Films by season & age - Just Great Movies for ages 12-15

Seasons are a great way to explore different ideas through watching a group of films. Why not try watching all the films in a season and make some time for discussion. Topics and discussion points are included.

Not every great movie that FILM CLUB offers has to be linked to another by subject matter - some we just think you should see because they're incredible films. So here are six of what we consider to be the best. Ranging across wildly different styles, times and places, we hope you agree.

In the brilliant documentary Super Size Me, we see the effect on the human body of a month eating nothing but McDonalds - but in the famous Citizen Kane, what we witness is the effect on the soul of a life spent in politics and big business. For the 7 year old hero of Millions, a bag of money changes everything - but for the 12 year old Marcus in About A Boy, it's a layabout adult who transforms his life. Meanwhile, Galaxy Quest takes us to space in the company of a bunch of ageing TV stars - but in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, we're off to ancient China for some of the most dazzling action you'll ever see.

Talking points:

  • Did Super Size Me change the way you think about fast food?
  • Is Charles Foster Kane in Citizen Kane a heroic figure, or a tragic one?
  • Did you change your mind about Will in About A Boy during the course of the film?
  • Did the TV show in Galaxy Quest remind you of any real-life programmes?
  • What you do with the money that Damian has in Millions?
  • In Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, were you surprised that the female characters were just as brave as the male ones?

Guidance:

Although beautiful and largely fantastical, as a film influenced by martial arts, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon does contain several scenes of violence.

About A Boy features a scene involving suicide that younger and more sensitive viewers may find upsetting.