Take the Lead
A Film Value Analysis Presented by
Cortez, Danica Inah B.
BSED IV-E
to
Dr. Danilo B. Solayao
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
In ED 415 – Values, Ethics and Relevant Laws
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
1st Semester School Year 2011-2012
A. Title of the Film:
TAKE THE LEAD
B. Writer:
Dianne Houston
C. Director:
Liz Friedlander
D. Cast/Character:
Jonathan Malen – Kurd
Shawand McKenzie - Big Girl
II. Introduction
Everything flashed back when I watched the trailer of the movie “Take the Lead”. It is always one of the best films I ever watched about teachers. As I was doing the movie analysis it made me realize that as a future teacher, the commitment, the dedication, the passion to teach always have a positive outcome. That if we want to have change, we must be dedicated and pursue everything until we reach the thing we want to achieve. And that is to change every individual to be the very best that they can be. To appreciate them as different individuals with potentials, with greatness within their selves, for them to know that every individual is special in their own simple way is the simplest yet greatest thing that a teacher can do for their students.
III. Synopsis
Based on a true story, Pierre Dulaine, a renowned ballroom dancer and a studio owner was taken by wind in a school to volunteer to teach a class of the biggest trouble makers in the campus. It was a tough assignment for him. Since Dulaine is a professional ballroom dancer, he intends to teach them to dance. But most of them were incredulous and were very passive about the kind of music and dance that Dulaine wanted them to learn – until he demonstrates his moves to the class with the help of his best student Morgan. All the students in the detention class became interested with Dulaine’s move, they become interested. They tried to combine their music with Dulaine’s and make their unique moves. They mix their own hip-hop moves with the discipline in ballroom dancing showed by Dulaine. Dulaine also made them realize the importance of work ethics and instill to them self-confidence.
IV. Value Analysis
1. Explain the title. How appropriate is it?
“TAKE THE LEAD”. The title already best describes the movie. It may already sound that it is a movie about dancing but if you look closely to the theme, it was more. There’s more about taking the lead to make the impossible possible. If a person wants to change something he must have the initiative to make the first step. But it’s not only making the first step but the dedication to finish the journey.
2. Characterize the protagonist /s and antagonist/s (if there’s any) of the story.
The protagonist in the story was a very admirable person. As a teacher, he has the commitment, the dedication, and the passion to change his students to be better persons. He was very optimistic. He did not stop believing in the potentials of his students, their unique abilities, their capabilities to change their selves to be better persons.
3. Who among the characters impressed you most? Expound.
The character that impressed me most was, of course, Pierre Dulaine. He was the perfect example of a teacher. He serves as an inspiration to future teachers like us.
4. Which part of the film do you like best? Elaborate.
There were lots of great scenes in the story. But one of my favorite and I think one of the best was when Dulaine demonstrates them his kind of music and dance. It was when he and Morgan danced with full of passion and sensuality.
5. Cite at least 5 lines or dialogue in the film that reflects the characters ethics.
Pierre Dulaine: You can get what you want.
Rock: No, some people get what they want.
Pierre Dulaine: Those are the people who show up to get it.
Rock: No, some people get what they want.
Pierre Dulaine: Those are the people who show up to get it.
(Pierre Dulaine wanted to tell Rock that if a person will have the perseverance to reach their dreams, they can if only they believe that they have then ability to do so.)
(Pierre wanted to help Caitlin realize that everything is possible if you belive in yourself and if you have the passion.)
Pierre Dulaine: Thank you.
LaRhette: Uh-huh.
Pierre Dulaine: I believe the appropiate response is "you're welcome"
LaRhette: Uh-huh.
LaRhette: Uh-huh.
Pierre Dulaine: I believe the appropiate response is "you're welcome"
LaRhette: Uh-huh.
(Pierre is trying to teach Lharette to have manners. How to respond appropriately.)
Pierre Dulaine: Sometimes the best way to conquer an enemy is to get right up in his face.
LaRhette: I'd rather be dead than up in his face.
Rock: You know what? I feel the same way.
Pierre Dulaine: You know, guys, you're lucky. Common emotions can be very powerful.
LaRhette: I'd rather be dead than up in his face.
Rock: You know what? I feel the same way.
Pierre Dulaine: You know, guys, you're lucky. Common emotions can be very powerful.
(Pierre was trying to help Lharette and Rock be in good terms.)
Pierre Dulaine: To do something, anything, is hard. It's much easier to blame your father, your mother, the environment, the government, the lack of money, but even if you find a place to assign the blame,it doesn't make the problems go away.
(Pierre’s optimism help his students realize that running away from problems means that you could just stop the problem.)
V. Recommendations/ Conclusion
1. What ethics or insights have you gained from watching the film?
· Working ethics
· Self-discipline
· Dedication to help students become better persons
· Passion to teach
· Seeing each individual as unique and special in their own simple way.
2. Would you recommend this film to a friend? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Yes! I would recommend this film not only to future teachers, students but also to other teachers. It was an eye-opener for teachers to have the ability to see the beauty of an individual in the ugliest place they could ever be.
