Movie Review: NOT WITHOUT MY DAUGHTER
-Marisa DeAngelis
Sally Field (Betty) plays an excellent role as a wife of an Iranian doctor (Moody) and the mother of their 5 year old daughter (Mahtob). Her husband plans for them to go to Iran for a two week vacation to visit his family, whom he hasn't seen in ten years. He assures them that there will not be any danger over in Iran and that it is safe to go.
The family arrives in Iran and Betty soon discovers that it isn't a vacation when Moody tells her that he lost his job in the United States and is looking for work in Iran. After Moody demands that they stay in Iran permanently, Betty and Mahtob are forced to live the strict lives of Iranian women: dressing to cover the body completely except the eyes, converting to the Islamic religion, and being seen but not heard. Betty finds out how, once in Iran and married to an Iranian, there is virtually no way out of the country unless she were to divorce Moody and leave Mahtob behind with him.
This movie ends with Betty's struggle and success to leave her husband and Iran with her daughter. "Not Without My Daughter" is full of suspense and excitement and makes you see the extreme difference of culture between the United States and Iran. This is definitely a movie to rent in your spare time.
DANGEROUS MINDS: THERE IS NO "GANGSTA'S PARADISE"
-Heather Harrison and Caren Zavaglia
Award-winning actress Michelle Pfeiffer lights up the screen with her intense performance in the movie Dangerous Minds. Pfeiffer plays an ex-marine turned teacher in a tough inner-city school. Living a life where hope is almost nonexistent, Pfeiffer becomes "the light at the end of the tunnel" for her students. Faced with students most teachers would give up on, she teaches them lessons of life and literacy. However, while taking on their personal problems as her own, the ultimate tragedy prevails. The rules of the street determine the deadly fate of her favorite student. Is it really possible that the insensitivity of one person could lead to the demise of a troubled youth crying out for help? Can one comprehend that the person responsible is, in fact, supposed to be the ringleader for the rights of students- the principal? The sad truth of the situation is exposed through the lack of unity between the school's administration and its students.
This movie is highly recommended for all to see, especially future teachers. It expresses the reality of how important a teacher can be in the lives of his or her students. Although this film is very inspiring, it also depicts the negative consequences that transpire when teachers and administrators neglect to work together for the welfare of their students. Take time out to see this moving portrayal of kids struggling day by day through life in the ghetto.
GROWING UP IN TWO CULTURES
- Catherine Bach
A Turkish Afternoon, written by Olivia Bennet with photographs by Christopher Cormack, tells the story of a boy named Yigit. Yigit's family is Turkish Cypriot and lives in England. This children's story extraordinarily shows how Yigit's Turkish background is very important to him, even though he lives in England.
This story invites the reader into a typical day of Yigit's life. The focus of the story is Yigit's visit to the local library during a Turkish-Anerican Day. The text explains customs his family practices as well as their Turkish language. The photographer, Christopher Cormack, does an incredible job capturing some of the different Turkish customs. The photographs of the Turkish dancers are incredibly vivid; they not only show the costumes worn by the performers but also how the dances are performed. The photographs of Turkish food and children's books also open a window to the Turkish culture.
This children's story excels as a vehicle to teach younger children about another culture. The photographs are clear and interesting enough to teach younger children even if they are not old enough to read. Because this story is told through the eyes of a child, young readers can relate to the story and see the customs of other children their age. A Turkish Afternoon also shows children they can grow up in two different cultures and be proud of both.
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