Films by season & age - Just Great Movies for ages 15-18

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 move 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.

Their settings range from a grim, futuristic Britain (Brazil) to the war-torn deserts of the Middle East (Three Kings). Their leading characters might be a shy, respectful assassin (Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai) or a kindly London photographer of newlyweds and babies (Secrets and Lies). And the problems of those characters, well, they vary from trying to make money in seedy poll halls (The Hustler) to dealing with what seems to be a forecast of the end of the world (Donnie Darko). But in their very different ways, we think they're all fantastic movies - and we hope that you agree.

Talking points:

  • Does the Britain of Brazil seem in any way like the Britain of today?
  • Does the lifestyle portrayed in The Hustler seems glamorous or depressing - or both?
  • In Secrets and Lies, did you feel sorry for the character of Cynthia - or angry at her?
  • Is Donnie Darko mad, or does he really the future?
  • At what points in the film did you think the soldiers of Three Kings did the right thing?
  • Did you feel it possible to like Ghost Dog despite the kind of life he led?

Guidance

A very funny and humane film, Donnie Darko does contain several mild sexual references, and also deals with mental illness in its adolescent central character.

Although Three Kings is an incredibly stylish and intelligent portrait of the US military, it does feature several scenes of real violence, including fatal shootings.

Although its tone is ultimately bittersweet and even gentle, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai does feature several scenes of violence, including fatal shootings.