As evident from her filmography and the occasional interview, Cameron Diaz is not afraid to get raunchy. Today, she continues that tradition with the premiere of Bad Teacher, a comedy that casts her as a foul-mouthed, gold-digging teacher. Now that the reviews are in, it’s clear that critics haven’t been charmed by the film’s attempts at subversiveness — with lazy writing and an unlikable central character, the consensus is that the puerile comedy is mediocre, at best. Since Bad Teacher seems to be a bust, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite films about education, for those of us who wouldn’t mind seeing a portrayal of teaching that doesn’t involve a “sexy” car wash scene. No, Dangerous Minds is nowhere to be found (sorry, Coolio).
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Dead Poets Society may be the ultimate teaching film. While it occasionally falters in its attempts at grandiose sentimentality and is a bit heavy-handed, it’s ultimately a heat-warming love letter to passionate, charismatic teachers. Robin Williams’ John Keating is the teacher everyone wishes they had –unconventional, inspirational, and incredibly empathetic, he transforms his students through their daily lessons, imploring them to “suck the marrow out of life.”
Comments (17)
[...] 32. The 10 Best Films About Teaching [...]
I’m adding Stand and Deliver. And Lean on Me. And School of Rock.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and The Children’s Hour.
I’d like to second Stand and Deliver and Lean on Me, especially Morgan Freeman’s abrasive-but-heart-in-the-right-place Mr. Clark. Not sure how well some of these films fit the category of “teaching”. (Doesn’t Will Hunting make a big point about self-education with his library late-fee crack?) I’d also like to add Goodbye, Mr. Chips to the discussion (both versions are good, but Peter O’Toole’s 1969 performance melts my heart).
Stand and Deliver – used to watch it late August every year to get ready for the new class.
An Education. Yes, it’s more about the cultural education of young Jenny, but what would the film be without the cruel headmistress Miss Walters and the sympathetic Miss Stubbs? Also, The History Boys.
Up the Down Staircase with Dandy Dennis (1967).
Ooops. Make that Sandy Dennis!
Where is The Blackboard Jungle Great picture
Well, Sandy was Dandy in Up the Down Staircase. Conrack, with an exceptional Jon Voight. The Class, and though it’s a 13-part BBC TV series, To Serve Them All My Days. Two heartbreakers.
Stand and Deliver!!!
American History X
The History Boys deserves a spot in this list.
France’s 2008 Palm d’Or winner The Class….easy
Towering over all of these is 1962′s “The Miracle Worker.”
Stand and deliver…
The classic 1954 Japanese film TWENTY-FOUR EYES with the sublime Hideko Takamine!
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