MovieChat Forums > O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2001) Discussion > Appropriate for 7th Graders?

Appropriate for 7th Graders?

posted 15 years ago by aallen86
25 replies | jump to latest

Hello all,

So I teach middle school and I'm wrapping up a unit on "The Odyssey" with my 7th grade class. Since there doesn't seem to be any major motion picture (that I can get my hands on) I was thinking of showing this to my class and have them look at the parallels between the two stories. I teach at a gifted school (typically the curriculum is 2 grades ahead), but I know that doesn't have much to do with maturity level. Do you think this is appropriate to show to 7th graders? I always send a permission slip home, but wondering if I should even broach the subject. Maybe you all can tell me if there are really any inappropriate parts? (I will obviously screen it first myself). Thanks!

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] ovpower 13 years ago

I don't remember any swearing at all, so there certainly couldn't have been much. It is a great film and I'm certain that very few students or parents would have a problem with it. But in all honesty, most 7th graders are going to miss most of the humour and most of the references to The Odyssey because they will be asleep through it. But then again, your students are "advanced" so whoopdidoo.

[–] Dalif 13 years ago

Oh I disagree. Compared to what movies a 7th grader would usually expect to see in class, OBWAT would be a huge step up. Has Clooney in there, so I'm sure most of the girls will be alert. It has a superb cast, some music with a spirit that just about anybody can appreciate, and it's hilariously self-aware. Granted, the Coen bros. may be over some people's heads, but this is one of their more broader appealing movies, imo.

Permission slips for parents, in order for their kid to watch a movie. We live in sad times. It's been like that in the states for the past decade or more, and, I regret to say, that mentality is spreading. Over here I doubt it has come to that yet, but parents seem to relinquish the responsibility of raising their kids more and more, and blame schools or other institutions, when their little offspring get into anything they perceive as disagreeable.

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Hail Caesar ! And if it's not done by sunrise, I'll cut your balls off.

[–] tj19 13 years ago

YES! If The Odyssey is allowed to 7th graders, then this PG13 movie sure as heck is! Let 'em watch it!

[–] PrestigiousPorcupine 12 years ago

I used to watch this movie often when I with my grandparents when I was really little, because they absolutely loved this movie. I must have been 5 or 6 the first time I watched it. I never really noticed anything about it so I think it would be fine for 7th graders. I actually haven't seen it since I read the Odyssey and I think it would be great to re-watch it, now knowing the story better.

[–] mikeoak840 12 years ago

Here's what I would do - buy a copy of the DVD. Have a showing at school for the administrators and parents who wish to preview it. Frankly, I really don't see anything anyone would object to. But if anyone ever does - you've notified them and given the them the opportunity to preview the film and voice their objections.

[–] 12 years ago

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[–] 10 years ago

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[–] ruaridhcolclough 10 years ago

Course I first watched this when I was ten

[–] Lokisgodhi 9 years ago

http://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/o/the-odyssey/study-help/film-versions-of-homers-the-odyssey

[–] Miz-D 9 years ago

So... those 7th graders are now wrapping up their first year in college, give or take. Did you choose to show the movie? If so, were there any repercussions? Are you still teaching?