Want to make a couple of English majors cry? Sit them down in front of this documentary about an inspiring teacher, Rafe Esquith, (think Robin Williams in Dead Poets) who teaches inner city Los Angeles school children how to get completely geeked-out about Shakespeare. Kim and I Netflixed this movie last week and went immediately bonkers watching 9-and-10-year-olds (many of whom speak English as a second language) perform Hamlet while slack-jawed Shakespearean actors like Ian McKellan and Michael York got all teary-eyed. Their end-of-the-year performance of Hamlet was awesome, but you'll also lose it watching them read Huck Finn in class and watching them say their end-of-year adieus when Rafe sends them on their way with words of wisdom they will remember for the rest of their life.
Learn more about this phenomenal teacher's program here.
Watch the trailer....
As a former English major, I felt obliged to check this documentary out from my local public library after reading your synopsis. It was a wonderful experience to see the kids reading and comprehending Shakespeare. Rafe Esquith has some interesting teaching philosophies and his commitment to this commmunity and especially the kids is commendable. Every student should experience an inspiring teacher. Thanks for the recommendation.
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