Daughter; Friendship; Male Role Model; Talent; Work/Career; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [14+]
The Tuskegee Airmen
(Aviation; U.S./1941 – 1945, Diversity & Alabama; SEL: Courage; Courage in War; Friendship; Self-esteem; Grieving; Suicide; Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Responsibility) [10+]
Twelfth Night
(Drama/England; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [12+]
Twelve O’Clock High
(Aviation; U.S./1941-1945; SEL: Leadership; Courage in War; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [10+]
Unchained Memories: Readings from the Slave Narratives
(U.S./1812 – 1865; 1865 – 1913; and African Americans & the Civil Rights Movement; Literature/U.S. (Narrative Writing); SEL: Human Rights; Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Fairness) [10+]
Underwater Dreams
(Science-Technology; U.S. 1991 – Current, Hispanic & Arizona; SEL: Education; Breaking Out; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [12+]
Vincent: The Life and Death of Vincent Van Gogh
(Biography; World/France; Visual Arts; SEL: Talent; Brothers, Mental Illness; Suicide; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [12+]
Walk on Water
World/Israel; Germany; WW/II Holocaust; SEL: Sexual Orientation; Breaking Out; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [14+]
War and Peace
(Literature/Russia; World/Russia & France) [10+]
War on Whistleblowers: Free Press and the National Security State
Part of a Unit on National Security Whistleblowers
(U.S. 1945 – Current, the Press & the Law; Civics; SEL: Courage; Moral-Ethical Responsibility; Citizenship) [13+]
Warm Springs
(U.S./1913 – 1929 & Georgia; Biography; SEL: Courage; Disabilities; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring) [12+]
Water
(World/India; Religions/Hinduism; ELA; SEL: Human Rights; Suicide; Breaking Out; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Caring; Fairness) [12+; Literary devices analyzed: character, symbols, subplot, foils and irony]
West Side Story
(Drama/Musicals; U.S./1945 – 1991, Diversity & New York; Dance/Performance; SEL: Fighting; Revenge; Romantic Relationships; Bad Associations; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Caring; Citizenship) [12+]
Whale Rider
(World/New Zealand; ELA, including characterization, symbol and foil; SEL: Breaking Out; Female Role Model; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [12+]
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
(Health; Literature; SEL: Breaking Out; Disabilities; Parenting; Families in Crisis; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [13+]
When a Man Loves a Woman
(U.S./1945 – 1991; SEL: Alcohol & Drug Abuse; Romantic Relationships; Marriage; Parenting; Father/Daughter; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [13+]
White Nights
(Dance; World/Cold War & Russia; U.S./Diversity; SEL: Breaking Out; Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Respect) [13+]
White Man’s Burden
(1995) MPAA Rating: R for strong language and some violence. Director: Desmond Nakano. This is a gripping film with a reversal of roles in which “minority” whites are persecuted by “majority” blacks. Some whites who have seen this film tell us that no other film made them understand what it might be like to be a member of a minority. However, there is some disturbing violence and profanity pervades the screenplay.
The White Rose
(World/Germany & WWII; SEL: Rebellion; Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) (13+)
Will the future of the United States be more like the years after 1858 or the years after 1968?
(U.S. History & Culture; SEL: Justice; Human Rights; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Citizenship) [15+]
Winged Migration
(Science; the Environment; SEL: Caring for Animals) [12+]
The Witness
Short Subject
(U.S./1991 – present & New York; SEL: Caring for Animals; Breaking Out; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Caring) [13+; 43 minutes]
The Wizard of Oz
Secondary
(Cinema; Drama/Musicals; U.S./1865-1913; SEL: Self-esteem; Friendship; Taking Care of Yourself; Breaking Out; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness, Respect, Caring) [5+]
The Wizard of Oz
Hero’s Journey
(This hero’s journey lesson can be used (1) to confirm and extend students’ prior knowledge of the Monomyth or (2) as a summative assessment.) [12+]
The Words
(Literature; SEL: Ambition, Romantic Relationships, Work/Career; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness) [15+]
No Titles
The Year Earth Changed
(The Environment; SEL: Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [8+]
Comparing Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown” with the Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil”
[14+; snippet: 8 minutes; lesson: one 45 – 55 minute class period]