This is an Oscar-winning documentary about a school in a lousy neighborhood in Philadelphia. Crime, drugs and poverty are rampant with the families of these elementary school kids--and it shows in violent behavior in the kids and too many of these kids grow up to be failures. It's really sad to watch, because there IS so much promise with the kids--and some are somehow doing well despite having so much stacked against them. But with others, even at age 7 and 8, you can see that their future is pretty bleak. As for the teachers and especially the principal, when the film begins they seem hopeful and energetic, but as the film progresses, you see frustration, frayed nerves and the staff just seem overwhelmed by the kids--who, in many case, are just too wild and undisciplined. Watching the teachers, at times, is like watching them trying to plug up the holes on a crumbling levee.
The film is very insightful for people not familiar with inner-city schools and reminded me of the kids I often worked with as a social worker and school teacher. But, and here's the tough part, the film offers no real answers--mostly because there really aren't any. Money and more staff (despite what the principal says) won't make up enough for the damage many of these kids get from drug-addicted or incarcerated or completely absent parents--as well as the impact of living in a neighborhood from hell. But I do agree with her that it's sad that this just doesn't seem to bother many people, as the kids are apparently disposable. As a result, it's a very depressing film though you can really respect that the teachers, despite the odds, try very hard. In a few cases, you can see the teachers don't make the best decision or react poorly to the kids, but I think anyone dealing with this situation would have many such lapses. And, I could see why the principal, at the end of the film, left for another school where there is most likely a greater sense of hope.
It might be interesting to see where these kids are now, but I am not sure I really want to know.
Overall, a very good film that lacks answers but it does sound a rallying cry. Sadly, though, I am not sure how much really is going to change.
The film is very insightful for people not familiar with inner-city schools and reminded me of the kids I often worked with as a social worker and school teacher. But, and here's the tough part, the film offers no real answers--mostly because there really aren't any. Money and more staff (despite what the principal says) won't make up enough for the damage many of these kids get from drug-addicted or incarcerated or completely absent parents--as well as the impact of living in a neighborhood from hell. But I do agree with her that it's sad that this just doesn't seem to bother many people, as the kids are apparently disposable. As a result, it's a very depressing film though you can really respect that the teachers, despite the odds, try very hard. In a few cases, you can see the teachers don't make the best decision or react poorly to the kids, but I think anyone dealing with this situation would have many such lapses. And, I could see why the principal, at the end of the film, left for another school where there is most likely a greater sense of hope.
It might be interesting to see where these kids are now, but I am not sure I really want to know.
Overall, a very good film that lacks answers but it does sound a rallying cry. Sadly, though, I am not sure how much really is going to change.