Re: When Can Our Children See LOTM?

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: :    I am a public school teacher in the Mohawk Valley and am showing LOTM for my US History students. It fits in so well with what they've learned already and the locale is identical to ours in so many ways. The history of this area comes alive and the students love it! 
: :    Now, however, I'm being warned by colleagues that the film is "inappropriate" and I might expect trouble!!! I concede it is violent but it's very true to the violence of that period and we show 'Glory' as well. I now know it's rated 'R' (for violence; the "Love Scene" is suggested, not graphic, and can easily be dealt with.) I honestly hadn't looked at the rating when I pre-screened it for myself BEFORE I showed it to them.
: :    So I have a Big  Question to you LOTM fans: What age is 'appropriate' for this film to be seen by young people? 
: :    I must also tell you that I had "concerned parents" (read: Evangelical Christians) express dismay that I showed 'The Crucible' in class (with the bare "butt" shot carefully covered up) and was told by the administration, in no uncertain terms, not to show it again because "witchcraft" is offensive to some of our district's families. I know, I know: the irony of that situation was delicious and distressing at the same time. It must be Daniel Day Lewis movies! I'm so depressed about the whole thing, I'm seriously considering ditching a ten year career in teaching. Maybe work in a bar with "adults" after working in schools with "intellectuals"? Anyway, if I do quit (or get fired), maybe I'll show 'My Beautiful Launderette' on my last day (just kidding, in case THEY see this!)
: :     Anyway, please advise me: When did you show your kids this movie or at what age do you, especially you teachers out there, think students can "handle" this? 

: 
: Hi Gally,

: Not being a teacher, I can only respond as a parent. Although my kids are older now, I wouldn't have wanted them to see LOTM without me when they were middle school age. There are some really disturbing scenes, even for adults. It's not that I don't think some or most kids of that age couldn't handle it, it's just that I would want to be the one to explain things to my kid, particularly Duncan's death, and Alice's jump. But, I wouldn't have minded my kids seeing it in high school. In fact I think it would be excellent to show to high school students. 

: If it makes you feel any better, I wish I'd had a teacher with me the first time I saw LOTM, since I'd forgotten so many of my history lessons. A teacher could have cleared a lot things up for me! 

: Kathy


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